SECRETARY GALVIN TO PRESENT HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARD TO
18 CROMBIE STREET, SALEM


Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin, Chairman of the Massachusetts Historical Commission, announces the award of a 2007 MHC Historic Preservation Award to 18 Crombie Street in Salem.

“The Massachusetts Historical Commission is proud to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of this year’s awardees,” said Secretary Galvin. “The projects the Commission is recognizing this year are particularly diverse and represent the many creative ways significant historic and archaeological resources are being preserved across the Commonwealth. This exemplary project illustrates the compatibility of historic preservation and affordable housing in cities and towns across the Commonwealth. Habitat for Humanity North Shore, the City of Salem, and the many volunteers who worked on the restoration are to be commended for their hard work.”

This 18th-century home in downtown Salem was restored by Habitat for Humanity to be used as affordable housing. The house was occupied historically by members of Salem’s African-American and maritime communities and circumstantial evidence links the house to the Underground Railroad. By the 1990s, however, the house was slated to be demolished to create a parking lot. At that time the Salem Redevelopment Authority stepped in to block the demolition. The house remained vacant and neglected, however. In 2000 the house was nominated to Historic Salem Inc.’s most endangered list and Preservation Massachusetts followed suit in 2001. In 2004 Habitat for Humanity was designated as the developer of the property. After two years of restoration completed primarily by volunteers, a local couple was chosen as the new owners.

This is the 29th year of MHC’s Preservation Awards program. Projects are considered annually for awards in the categories of Archaeology, Rehabilitation and Restoration, Adaptive Reuse, Education and Outreach, and Landscape Preservation. Individuals are considered in the categories of Lifetime Achievement and Local Preservationist. Secretary Galvin serves as the chair of the 17-member Massachusetts Historical Commission, which voted on this year’s award recipients at their April meeting.

3rd Project for Habitat North Shore in Salem - Finished!

Crombie Street - a dream come true. Roberta Hussey and Raul Rodriguez along with their sons, Daniel, 12, and Jonathan, 5, are the new proud homeowners. Roberta is a life long resident in Salem. Her family has been here for generations. Currently she is working at the Salem Y in childcare. Raul works for Beach Sales Appliances in shipping and delivery. A serendipitous moment occurred for them some time ago as Roberta was walking home from work at the Y and happened to see Bunnie Pasternak in the doorway of 18 Crombie Street. Being a curious person, Roberta engaged in a conversation with Bunnie and was encouraged to make an application to the Family Selection Committee. As Raul and Roberta have always rented, the concept of becoming a homeowner is clearly a thrill. Raul just cannot stop saying, "I don't believe it!" Right now is a great time to drive by the rehab site at 18 Crombie to admire their beautiful home.

Pictured: Raul, Roberta, Don Preston - President of Northshore Habitat

Check out photos of work in progress »

Crombie St - View Mapquest location.

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