Donate to help support the preservation of the property and houses HERE. 

I, signed below, wish to go on record stating my support for the establishment of Mt. Independence Historic District in Follen Hill.

The proposed Mt. Independence Historic District area is made up of 6 residential properties and two wooded lots with distinctive architecture and history. At the heart of the proposed district is the architectural and historically significant Italianate Villa and its Olmsted designed landscape at 12 Summit Road built for American artists Hermann Dudley Murphy and his wife Nellie Littlehale Murphy.  In addition, the artist studio /guest house built for artist Aiden Lassell Ripley, now 52 Follen, the historic path between the two properties and other features dating back to the observation tower Eli Robbins built on Mount Independence in the 1830’s, are included in the district.

The Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) determined that 12 Summit Road, 52 Follen Road, the historic path/right of way between the 2 properties, and historic landscape features of these properties including those associated with designs prepared by the Olmsted Brothers are eligible to be included in a National Register Historic District.

It is important that we act now to create this district to ensure preservation of these important historic and architectural resources. In particular, the 1.74-acre property at 12 Summit Road that currently contains an early 20th century Italian-inspired villa is proposed for redevelopment in a way that would compromise or even eliminate its unique historic and architectural qualities including significant changes to the Olmsted Brothers landscape, which has been described as perhaps “the finest example of early 20th century landscape architecture in Lexington.”

In recognition of the significance of this property on February 18,2021 the Lexington Historical Commission imposed a one-year demolition delay on the house, the maximum delay on their power to impose. When that delay expires, it is important that the proposed Mt. Independence Historic District is in place to ensure that the development moves forward in a responsible fashion that serves Lexington’s development needs while preserving and respecting the Town’s history.

I urge the Lexington Town Meeting Members and all Lexington elected officials to support the establishment of Mt. Independence Historic District and protect our town’s historic resources.

Preserve Historic Follen Hill is a group of Lexington’s residents dedicated to preserve our town’s rich history and character.

Check out our website and Facebook page to learn more!

*We thank you for your support. Upon signing the petition you will be asked if you would like to donate to support our mission. Please do not make any donations through this site, they do not go directly to our group. If you would like to make a donation to our neighborhood group, you can donate here.