Cultural Landscape Report: Charlestown Navy Yard

Stevens, Christopher; Coffin Brown, Margie; Reedy, Ryan; Eleey, Patrick

The purpose of this Cultural Landscape Report is to thoroughly examine and document the physical development of the thirty-acre portion of the Charlestown Navy Yard that is owned and managed by the National Park Service. It describes the evolution of the landscape, from its establishment as a navy yard in 1800 until its closure in 1974, as well as changes during the period of National Park Service (NPS) management from 1974 to present. This site history is followed by a description of the current condition of the property and an analysis of historical significance and integrity. This includes an evaluation of the yard’s historic and contemporary landscape characteristics, such as changes in spatial organization, circulation, and vegetation. With an understanding of the historical fabric, the report then presents treatment issues and recommendations related to security, accessibility, paved surfaces, trees, lawn areas, lighting, and other site features. This study provides the documentation needed to guide management of the cultural landscape and to direct long-term planning efforts. In addition, the report will aid in future documentation for review by the Massachusetts State Historic Preservation Officer for compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and contribute information needed for an environmental assessment and the public community review process. This report was completed in 2005. Research was conducted at a cursory level, relying on many of the existing studies previously completed at the yard. The CLR consists of four major sections: Site History; Existing Conditions; Analysis of Significance and Integrity, with a summary of landscape characteristics and features; and Treatment, with guidelines and recommendations. The Site History section is divided into chapters based on national trends or major changes in the yard, either due to changes in technology, funding initiatives, or wartime needs. The Existing Conditions section provides a description of extant landscape characteristics and features. The Analysis of Significance and Integrity section reviews the current site documentation with respect to the National Register of Historic Places, examines the integrity of landscape characteristics, and lists contributing characteristics and features, including natural features, spatial organization, circulation, structures, vegetation, and small-scale features. The Treatment section describes four treatment alternatives, preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction, and the justification for the selected treatment, rehabilitation. Guiding principles and specific recommendations are paired with current issues facing the yard, with some design concepts and details as parameters for design and construction.

Cultural Landscape Report: Charlestown Navy Yard

Series