Fairfax Hall
Address1300-1316, Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, United States of America, 02138
Alternate Address1316, Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, United States of America, 02138
Alternate Address1304, Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, United States of America, 02138
Alternate Address1308, Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, United States of America, 02138
Alternate Address1312, Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, United States of America, 02138
Alternate Address1300, Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, United States of America, 02138
Site Number190
Alternate Names
Hilton Dormitories,
Hilton Block,
Dolton Block
Building Root Number
06076
Architect (Renewal)
William Pitt Wentworth
Architect (Renewal)
Albert Henry Blevins
Architect (Renewal)
Joseph Randolph Coolidge Jr.
Architect (Original)
Unknown
Constructed
1870
Renewed 1900
Renewed 1920
Land Acquired 1978
Building Acquired 1978
Renewed 1900
Renewed 1920
Land Acquired 1978
Building Acquired 1978
StatusActive
Site Name HistoryThe building was previously known as Dolton’s Block, Hilton’s Block or Hilton Dormitories. Dolton’s Block was named for Richard Dolton who had the building constructed in 1870. Mr. Dolton’s heirs sold the building to James Manter Hilton who renamed it the Hilton’s Block in 1878. The building was renamed Fairfax Hall by new owners in 1900.Historical NotesThe five-story brick building which is now known as Fairfax Hall originally looked very different. The architect of the original 1870 brick construction is unknown but it was constructed for Richard Dolton, a tailor and was called, Dolton Block. William P. Wentworth is credited for the portions renovated, updated, and constructed after James Manter Hilton took possession of the parcel in 1878. “Hilton Block", as the structure became known, had four stories, a different façade and windows, and a mansard roof, according to photographs held be the Cambridge Historical Commission. The building housed a mix of commercial businesses on the first floor and dormitories above. The businesses included restaurants, shops, and a fire-proof vault company housed in the basement.
In 1900, the building was purchased by a group of Harvard Alumni real-estate investors known as, University Associates. The new owners contracted with the Boston architect, J. Randolph Coolidge, Jr. to redesign the building, change the roofline and number of stories, and make significant changes to the interior layout in order to market high class rental rooms to Harvard students. In 1907 additional renovations added the unique art nouveaux storefront at 1304 Massachusetts Avenue, designed by Coolidge & Carlson.
In 1920 the building use was changed to apartment rentals, the subsequent renovation designed by Albert H. Blevins. Harvard University purchased the building in 1978.
Additional Information
"Fairfax Hall to Be Apartment." Cambridge Chronicle, 10 Jul 1920, p. 3.
"Harvard Students Face Very Serious Shortage of Rooms." The Cambridge Tribune, 31 July 1920, p. 1, 5.
"Fairfax Hall Now Joins Long List of Apartment Blocks." Cambridge Tribune, 3 Apr 1920, p. 1, 5.
"Will Remodel Fairfax Hall." Boston Post, 9 Jul 1920, p. 4.
"Real Estate Matters." Boston Daily Globe, 2 Mar 1900, p. 12.
"Farifax Hall (Hilton Block)." Cambridge Tribune. 24 Mar 1900.
"Changes in Hilton Block." Harvard Crimson. 13 Mar 1900.
"Hilton Block: a Description of the New Dormitory." Harvard Crimson, 8 Apr 1885.
"Mr. Hilton Settles." Cambridge Tribune, 10 Nov 1900, p. 5.
"Changes in Hilton's Block." Cambridge Chrolicle, 17 Mar 1900, p. 13.
"Hilton Block - Fairfax Hall. New Owners to Change Name and Improve the Dormitory." Cambridge Tribune. 10 Mar 1900.
"Sale Goes Through." Cambridge Chronicle, 3 Mar. 1900.
Hale, Herbert D. “Recent Buildings at Harvard University.” The Architectural Review, vol. 8:6, June 1901, pp. 65-75, illus.
2008 winner of the Cambridge Historical Commission Preservation Award.