242 Commercial St

Historic District Survey information for 242 Commercial St

Architectural Description: 242 Commercial St. is a 1-story, 4-bay, vernacular Federal-style 3/4 cottage; steeply pitched side-gable roof is sheathed in asphalt shingles, brick ridge chimney, modern skylights; exterior is clad in wood shingles with wood trim, bands of patterned shingles on west facade; raised basement is clad in shingles, obscuring the foundation; fenestration includes 1/1 vinyl replacement DHS with 2/1 wood storms, 2/1 replacement DHS, 2/2 wood DHS, basement windows are covered; primary entrance is accessed by a wood pane-and-panel door sheltered by a flat hood with replacement knee braces; wood wheelchair ramp and full-width wood deck on front facade; secondary entrance on front facade is accessed by a wood pane-and-panel door.

Historical Narrative: As per Josephine Del Deo (1976): "This Cape Cod cottage is directly in the central complex of the town, the oldest area of development together with the West End Dist. and the portion of Provincetown to the east developed as the three oldest sections of the community. These cottages can be found scattered throughout the community in odd positions, tucked in back of the front commercial districts. There is no particular pattern, but they are frequently found jammed in beside larger buildings as this one is. It is a typical example showing the pattern of community development. The Cape Cod double cottage in front of it [No. 242] is another excellent example of the residential Cape Codder amidst a developing commercialization." As per Tom Boland (1994): "The house at this location is shown on the 1836 and the 1858 atlas. In 1880, the structure was owned by one Turner. A. Turner continued ownership through 1907." Currently "Jim's Used Books" (2003).

Bibliography and/or References: Barnstable County Atlas., 1880. Barnstable County Atlas., 1907. The Extremity of Cape Cod. Map, 1836. H.F. Wallings Co. Map of Provincetown Village. Atlas, 1858. Resident Directory. W.F. Richardson & Co., 1886. Resident Directory. W.H. Hopkins, 1889.

Text

Commercial Street (Provincetown, Mass.), Dwellings, and Historic Districts--Massachusetts--Provincetown

 (Mass. Historical Commission Form B)