Design Journey: the Renaissance of Jamaica Plain Homes - A Boston Design Week Panel
Jamaica Plain has a rich history of residential architectural styles which has resulted in the renaissance of many neighborhoods. That was the topic of the recent panel that KCB hosted for Boston Design Week 2022, along with Josh Muncey, Realtor and Founder of the Muncey Group. The panel event took place at Turtle Swamp Brewing, moderated by Jenna Talbott, editor-in-chief of New England Home, and featured J.B. Clancy, Principal at ART Architects, and Sashya Thind Fernandes, founder and principal designer at Sashya Thind, Warm Minimalism. Jenna introduced the panelists, noting that the program was a “love letter to JP” and that all of the panelists have a personal connection to this special place.
J.B. set the stage with a fascinating review of architectural styles in JP from 1760 through 1927, beginning with Georgian buildings. All of the styles are based on either classic Greek structures or Gothic design details. The survey included:
Federal (or Adam) - 1821
Greek Revival - 1827
Gothic Revival - 1865
Stick Style - 1875
Second Empire - 1878
Italianate - 1880
Queen Anne - 1884
Neo-Classical - 1889
Shingle Style - 1889
Italian Renaissance -1920
Colonial Revival - 1924
Tudor - 1927
J.B. pointed out that while several styles are similar, the details make all the difference, from the shape of the windows to the roof angles. (All of the photos were taken by J.B. Clancy.) Each of the styles was reviewed in detail.
Why Jamaica Plain?
Next Josh Muncey talked about Jamaica Plain today and why people have continued to live in this vibrant community. There is a clear mission by many homeowners to preserve these historic homes. Earlier J.B. introduced the map of the Emerald Necklace, the connected park system designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Josh mentioned that JP has the most green space of any Boston neighborhood, one of the elements that draws people to the area. In addition, there are many unique shops and restaurants and few chain stores (other than CVS and Whole Foods). JP celebrates its diverse, artistic, and unique, welcoming culture. With great walkability and access to public transportation, JP has attracted generations of Bostonians, since its earliest days as a summer vacationing spot.
Josh Muncey and his wife were among those who undertook the huge commitment of renovating a Colonial Revival home, with the help of Kevin and his team at Kevin Cradock Builders. In many other Boston suburbs, these homes in disrepair have been torn down, but fortunately, several of these historic homes have been lovingly and painstakingly restored and renovated by architects, builders, and interior designers.
The art and craft of restoration
Kevin Cradock is a lifelong JP resident, inspired by the rich architectural history and craftsmanship prevalent in the community. First as a carpenter, and now as the leader of one of the top custom building and renovation companies in Massachusetts, Kevin has worked in many of JP’s oldest homes. Walking through the before and after photos of three KCB renovation projects, Kevin pointed out the detailed level of workmanship needed to bring these houses back to life.
JP Homes Made for Today’s Lifestyles
Sashya shared three projects she designed that illustrate how yesteryear’s homes are updated for today’s lifestyles. Each of these homes were brightened with bigger windows and in some cases, sliding doors blurring the line between indoors and outdoors. Taking down the half-wall in a JP kitchen provided space for a large island.
Thank you to all who attended in person. We want to thank our friends at New England Home, our media partner, and the great folks at simpleHome, our AV Sponsor, who provided the technology (monitor, speakers, and mics).
In case you missed the panel presentation, here’s a link to the video on the Kevin Cradock Builders YouTube page. Stay tuned for more panels being planned for the coming months on a variety of topics.