Few views in the greater Boston area rival that of Cambridge and its unadulterated perspective of the magnificent Boston Skyline across the Charles River. Our view from a roof in Cambridge may not be much different than that of a roof in roof in Boston’s Back Bay, however there are some gems that make Cambridge a special place. As a prominent Cambridge roofing company, we have spent our fair share of time taking in these views, here are some of our favorites:
Harvard University
A personal favorite of our Cambridge roofing company is Harvard University. Located in the heart of Cambridge between the aptly named Harvard Square and Porter Square, is Harvard University. Harvard is the oldest higher education institute in the nation. It possesses the largest active endowment in the world, totaling just shy of $40 billion in 2018. Established in 1636 and named after John Harvard, the school is home to the best and brightest students in the world with low acceptance rate of just 4.7%. Look for the famous statue of John Harvard in the center of Harvard Yard. The statue, also known as the statue of 3 lies, reads John Harvard, Founder, 1638. John Harvard was not the founder of the University, rather a benefactor; the University was not founded in 1638 but 1636; and best of all, the statue isn’t even of John Harvard! Sculptor Daniel Chester French used Sherman Moar as a model. Moar later went on to become a US congressman as well as a district attorney.
Cambridgeside Galleria
Cambridgeside Galleria is home to over 80 restaurants and stores making it a destination for Cambridge shoppers and restaurant goers alike. Located on the Lechmere Canal off of the Charles River, Cambridgeside Galleria is sandwiched between the Boston Museum of Science and the green line’s Lechmere MBTA station. This makes it easily accessible from the greater Boston area. One fun fact is that the Galleria claims to be the only mall in Boston that shoppers can arrive by boat with moorings at the end of the canal for private vessels.
Fresh Pond Reservation
Vital to the drinking water for the city of Cambridge, Fresh Pond Reservation also doubles as a nature area for citizens to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Once used as a private pond for harvesting ice that was sent throughout the world, Fresh Pond Reservation consists of a 155-acre lake as well as 162 acres of surrounding green space. This green space consists of a 2.25 mile road that runs along the edge, as well as a nine-hole municipal golf course.
Longfellow House
Outside of Harvard lies the oft overlooked, Longfellow House. Owned and operated by the National Park Service, the Longfellow House has a long and storied history very significant to the city in which it stands. Built in 1759, the Longfellow House served as the base of operations for General George Washington during the Revolutionary War and subsequent Siege of Boston. General Washington moved out towards the middle of 1776 and the home went through several owners before being purchased as a wedding gift for esteemed poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Longfellow lived here until his death, with his daughter taking ownership of the house. In 1913, surviving members of the family established the Longfellow House Trust to preserve the Longfellow House. and was ultimately donated to the National Park Service in 1972. More about the house and its history can be found here, at the NPS’ official park website.
Boston City
Much can be written about the views of the Boston skyline and all the landmarks that are present. From the TD Garden in the West End to the Prudential Center in Back Bay, the skyline always makes for a breathtaking view and this Cambridge roofing company loves them all.
For different views of Boston and its surrounding areas check out more of our roofer’s views posts, like this one from the Back Bay.