The J. Alba Davis House is another example of the Greek Revival style. This house was built between 1841 and 1848. This house is grander than the house we saw earlier. It displays the characteristic of Greek Revival buildings to be completely symmetrical. The structure is square, with an octagonal cupola in the center of the roof. Note the semi- circular windows on the third floor and the prominent porch with the four columns. Due to the symmetry of this style, it also has the same configuration on the back. The facade of the building includes pilasters (flattened columns).
This house is known as the J. Alba Davis House but it was built for John Foule. It was only later moved to this location by Mr. Davis. Originally, it faced onto Green Street. Then it got moved to face Chestnut Ave as Green Street got busier. The lot went all the way through to Rockview Street and there was a large carriage house out back. John Foule, the original owner, was a ship carver in business with his brother, William Foule, and their address was on Green Street. John purchased land from Samuel Goodrich in 1841 and sold it to J. Alba Davis in the 1860s in the middle of the Civil War. Davis was a leather dealer.
Once the Boston & Providence Railroad came through in 1834 people of means could have large houses like this out in “the country” and commute into Boston. Development really got started in this area in the 1840s. Wealthy businessmen could obtain the suburban ideal - large single family houses with individual gardens and prominent little walls to distinguish them even further.
Recent update: in late 2021 the Housing Court appointed a Receiver for this property – who was mandated to arrest the code violations and get it back to occupancy if possible. A new roof was put on, abatement of water damage, the basement had some shoring up done and the interior was cleared of stuff and critters. The Receiver recommended selling the house through a public process overseen by the Court. The house was bought by a real estate developer based in Roslindale who has met with the community and JPHS representatives. They will do a sensitive restoration to create condos in the house/on the site. We hope it will be restored to its former glory soon!