32 Conz Street
Follow Massachusetts Historical Commission Survey Manual instructions for completing this form.
FORM B − BUILDING
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MASSACHUSETTS ARCHIVES BUILDING
220 MORRISSEY BOULEVARD
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02125
Photograph
Topographic or Assessor's Map
Recorded by: Jayne Bernhard-Armington
Organization: Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
Date (month / year): June, 2010
Assessor’s Number USGS Quad Area(s) Form Number
32C-100 Easthampton NTH.2140
Town: Northampton
Place: (neighborhood or village)
Address: 32 Conz Street
Historic Name: Round House
Uses: Present: Three-family residence
Original: Single family residence
Date of Construction: 1829
Source: The Northampton Book
Style/Form: Greek Revival / Octagon
Architect/Builder: Seth Strong
Exterior Material:
Foundation: unknown
Wall/Trim: stucco
Roof: asphalt
Outbuildings/Secondary Structures:
Major Alterations (with dates):
Portico added after 1910
Condition: Good
Moved: no | | yes | | Date
Acreage: 0.645 acres
Setting: House sits close to the busy Conz Street—a
major local and regional thoroughfare. House sits on a
deep lot. Lot has a few trees and shrubs. House among
former single family homes that have been converted into
multi unit housing or for commercial use.
INVENTORY FORM B CONTINUATION SHEET [NORTHAMPTON] [32 CONZ STREET]
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Area(s) Form No.
220 MORRISSEY BOULEVARD, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02125
Continuation sheet 1
NTH.2140
___ Recommended for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
If checked, you must attach a completed National Register Criteria Statement form.
Use as much space as necessary to complete the following entries, allowing text to flow onto additional continuation sheets.
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION:
Describe architectural features. Evaluate the characteristics of this building in terms of other buildings within the community.
This two-story octagonal shaped home is a rare building form not only for Northampton but also for the nation. According to
Virginia and Lee McAlester’s seminal Field Guide to American Homes (1984), a few thousand of these homes were originally
built in Massachusetts, New York and the Midwest and only a few hundred survive today. That said, additional research should
be conducted to determine the date of this house as the Octogonal style did not become popular until the 1850s. Form B from
1970 states that the house was built in 1829.
The house is clad in stucco and topped by a conical roof that is presently comprised of asphalt. The house is Greek Revival in
style due to its front entry door and windows. The front entry door has a transom, half-length sidelights, and paneled door.
Sometime after 1910, a small portico with arched pedimented roof was added to the front of the house. Windows on the home
are small and are six over six sash. To the rear of the home is a one story rectangular ell. The house has two tall brick chimneys
at the ends of the roof.
From Form B of 1970: “The interior of the house is divided by a wide hall running from the front approximately 2/3 of the way
towards the rear. There it meets a brick wall that divides the circle into two unequal segments. There are two rooms on each
side of the hall in front of this wall. Two rooms are to the rear of this wall. Each of the six rooms has a fireplace on the outside
circular wall with a wide chimney at the edge of the conical roof. The roof rises to a point above the center of the house. The
second floor bas the same arrangement as the first floor.”
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE
Discuss the history of the building. Explain its associations with local (or state) history. Include uses of the building, and the role(s) the
owners/occupants played within the community.
From Form B of 1970: “A unique residence in Northampton, the Strong House was built during the late 1820’s. It was ready for
occupancy by Nov. 1, 1828 because Seth Strong reserved use of the house next north until that date. Seth Strong built both of
these houses. He was a prominent local mason of the mid 19th century, employing many workers and described as ‘the leading
mason brick builder in this town and region.’ He spent one year working with Captain Isaac Damon in Bangor, and also worked
one season in Baltimore. In this area, his major work included US Armory buildings in Springfield, a cotton mill in Florence, and
the old County Courthouse in Northampton. Early in his career, he served one term as a representative in the state legislature.”
BIBLIOGRAPHY and/or REFERENCES
Beers, F. W. County Atlas of Hampshire Massachusetts, New York, 1873.
Hales, John G. Plan of the Town or Northampton in the County of Hampshire, 1831.
Miller, D. L. Atlas of the City of Northampton and Town of Easthampton, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, Philadelphia, 1895.
Walker, George H. and Company. Atlas of Northampton City, Massachusetts, Boston, 1884.
Walling, Henry F. Map of Hampshire County, Massachusetts, New York, 1860.
Registry of Deeds: Bk. 45-P. 268