Tufts University President's House

Tufts University President's House is a historic house located on the campus of Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, and has been the residence of the university's president since its construction. The house has been home to many notable presidents, including Anthony Monaco, Lawrence Bacow, and John DiBiaggio. It is situated near the Tufts University Chapel and the Bendetson Hall, and is a short walk from the Medford Square. The house is also close to the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and the School of Engineering.

● History

The Tufts University President's House was built in the mid-19th century, during the presidency of Charles Tufts, who donated the land for the university. The house was designed by Andrew Jackson Downing, a prominent architect of the time, and was influenced by the Italianate style and the Gothic Revival style. The house has been the residence of many notable presidents, including Anthony Monaco, who served as president from 2011 to 2023, and Lawrence Bacow, who served as president from 2001 to 2011. The house has also hosted many notable guests, including Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, and Nelson Mandela, who visited the university during their respective presidencies.

● Architecture

The Tufts University President's House is a prime example of Italianate architecture, with a mix of Gothic Revival and Second Empire style elements. The house features a large mansard roof, dormer windows, and a wrap-around porch. The interior of the house is decorated with plaster moldings, wood paneling, and marble fireplaces. The house has undergone several renovations and restorations over the years, including a major renovation in the 1990s, which was overseen by the Tufts University Facilities Department and the National Park Service. The renovation was designed to preserve the historic integrity of the house, while also making it more energy-efficient and sustainable, in line with the university's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, as outlined in the Tufts University Climate Action Plan.

● Location

The Tufts University President's House is located on the campus of Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, near the Tufts University Chapel and the Bendetson Hall. The house is situated on a hill overlooking the Mystic River and the Boston skyline. The location provides easy access to Boston, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and other nearby cities, including Somerville, Massachusetts and Arlington, Massachusetts. The house is also close to several major highways, including Interstate 93 and Route 2, making it easily accessible by car. The university is also served by the MBTA, with several bus routes and the Orange Line providing convenient access to Boston and other nearby cities.

● Previous Residents

The Tufts University President's House has been the residence of many notable presidents, including Anthony Monaco, Lawrence Bacow, and John DiBiaggio. Other notable residents include Jean Mayer, who served as president from 1976 to 1992, and John G. DiBiaggio, who served as president from 1992 to 2001. The house has also been home to several interim presidents, including James Glaser and Diane Souvaine. The presidents who have lived in the house have been involved in various university initiatives, including the Tufts University School of Medicine, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and the School of Engineering.

● Current Use

The Tufts University President's House is currently used as the official residence of the university's president, Anthony Monaco. The house is also used for various university events and functions, including receptions, dinners, and meetings. The house is a popular venue for university events, including the annual Tufts University Commencement ceremony and the Tufts University Alumni Association events. The house is also used for meetings with trustees, faculty, and staff, and is a key location for university business and operations. The university's Board of Trustees also meets at the house on a regular basis.

● Renovations and Restorations

The Tufts University President's House has undergone several renovations and restorations over the years, including a major renovation in the 1990s. The renovation was designed to preserve the historic integrity of the house, while also making it more energy-efficient and sustainable. The house has also undergone several smaller renovations and restorations, including the installation of new HVAC systems and the restoration of the wood floors and plaster moldings. The university has worked with several architectural firms, including Shepley Bulfinch and Goody Clancy, to design and implement the renovations and restorations. The renovations have been funded by a combination of university funds and private donations, including gifts from alumni and friends of the university. The university has also received funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Massachusetts Historical Commission to support the preservation and restoration of the house.