The Massachusetts Historical Commission has awarded Hollston $15,000 to conduct an Historic Resource Inventory of cultural and architectural assets within the Village Commercial district, Central Street and surrounding area. Town Meeting appropriated a matching $15,000 for this project last October.

The Holliston Historical Commission will work with a consultant to identify those places and buildings that should be regarded as significant and protected on the National Register of Historic Places. Property owners choose  whether or not to have their properties included on the list of recommended properties for the National Register. National Register status does not place restrictions or limitations on the property.

The local Commission hopes to make townspeople aware of the significant historical places because  if/when sewers are installed in the Village Commercial area, there may be proposals to demolish one or more buildings. If the building is historically significant, builders are more likely to approach the reuse with that in mind. Many developers are accustomed to working on historic properties in MA and understand the goals of preservation. 

The inventory of properties will cover the time from early settlers to about 1975. The consultant, with the Holliston Historical Commission, will identify significant themes in architectural and historical development. There will be outreach to owners within the target district but also to the community-at-large. 

The project will be completed by May 2025. The local Commission plans to offer guided walks of the area and a public talk to share the results of the survey with the community.