Lynnhurst Painters — Lynnhurst, Saugus

The Massachusetts Historical Commission's 1985 report on Saugus names Lynnhurst among the large residential subdivisions opened between 1915 and 1940. By 1924, it says, new streets extended in a widening ring around Saugus Centre up to Lynnhurst and Walnut Street, and houses followed quickly. The report describes lots from that period as small and the houses as cottage-like. Its town-wide architecture notes say older forms carried into those years: big gable fronts, pyramidal-roof houses of one and a half or two and a half stories, and bungalows. Colonial Revival houses and Capes are described as comparatively rare in Saugus.

Today the numbers point to a later mix. The census block group that contains the mapped Lynnhurst point and the Lynnhurst Elementary School building on Elm Street has a median build year of 1968. Of its 579 units, 203 date from 1950 through 1969, while only about 15% were built before 1940. Half are detached single-family houses, and about a third are in buildings with ten or more units. Tract 2083.02, the larger census area around it, is close to 80% detached single-family, with a 1964 median.

Mostly postwar, with older houses mixed in

About 85% of the block group's units were built in 1940 or later. A 1920s bungalow may have original wood clapboard and deep paint buildup, while a 1960s house next door may need far less scraping. A good estimate checks for that difference instead of assuming one.

Split down the 1978 line

In this block group, 331 units date from 1979 or earlier and 248 from 1980 or later, so the lead question depends on the address. Original coats on the 1950s and 1960s houses went on before the 1978 residential lead-paint ban and can contain lead. Prep that disturbs old paint should follow lead-safe practice. The details are on our lead-safe painting page.

Apartment buildings in the mix

About a third of local units sit in buildings with ten or more apartments, and close to half of households rent. For those buildings, hallways, stairwells and exteriors go through an owner or association. Our Saugus condo painting page explains how common-area work is coordinated.

Compact lots

The small lots the town report describes for this era can leave tight side yards. That affects ladder angles, where drop cloths and equipment can go, and how sprayed work is masked near the neighbor's house.