Consisting of an ensemble of connected buildings built in the Shingle and Colonial styles, the Charles River Speedway Headquarters recalls the late 19th-early 20th century summer estates in seaside and rural areas.

Designed by William D. Austin, a prominent Boston architect, and constructed in 1899 as a companion complex for a recreational racetrack, the Headquarters served the Metropolitan Park System of Greater Boston as a gateway to the recreational attractions along the river.

Although in need of updating and restoration, the complex retains its architectural integrity and stands as a tangible reminder of the first chapter in the history of the Metropolitan Park System of Greater Boston, and it embodies the vision of those who conceived and created the Charles River Reservation.

Information provided by the National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places.