Lawrence Model Lodging Houses (first) are built.

[1874] Architect: Charles Kirby. Built by the Boston Cooperative Building Company, the rowhouses are located at 79 – 99 East Canton Street. Supported under provisions in the will of Abbott Lawrence, “[The houses are] to be let to poor, temperate, industrious families . . . at reasonable rents.” A building at 109 East Canton Street is added in 1892. The buildings are sold to a private owner in 1940, reacquired by the city for non-payment of taxes in 1979, renovated and returned to use as affordable housing. They are the oldest units of philanthropic, affordable housing in continued use in Boston.