08/19/2026
Gloucester is filled with historic treasures, and few are as iconic as the Rocky Neck Historic District.
Rocky Neck is home to one of America’s oldest continuously operating art colonies AND one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating shipyards. For generations, artists, fishermen, and residents have shaped the neighborhood’s unique character, creating the vibrant waterfront community we know today.
To help preserve that historic character, homeowners within the Rocky Neck Historic District may need approval from the Historic District Commission before making certain changes to their property. Navigating historic district regulations can be complex, so it’s worth understanding the applicable requirements before beginning any renovation or improvement project.