Adam Shutes first noticed something unusual about the house at 318 Metropolitan Boulevard in Roslindale when he and his wife were house hunting in 2016. Something about the structure just didn’t seem right.

“It just looked odd,” Shutes recalled.

After purchasing the home, the couple couldn’t shake their curiosity. One detail stood out: an abrupt wall inside the entryway. The vestibule opened to the middle and left but was completely walled off on the right.

Determined to uncover the mystery, Shutes—who is a scientist by profession—began researching the property’s history. While digging through old permits, he made a shocking discovery.

“It suddenly clicked,” Shutes said. He realised that another house just two doors down bore a striking resemblance to his own.

Incredibly, the original house had been cut in half back in 1941. From the street, one side of the home still showcases its ornate Victorian style with a wraparound porch. The other side, however, is a flat wall—the very same abrupt ending that puzzled Shutes.

“The back half was the kitchen, storage area for the butlers, and servants’ quarters. There’s actually another staircase—a small service staircase—which is now in the other house,” he explained.

That “other house” is the missing half of his home, which had been relocated to Maynard Street, just two doors away.

Fascinated by his discovery, Shutes felt compelled to preserve the home’s history.

“This was the push we needed,” he said. “‘Maybe we should do something about this and ensure it’s protected for future generations.’”

Shutes applied for historic landmark status, and the Boston Landmarks Commission voted unanimously to advance his application. Final approval now rests with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and the city council. If granted, 318 Metropolitan Boulevard will become the first building in Roslindale to receive historic landmark designation, CBS reported.