Worcester Business Journal

16 Worcester Business Journal | June 8, 2020 | wbjournal.com F O C U S A R C H I T E C T U R E & C O N S T R U C T I O N e Central Mass. architecture tour BY GRANT WELKER Worcester Business Journal News Editor O ne building might be someone's favorite in town, one they've noticed driving to work or run- ning errands, or maybe never noticed at all. Central Massachusetts has several notable architectural buildings, wheth- er they're well-preserved examples of celebrated architectural styles, a work of an accomplished architect, or something whose artistic beauty doesn't take an expert to appreciate. e Worcester Business Journal asked area architects and preservation advocates: If you were mapping out an architectural tour of Central Massachu- setts, which buildings would you include and why? Here's what they told us. Mechanics Hall Worcester Constructed in 1857 with a major res- toration and contemporary addition in 1976, Mechanics Hall is an architectural representation of the industrial prowess Worcester represented through the early 20th century. Designed by local architect Elbridge Boyden, the facility is inter- nationally renowned for its acoustical qualities and has been host to acclaimed oratories, political events, educational endeavors, and community celebrations. e architecture represents the mission of the founding members to promote excellence and community spirit. e bicentennial restoration and addition launched a new vision for the hall, and this has been continually enhanced through further renovations and up- grades to meet 21st century needs. – Lamoureux Pagano Associates | Architects, based in Worcester Union Station Worcester Once the gateway to the city for immigrants, visitors, and residents alike, Union Station is one of the great American railroad stations built in 1911, French-Renaissance style, part of the Blackstone Canal Historic District. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 aer it was rehabilitated from an almost totally lost state. e vaulted waiting room is inspi- rational in form and scale and connects to multiple levels as, once again, a major transportation hub for the city. – Lamoureux Pagano Worcester Memorial Auditorium Worcester Designed by prominent Worcester architect Lucius Briggs with Frederic Hirons, the imposing building is of Classical Revival style. e architectural details of the building include the Art Deco elements, which are rare in the city, the Leon Kroll murals and the fine architectural details. Most Worcesterites of a certain age have memories of special times in the structure. Graduations and Holy Cross basketball games were held there. It was home to Worcester Music Festival, and notables including Bob Dylan, e Rolling Stones and Prince performed there. – Deborah Packard, executive director of Preservation Worcester College of the Holy Cross campus Worcester With the campus on the National Register of Historic Places, Holy Cross has a diverse range of architectural styles evolving since the institution's founding in 1843 to the upcoming completion of the new performing arts center designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro. Some key features include tremendous views of Worcester and the surrounding area. We'd recommend to look at the rooop forms as they are arranged throughout the hillside campus and how they provide landmark status throughout. – Lamoreux Pagano Bancroft Tower Worcester Driving to Bancro Tower would provide a great opportunity to point out architecture along the way including Tuckerman Hall designed by pioneer- ing female architect Josephine Wright Chapman, the Worcester Art Museum and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. e Massachusetts Avenue Local District features the neighborhood developed by Stephen Salisbury II. Bancro Tower is an unusual, yet delightful, structure on the crest of a hill and nestled in a residential area. It was designed by renowned Worcester architect Stephen Earle. Erected in 1900 as a memorial to statesman/historian George Bancro, it is a unique and massive structure designed to mimic a feudal castle. e structure is built of boulder and cobbles trimmed with rock-faced granite. e edifice is the last standing of three stone observation structures built in the city. – Packard Crown Hill Local Historic District Worcester A surprising architectural gem in the city is the Crown Hill Local Historic District, which houses the greatest con- centration of Greek Revival homes in the city. e 40-acre tract was subdivided in the late 19th century. Located just out- side downtown Worcester, the area was developed as a middle-class residential area. Revitalized in the 1970s by urban pioneers and Preservation Worcester, the area features an array of restored and well-maintained homes and buildings mostly Greek Revival, but also Italianate, Second Empire and Stick Style. e area has a lot of charm, and the homeowners make this area a true community. – Packard Stearns Tavern Worcester Built in 1812, relocated to Park Avenue in the 1970s, and to Mill Street in 2016, Stearns Tavern is one of two re- Mechanics Hall Holy Cross Bancroft Tower Union Station PHOTO/GRANT WELKER PHOTO/GRANT WELKER PHOTO/GRANT WELKER

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