Aldus Chapin Higgins House, Worcester
Aldus Chapin Higgins House, one of Worcester's most remarkable historic treasures, stands as a testament to early 20th-century architecture and the legacy of its namesake, Aldus Chapin Higgins. Completed in 1923, this stunning residence was designed by the acclaimed architect Grosvenor Atterbury in the Tudor Revival style. Higgins, an esteemed graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), commissioned the house, which features design elements reminiscent of the Compton Wynyates Castle in Warwickshire, England. This influence is evident in the house's charming, medieval-inspired aesthetics, complete with a quintessential English garden.
Higgins House was more than just a family residence; it was a symbol of the Higgins family's deep ties to WPI and the Worcester community. Aldus's wife, May, who played a pivotal role in maintaining the house's legacy, bequeathed the property to WPI upon her death. Today, it serves as the headquarters for the Office of Alumni Relations, hosting various alumni events and fostering a continued connection between the university and its graduates. The house's transformation into an alumni hub underscores its ongoing importance to WPI, blending historic charm with a vibrant role in the institution's community.
Architecturally, Higgins House is a masterpiece of Tudor Revival style, characterized by its steeply pitched gable roofs, decorative half-timbering, and ornate masonry. The attention to detail in its design and construction has earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places, a designation it received in 1980. The house's interiors and exteriors alike are adorned with period-appropriate features that transport visitors to a bygone era, while the meticulously maintained gardens offer a serene and picturesque setting reminiscent of English country estates.
In addition to its architectural and historical significance, Higgins House continues to be a focal point for WPI's alumni activities, bridging the past and present. Its role as a venue for alumni events ensures that the legacy of Aldus Chapin Higgins and his contributions to WPI are remembered and celebrated.
Higgins House was more than just a family residence; it was a symbol of the Higgins family's deep ties to WPI and the Worcester community. Aldus's wife, May, who played a pivotal role in maintaining the house's legacy, bequeathed the property to WPI upon her death. Today, it serves as the headquarters for the Office of Alumni Relations, hosting various alumni events and fostering a continued connection between the university and its graduates. The house's transformation into an alumni hub underscores its ongoing importance to WPI, blending historic charm with a vibrant role in the institution's community.
Architecturally, Higgins House is a masterpiece of Tudor Revival style, characterized by its steeply pitched gable roofs, decorative half-timbering, and ornate masonry. The attention to detail in its design and construction has earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places, a designation it received in 1980. The house's interiors and exteriors alike are adorned with period-appropriate features that transport visitors to a bygone era, while the meticulously maintained gardens offer a serene and picturesque setting reminiscent of English country estates.
In addition to its architectural and historical significance, Higgins House continues to be a focal point for WPI's alumni activities, bridging the past and present. Its role as a venue for alumni events ensures that the legacy of Aldus Chapin Higgins and his contributions to WPI are remembered and celebrated.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Worcester. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Aldus Chapin Higgins House on Map
Sight Name: Aldus Chapin Higgins House
Sight Location: Worcester, USA (See walking tours in Worcester)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Worcester, USA (See walking tours in Worcester)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Worcester, Massachusetts
Create Your Own Walk in Worcester
Creating your own self-guided walk in Worcester is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Worcester Introduction Walking Tour
Known as the "Heart of the Commonwealth," Worcester's central location in Massachusetts has played a pivotal role in its development from a quiet settlement to a bustling urban center.
The name "Worcester" is taken from the city in England. The Massachusetts counterpart was incorporated in 1722 and has since grown into the second-largest city in New England. Its growth... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
The name "Worcester" is taken from the city in England. The Massachusetts counterpart was incorporated in 1722 and has since grown into the second-largest city in New England. Its growth... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Worcester Architectural Jewels
In Worcester, Massachusetts, you'll find a trove of architectural wonders reflecting the city's rich historical and cultural heritage. Among these jewels is Mechanics Hall, a stunning Victorian-era concert hall renowned for its complex design and exceptional acoustics. Nearby stands the Wesley United Methodist Church, an elegant example of Gothic Revival architecture, with its towering... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Worcester Historic Houses Walk
Worcester, Massachusetts, is not just a hub of modern development and educational excellence; it also harbors a rich collection of historic residences, each with its own story and architectural significance. These houses offer a glimpse into the lives of some of the city's influential figures from various periods and the architectural trends that shaped their homes.
One of the notable... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
One of the notable... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Canal District Walking Tour
The Canal District in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a lively and historic area that has seen considerable rejuvenation recently. Originally home to the Blackstone Canal, instrumental in Worcester's industrial boom during the 19th century, the neighborhood has evolved into a vibrant center of activity. It skillfully merges Worcester’s industrial past with contemporary urban growth, showcasing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles