Front Street, Worcester
Front Street in Worcester boasts a rich history that dates back to the early days of the town. Originally a path worn by settlers on their way to church and town meetings at the Meeting House on the Common, it evolved alongside the town's growth.
Photographs from the late 19th century to the 1960s depict Front Street as a vibrant, crowded thoroughfare lined with department stores, variety shops, and theaters. It was distinctly urban, bustling with shoppers frequenting popular department stores like Sherer鈥檚 and American Supply, as well as variety stores such as Woolworth鈥檚 and Newberry鈥檚.
Today, Front Street showcases a diverse range of commercial buildings, each reflecting different periods of Worcester鈥檚 architectural history. Harrington Corner, constructed in 1850, stands as the oldest building on the street. Other structures from the 1880s to the 1940s offer a glimpse into the city's growth and development over the decades.
Notable landmarks on Front Street include the Chase Building at number 44, a seven-story red brick edifice built in 1886, which was the tallest building in Worcester at the time. Its design, inspired by the early skyscrapers of Chicago and New York, originally featured mansard roofs and a prominent central tower.
The former Sherer鈥檚 Department Store, built in 1897 at the corner of Commercial Street, is another architectural gem with its striking yellow brick facade. Opposite this is the Midtown Mall, a two-story Art Deco style building constructed in 1941 for F.W. Woolworth, which was a popular shopping destination through the early 1970s.
Photographs from the late 19th century to the 1960s depict Front Street as a vibrant, crowded thoroughfare lined with department stores, variety shops, and theaters. It was distinctly urban, bustling with shoppers frequenting popular department stores like Sherer鈥檚 and American Supply, as well as variety stores such as Woolworth鈥檚 and Newberry鈥檚.
Today, Front Street showcases a diverse range of commercial buildings, each reflecting different periods of Worcester鈥檚 architectural history. Harrington Corner, constructed in 1850, stands as the oldest building on the street. Other structures from the 1880s to the 1940s offer a glimpse into the city's growth and development over the decades.
Notable landmarks on Front Street include the Chase Building at number 44, a seven-story red brick edifice built in 1886, which was the tallest building in Worcester at the time. Its design, inspired by the early skyscrapers of Chicago and New York, originally featured mansard roofs and a prominent central tower.
The former Sherer鈥檚 Department Store, built in 1897 at the corner of Commercial Street, is another architectural gem with its striking yellow brick facade. Opposite this is the Midtown Mall, a two-story Art Deco style building constructed in 1941 for F.W. Woolworth, which was a popular shopping destination through the early 1970s.
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Front Street on Map
Sight Name: Front Street
Sight Location: Worcester, USA (See walking tours in Worcester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Worcester, USA (See walking tours in Worcester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
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 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 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
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鈥檚 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
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