Willard Richmond Apartment Block facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Willard Richmond Apartment Block
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 43 Austin St., Worcester, Massachusetts |
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| MPS | Worcester MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 85002783 |
| Added to NRHP | November 7, 1985 |
The Willard Richmond Apartment Block is an old apartment building located at 43 Austin Street in Worcester, Massachusetts. It was built a long time ago, between 1879 and 1886. This building is special because it was one of the first apartment blocks in its area. By the year 1900, this part of Worcester had many apartment buildings. The Willard Richmond Apartment Block was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, which means it's an important historical site.
What is the Willard Richmond Apartment Block?
This historic apartment building stands on the corner of Austin and Irving Streets. It is just a short distance southwest of downtown Worcester. The building has four stories and is made of brick. It also features nice granite details.
A Look at Its Design
The building has a unique L-shape, with one corner missing. The parts of the building facing the streets have a granite band. This band is located between the basement and the first floor. Another granite band is above the windows on the first floor.
The windows on the first floor are square. Windows on the second and third floors have a rounded top, like an arch. The windows on the fourth floor are fully round at the top. These have brick details and granite pieces called keystones. A decorative brick pattern connects the bottom of these arched windows.
The windows above the main and side entrances look a bit different. Above the side entrance on Irving Street, the windows have rounded tops. Above the main entrance, there are two round-arch windows on the second floor. Above them is a rectangular window. A large round-arch window sits at the very top, separated by a decorative panel.
Why is This Building Important?
The Willard Richmond Apartment Block was built between 1879 and 1886. It was one of the first apartment buildings in the Main-Wellington-Chandler area. By 1900, this area became one of the biggest apartment districts in Worcester.
This part of the city was very close to downtown. It grew quickly in the 1880s and 1890s. Many of the old apartment buildings from that time have been torn down. The Willard Richmond Apartment Block is one of the few buildings left from that important period. It helps us remember the city's past.
