Buildings at Lincoln Square
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The buildings at Lincoln Square continue to be of serious concern for preservationists and planners. Located in one of Worcester’s central gateways, the historic buildings are magnificent and significant. Of particular concern are the former Courthouse and the Worcester Memorial Auditorium. Their mass and design make them particularly challenging.
The former courthouse overlooks Lincoln Square and Main Street from atop Court Hill – the site of a courthouse since 1732. Built in increments between 1843 and 1954, the building is composed of several sections. The symmetrical Main Street elevation, completed in 1899, was designed by Andrews, Jacques & Rantoul of Boston. Flanking the Corinthian-columned central entrance are pedimented pavilions. The south pavilion is the somewhat altered, 1843 temple-front courthouse by Ammi B. Young. The north pavilion was designed as its twin. Each pavilion is trimmed with a pair of Corinthian columns. To the rear of the south pavilion is a small 1878 Classical style addition designed by Stephen C. Earle. The most recent addition, a modern expression of the Classical style, was made in 1954, facing Harvard Street at the rear of the building. The vacant structure plays a major role in the streetscape at Lincoln Square and north Main Street where it lends an air of dignity and permanence to this major gateway to the city.
Built in Lincoln Square in 1931-32, the Worcester Memorial Auditorium is one of the most imposing examples of Classical Revival architecture in the city and a major local landmark. It was designed by Worcester architect Lucius Briggs as a memorial to the 9,000 Worcester citizens who served in World War I. The building has a base of Deer Island granite and the upper portion is dressed Indiana limestone. The façade is dominated by a monumental Doric portico above the entryways. Most of the ornamentation is stylized, bas relief in the Art Deco style. Murals in the entry hall painted by Leon Kroll depict patriotic themes, the largest showing “people of all classes and races gathered in peace and harmony under the American flag.” Despite efforts by the city, there currently is no future use planned for this important structure.