Rufus H. Chase Multi-Family House
114 Austin Street
Located in the Piedmont Neighborhood of Worcester, this property is included in both the MACRIS and the Oxford – Crown National Register Extension District. Constructed in 1863 in the Greek Revival style, it predates a separate modified barn which dates to 1876.
The house manifests several distinctive features of Greek Revival design including. corner pilasters and open pediments. In the Victorian era, a three-gabled porch was added along with a two story bay window on the east side. Several dormers of varying shape and size augment the basic exterior. The barn is highlighted by an unaltered gambrel roof.
Although the window sash has been replaced, the house retains all of the original siding and notable exterior features. It serves as an extant example of the better architecture of the mid-nineteenth century constructed in the neighborhood.
The original owners, Adeline and Rufus Chase, moved to Worcester from Hubbardston, MA, acquiring the property to construct the house from the immediate neighbor. Two daughters were born and raised at 114 Austin Street. In 1880 after Adeline’s death, a second family joined the widower and his daughters in the house. From that time forward, the house continued as a multiple family residence. Business pursuits of the occupants were varied, including a painter (Rufus Chase), cabinet maker, pool table manufacturer, and a machinist.
The house, barn, and environs have suffered major neglect in recent years; past action taken by the City of Worcester in response to code violations include removal of squatters, order for clean up of the overgrown vegetation, garbage-strewn yard, and measures to secure the buildings. Change of ownership a year ago held promise, but no visible improvements have been noted. This significant, historic structure will be lost to the neighborhood and city if appropriate action is not taken in the near term by the new owner.