Most Endangered Structures

For fifteen years, Preservation Worcester has published an annual list of Most Endangered Structures, with the goal of publicizing and alerting the public about the threats to some of our city’s most historic buildings and sites. The List garners city-wide attention to the condition of these structures and their importance to our architectural landscape.  It often serves as a catalyst for restoration and preservation.

Over the years, the citizens and community leaders of Worcester have often responded with concern and aid, and important historic structures have been saved from the wrecking ball or demolition by neglect.

Our 2010 Most Endangered Structures list will be announced in Spring 2010.

Use this link to download the 2011 Most Endangered Structures Nomination Form. Completed forms are due by January 14, 2011.

 2009 Most Endangered Structures List

Belmont Hospital Laboratory
251 Belmont St/Skyline Drive

Bentley-Jackson Cottage
9 Earle Street

Rufus Chase House & Carriage House
114 Austin Street

Fitts Cottage
32 Castle Street

Historic Marker at Belmont Street and Shrewsbury Street

41, 43, and 45 Lancaster Street

S.D. Newton House
8 Sycamore Street

Notre Dame des Canadiens
5 Salem Square

Paine House
128 Lincoln Street

Worcester State Hospital:  Clock Tower Building & Hooper Turret
305 Belmont Street

Among the “success stories” from previous Most Endangered lists are: Bull Mansion/GAR Hall on Pearl Street, which was restored as a restaurant; the Chestnut Street Congregational Church, now the New England Dream Center; the Shaarai Torah Synagogue, recently converted into condos and lofts; the Rogers Kennedy Memorial in Elm Park which has been restored and rededicated; the Tiffany stained glass windows of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church on Southbridge Street near Holy Cross; the Quinsigamond Baptist Church, which was moved a quarter mile in Quinsigamond Village and is now the Steeple Marketplace; and the Worcester Five Cents Savings Bank Street Clock at 50 Front Street. The popular clock, erected in 1891, has been restored and returned to its downtown location.