Mission Style Bungalow
15 Midland Street
The house at 15 Midland Street, built in 1920, is located in a neighborhood of similarly sized Craftsman-style bungalows, many of which are nicely restored and are well maintained. It is a one-story Mission style bungalow with shaped parapets at the front and sides. A porch across the width of the main façade is distinguished by repeated round-arched openings. At one side is an open-air patio marked by tall posts, once part of a Mediterranean style pergola. This house is a rare example in Worcester of the Mission style popular in the United States during the early decades of the 20th century.
This property was a single family home until it was purchased by Yeshiva Achei Trimimim, which operates a school in the building. It has been seriously neglected for some time, and as a result was put on Preservation Worcester’s internal watch list several years ago. Placement on this list results in contacting the property owners with letters expressing concern and offering to provide technical assistance if needed to facilitate the protection of the building concerned.
Last spring, the owners told Preservation Worcester that repairs were imminent, but since that time, no work has been done. The accumulation of trash and debris in the yard has increased, a window is now boarded up, and serious crumbling is occurring to the stucco facade. Dark stains on the exterior stucco indicate that there may be leaking of water from the roof and gutters onto the interior walls as well.
In December 2006, the property was purchased by an individual for Yeshiva Achei Trimimim’s use. The present owner did not choose to discuss the arrangement. He indicated that he has no intention of fixing the property and may consider selling it.