Henry and Walter L. Mellen Double House
41-43 Queen Street
The Henry and Walter L. Mellen Double House is a large Shingle Style and clapboard structure which incorporates elements of Queen Anne architecture. Built in 1892 by mason and general contractor Henry Mellen as a duplex home for himself and Walter L., his son and business partner, the house sits on a large, prominent lot directly across the street from the former Worcester City Hospital.
Though intended as two residences, it was designed to look like a single-family home. The eastern portion, Number 41, has a full front porch and a two-story, multi-sided tower at the east corner; while the western section, Number 43, has an enclosed porch that wraps around the west side to the home’s entrance.
The house is of wood frame construction, sided with wood clapboard on the ground floor and wood shingles on the upper floors. Each side has attic dormers, two-story bay windows, and decorative lattice-patterned windows. The property still includes the original wood-shingled carriage barn, also built in 1892. This structure was probably used for the Mellens’ contracting and building business.
Due to its architectural significance as an excellent and remarkably intact example of Shingle Style design, the Mellen Double House has been recommended for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, but it is in critical need of attention. At present, a number of the home’s windows are covered in plastic. The clapboard and shingle siding are severely weathered and deteriorating because it badly needs painting.
After several years on Preservation Worcester’s internal watch list with no visible improvements, the Mellen Double House has been moved to this year’s Most Endangered Structures list because the extent of continuing neglect puts the structure at risk. Without care and restoration, this historic architectural gem could deteriorate until it is beyond salvation.