Otis Putnam House, Worcester
The Otis Putnam House, constructed in 1887 and designed by the architectural firm Fuller & Delano, stands as a distinguished example of Queen Anne architecture in Worcester,. Built for Otis Putnam, a prominent local department store owner, the house is notable for its elegant design and historical significance. Putnam, originally from Leicester, rose through the ranks to become a leading partner in one of Worcester's largest department stores. He also served as a director of the local electric company and the Worcester and Holden Street Railway Company, cementing his status as a key figure in the city's economic development.
The house itself is a 2½-story brick structure set on a stone foundation, featuring a front-facing gable roof. Its roughly rectangular plan is punctuated by asymmetrical projecting sections that add to its Queen Anne charm. The east-facing front facade is particularly striking, with a two-story porch recessed under the main gable. The first-floor section of the porch projects outward, covered by a shed roof across part of its width and a gable above the granite steps, creating a welcoming entrance.
The second-floor porch, supported by turned posts set on shingled piers, features a latticework frieze that adds a delicate, decorative touch. The main gable is framed in wood and finished with shingles arranged in a wavy pattern, enhancing the textural variety typical of Queen Anne style. At the center of the gable is a projecting bay with two round-arch windows, providing a focal point that draws the eye upward. The first-floor windows are set in segmented-arch openings with brick lintels, while the second-floor windows have square openings with stone lintels, all contributing to the building’s refined aesthetic.
A band of decorative brickwork serves as a frieze below the roofline, further embellishing the house's exterior. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, the Otis Putnam House has been preserved and repurposed to house offices, allowing it to remain a vibrant part of Worcester's architectural heritage.
The house itself is a 2½-story brick structure set on a stone foundation, featuring a front-facing gable roof. Its roughly rectangular plan is punctuated by asymmetrical projecting sections that add to its Queen Anne charm. The east-facing front facade is particularly striking, with a two-story porch recessed under the main gable. The first-floor section of the porch projects outward, covered by a shed roof across part of its width and a gable above the granite steps, creating a welcoming entrance.
The second-floor porch, supported by turned posts set on shingled piers, features a latticework frieze that adds a delicate, decorative touch. The main gable is framed in wood and finished with shingles arranged in a wavy pattern, enhancing the textural variety typical of Queen Anne style. At the center of the gable is a projecting bay with two round-arch windows, providing a focal point that draws the eye upward. The first-floor windows are set in segmented-arch openings with brick lintels, while the second-floor windows have square openings with stone lintels, all contributing to the building’s refined aesthetic.
A band of decorative brickwork serves as a frieze below the roofline, further embellishing the house's exterior. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, the Otis Putnam House has been preserved and repurposed to house offices, allowing it to remain a vibrant part of Worcester's architectural heritage.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Worcester. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Otis Putnam House on Map
Sight Name: Otis Putnam House
Sight Location: Worcester, USA (See walking tours in Worcester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Worcester, USA (See walking tours in Worcester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Worcester, Massachusetts
Create Your Own Walk in Worcester
Creating your own self-guided walk in Worcester is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Worcester Historic Houses Walk
Worcester, Massachusetts, is not just a hub of modern development and educational excellence; it also harbors a rich collection of historic residences, each with its own story and architectural significance. These houses offer a glimpse into the lives of some of the city's influential figures from various periods and the architectural trends that shaped their homes.
One of the notable... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
One of the notable... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Canal District Walking Tour
The Canal District in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a lively and historic area that has seen considerable rejuvenation recently. Originally home to the Blackstone Canal, instrumental in Worcester's industrial boom during the 19th century, the neighborhood has evolved into a vibrant center of activity. It skillfully merges Worcester’s industrial past with contemporary urban growth, showcasing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Worcester Architectural Jewels
In Worcester, Massachusetts, you'll find a trove of architectural wonders reflecting the city's rich historical and cultural heritage. Among these jewels is Mechanics Hall, a stunning Victorian-era concert hall renowned for its complex design and exceptional acoustics. Nearby stands the Wesley United Methodist Church, an elegant example of Gothic Revival architecture, with its towering... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Worcester Introduction Walking Tour
Known as the "Heart of the Commonwealth," Worcester's central location in Massachusetts has played a pivotal role in its development from a quiet settlement to a bustling urban center.
The name "Worcester" is taken from the city in England. The Massachusetts counterpart was incorporated in 1722 and has since grown into the second-largest city in New England. Its growth... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
The name "Worcester" is taken from the city in England. The Massachusetts counterpart was incorporated in 1722 and has since grown into the second-largest city in New England. Its growth... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles