Mt. Prospect School for Boys
Why it's listed
Built in 1923 on a rise in Waltham, Massachusetts, 90 Worcester Lane was constructed as the Mt. Prospect School for Boys. Arthur Astor Carey, a philanthropist and Boy Scouts of America leader, founded the experimental private school on the idea that an excellent education combined with respect for the outdoors produces great leaders. He died in 1923 before the building was finished, and the school operated only about ten years. The brick building is roughly U-shaped, with a five-bay main facade facing a circular driveway, a rusticated center entrance with a keystone, 5/6 wood sash windows, a modillion block cornice and a tile roof. Three brick chimneys add a Jacobethan note. In the 1930s it became a residence, was converted to a nursing home in 1950, and was returned to residential use in 1983. It is recognized for its architecture and for its link to Carey's educational ideals.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is a fine example of early 1920s Georgian Revival institutional architecture adapted to several uses over time. It is also tied to the school's founder, philanthropist and Boy Scouts leader Arthur Astor Carey, and to an experimental school that combined intellectual and physical education.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 89001525, listed March 9, 1990. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 90 Worcester Ln., Waltham |
|---|---|
| County | Middlesex County |
| Listed | March 9, 1990 |
| Reference number | 89001525 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architect / builder | Architect unknown |
| Architectural style | Georgian Revival |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Community Planning and Development, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in good condition and in use as a private residence; reconverted to a residence in 1983 after use as a nursing home. |
| Acreage | 3.2 |
| Coordinates | 42.38979, -71.24357 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For a publicly owned building or structure, listing mainly matters when federal funds, permits or licences are involved: projects then go through Section 106 review so effects on the property are considered. Listing also strengthens applications for preservation grants and, for leased income-producing uses, can enable the federal rehabilitation tax credit.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 89001525.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q14715729
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.