Friberg, Andrew, Three-Decker
Why it's listed
Built around 1928 at 26 Ames Street in Worcester, this three-decker belongs to the final wave of triple-decker construction on the southern part of Vernon Hill. It has the side-hall plan and gable roof typical of the type, with wood clapboard walls and bands of wood shingle between the stories. The asymmetrical front has a recessed, three-tier porch under a pedimented gable, supported by triple Tuscan columns with open balustrades. Triple windows flank the porch on each floor, a feature typical of the city's last three-deckers, and the roof cornice carries modillion blocks. The building is described as remarkably well preserved, with no major alterations and no outbuildings. It reflects the movement of successful Irish and Swedish families from older East Side neighborhoods to hilltop districts. Its first known owner, Andrew Friberg, a laborer, lived here, and 1930 tenants included Swedish and Irish families. It was listed for its local significance in settlement patterns and architecture.
Significance in brief: It is presented as a representative example of the last phase of three-decker development on Vernon Hill, the city's most notable area of 20th century three-decker construction. It is also an unusually well-preserved and well-detailed example of the later Colonial Revival three-deckers built locally. It reflects the move of successful ethnic families, including Irish and Swedes, from older East Side neighborhoods to new hilltop districts.
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 89002387, listed February 9, 1990. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 26 Ames St., Worcester |
|---|---|
| County | Worcester County |
| Listed | February 9, 1990 |
| Reference number | 89002387 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival Three-Decker |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Community Planning and Development, European, Architecture, Social History |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Recorded in excellent condition with no major alterations; present use is residential. |
| Acreage | 0.2 |
| Coordinates | 42.24276, -71.79489 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
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 89002387.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q4757021
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.