Stone, Edward, Three-Decker
Why it's listed
Built in 1888 at 8 Wyman Street in Worcester's Main South neighborhood, this three-decker is a well-preserved example of Stick style multi-family housing. It follows the usual three-bay, side-hall plan but stands out for its cross-gable roof, whose gables hold decorative king's post trusses, vergeboards, scroll corner brackets and arched windows with label molding. Its most striking feature is the first-floor porch, with chamfered posts, curved brackets and a geometric balustrade and frieze. The house reflects the area's growth in the late 19th century, when nearby factories and electric streetcar service along Main Street drew skilled workers and downtown white-collar employees. Edward L. Stone, a machinist, owned and lived in the building from 1888 through 1930, and tenants included a carpenter, salesmen, a clerk and a superintendent. It was listed as a local-level example of early three-decker development and of Stick style design.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues that it represents the earliest phase of three-decker development in Main South, a district then growing with industrial jobs and streetcar access to the city center. It is also a remarkably well-preserved and richly detailed example of Stick style design, one of a handful of fine local examples in three-decker form. It is considered significant at the local level under criteria A and C.
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 89002450, listed February 9, 1990. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 8 Wyman St., Worcester |
|---|---|
| County | Worcester County |
| Listed | February 9, 1990 |
| Reference number | 89002450 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architectural style | Stick style Three-Decker |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Community Planning and Development, European, Architecture, Social History |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Present use is residential, the same as its original use. Condition is described as excellent, with no major alterations and no outbuildings. |
| Acreage | 0.2 |
| Coordinates | 42.25052, -71.82020 (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 89002450.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5345464
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.