Canal District Walking Tour (Self Guided), Worcester
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 a variety of repurposed industrial structures, fashionable eateries, boutique stores, and cultural spots.
At the heart of the district stands Union Station, a beautifully restored 1911 train station that now serves as a central transit and event venue, symbolizing the area's revival and connectivity.
Not far from the station is Saint John's Catholic Church, an architectural gem that reflects the historical community spirit with its grand presence. A notable landmark in the district is the Tobias Boland and Benjamin Wright Statue, which pays homage to the influential figures responsible for the construction of the Blackstone Canal, pivotal in Worcester’s development.
Further enriching the district's historical narrative, the Heywood Boot & Shoe Company and the W H Hill Envelope Company Building stand as monuments to Worcester's industrial era, having been converted to accommodate modern retail and office spaces while retaining their historical significance.
Education and heritage converge at the Ash Street School, a former educational institution now repurposed for community use, preserving its educational legacy. The Crompton Collective, housed in the restored Crompton Loom Works, offers a unique shopping experience with a blend of antique and local artisan products, symbolizing the blend of old and new that characterizes the district.
The Worcester Public Market is another focal point, featuring local cuisine and goods in a lively market atmosphere, fostering community interaction and local entrepreneurship. Just a short walk away, Polar Park, home to the Worcester Red Sox, injects energy and excitement into the district with baseball games and events, drawing visitors and residents alike.
This area is not just a place to visit, but a living, breathing part of Worcester that continues to grow and evolve. Whether you're interested in history, shopping, dining, or sports, the Canal District invites you to explore its streets, where every corner tells a story. Come discover the blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy that makes the Canal District a key destination in Worcester.
At the heart of the district stands Union Station, a beautifully restored 1911 train station that now serves as a central transit and event venue, symbolizing the area's revival and connectivity.
Not far from the station is Saint John's Catholic Church, an architectural gem that reflects the historical community spirit with its grand presence. A notable landmark in the district is the Tobias Boland and Benjamin Wright Statue, which pays homage to the influential figures responsible for the construction of the Blackstone Canal, pivotal in Worcester’s development.
Further enriching the district's historical narrative, the Heywood Boot & Shoe Company and the W H Hill Envelope Company Building stand as monuments to Worcester's industrial era, having been converted to accommodate modern retail and office spaces while retaining their historical significance.
Education and heritage converge at the Ash Street School, a former educational institution now repurposed for community use, preserving its educational legacy. The Crompton Collective, housed in the restored Crompton Loom Works, offers a unique shopping experience with a blend of antique and local artisan products, symbolizing the blend of old and new that characterizes the district.
The Worcester Public Market is another focal point, featuring local cuisine and goods in a lively market atmosphere, fostering community interaction and local entrepreneurship. Just a short walk away, Polar Park, home to the Worcester Red Sox, injects energy and excitement into the district with baseball games and events, drawing visitors and residents alike.
This area is not just a place to visit, but a living, breathing part of Worcester that continues to grow and evolve. Whether you're interested in history, shopping, dining, or sports, the Canal District invites you to explore its streets, where every corner tells a story. Come discover the blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy that makes the Canal District a key destination in Worcester.
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Canal District Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Canal District Walking Tour
Guide Location: USA » Worcester (See other walking tours in Worcester)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 10
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Author: Stella
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: USA » Worcester (See other walking tours in Worcester)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 10
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Author: Stella
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Union Station
- St. John's Catholic Church
- Tobias Boland and Benjamin Wright Statue
- Heywood Boot & Shoe Company
- W. H. Hill Envelope Company Building
- Ash Street School
- Crompton Collective
- Crompton Loom Works
- Worcester Public Market
- Polar Park
1) Union Station
Union Station is a striking example of French-Renaissance architecture, originally completed in 1911 for the Boston and Albany Railroad (B&A). This architectural gem was also utilized by the New York, New Haven and Hartford, and Boston and Maine railroads. Its construction was part of a significant grade separation project, which aimed to improve the efficiency and safety of railroad operations. The station replaced an earlier 1875 structure, which was notable for its impressive 212-foot clock tower and massive masonry arches over the train shed.
Designed by the Philadelphia architects Watson and Huckel, Union Station was heralded as the most beautiful building in Massachusetts upon its completion. The grandeur of its design has often drawn comparisons to Union Station in Washington, D.C. The station's main hall is distinguished by an elliptical stained glass skylight, solid birch benches, and elegant marble and terra cotta finishes, all contributing to the building's opulent interior. The exterior is equally impressive, featuring soaring 175-foot high twin white marble towers and a cream-colored facade that stands out as a landmark in the city.
Despite its initial acclaim and heavy usage, Union Station experienced a decline along with the railroad industry, eventually leading to its abandonment in 1975. For many years, the once-glorious station fell into disrepair, a shadow of its former self. However, its architectural significance and historical value prompted a comprehensive renovation led by the Worcester Redevelopment Authority, spearheaded by former Mayor Raymond Mariano. This $32 million project, completed in 2000, restored Union Station to its former glory, preserving its historical elements while upgrading its facilities for modern use.
Designed by the Philadelphia architects Watson and Huckel, Union Station was heralded as the most beautiful building in Massachusetts upon its completion. The grandeur of its design has often drawn comparisons to Union Station in Washington, D.C. The station's main hall is distinguished by an elliptical stained glass skylight, solid birch benches, and elegant marble and terra cotta finishes, all contributing to the building's opulent interior. The exterior is equally impressive, featuring soaring 175-foot high twin white marble towers and a cream-colored facade that stands out as a landmark in the city.
Despite its initial acclaim and heavy usage, Union Station experienced a decline along with the railroad industry, eventually leading to its abandonment in 1975. For many years, the once-glorious station fell into disrepair, a shadow of its former self. However, its architectural significance and historical value prompted a comprehensive renovation led by the Worcester Redevelopment Authority, spearheaded by former Mayor Raymond Mariano. This $32 million project, completed in 2000, restored Union Station to its former glory, preserving its historical elements while upgrading its facilities for modern use.
2) St. John's Catholic Church
Saint John's Catholic Church holds the distinction of being the oldest Roman Catholic parish in Worcester, and the oldest in New England outside of Boston. It was a spiritual home for the Irish immigrants who came to the Worcester area in the 1820s to build railroads and the Blackstone Canal.
The current church was constructed and dedicated in 1846. Its design resembles that of a Baptist or Puritan church, which may cause some visitors to mistake it for a Protestant building. The church's exterior has remained largely unchanged since its completion, with brick walls and a steeple that has been in place since 1951. This historical structure was recognized for its significance when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 5, 1980.
Inside, the church's walls have been repainted several times, most recently in 2005. The sanctuary is a testament to traditional Roman Catholic architecture, featuring a high altar at the center, with the Blessed Sacrament housed in the original Romanesque Tridentine Mass altar. The layout includes a pulpit to the left and the presider's chair to the right.
Devotional shrines, such as one dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, enhance the spiritual ambiance. Additionally, statues of saints like Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Theresa often grace the church, while the baptistry dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary is prominently positioned on the right.
The current church was constructed and dedicated in 1846. Its design resembles that of a Baptist or Puritan church, which may cause some visitors to mistake it for a Protestant building. The church's exterior has remained largely unchanged since its completion, with brick walls and a steeple that has been in place since 1951. This historical structure was recognized for its significance when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 5, 1980.
Inside, the church's walls have been repainted several times, most recently in 2005. The sanctuary is a testament to traditional Roman Catholic architecture, featuring a high altar at the center, with the Blessed Sacrament housed in the original Romanesque Tridentine Mass altar. The layout includes a pulpit to the left and the presider's chair to the right.
Devotional shrines, such as one dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, enhance the spiritual ambiance. Additionally, statues of saints like Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Theresa often grace the church, while the baptistry dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary is prominently positioned on the right.
3) Tobias Boland and Benjamin Wright Statue
The statue of Tobias Boland and Benjamin Wright stands prominently in Rockland Trust Plaza. This sculpture honors the pivotal role of the Blackstone Canal in the city's development. The canal, constructed in the early 1800s, was instrumental in transforming Worcester into a bustling hub of commerce and industry, linking it to Providence, Rhode Island, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Tobias Boland, an Irish immigrant, is celebrated for his significant contributions to the construction of the canal. Boland's work provided crucial labor and expertise, which helped shape the infrastructure of Worcester during a period of rapid growth and change. Benjamin Wright, the engineer who meticulously designed the canal's specifications, is equally honored in this statue. Wright's engineering expertise ensured that the canal could effectively support the economic ambitions of the region.
Positioned at the front of Rockland Trust Plaza, the statue created by sculptor Robert Shure, greets passersby as they traverse the plaza. This area serves as a gateway to Polar Park and forms a vital connection between the Canal District and Downtown Worcester.
Tobias Boland, an Irish immigrant, is celebrated for his significant contributions to the construction of the canal. Boland's work provided crucial labor and expertise, which helped shape the infrastructure of Worcester during a period of rapid growth and change. Benjamin Wright, the engineer who meticulously designed the canal's specifications, is equally honored in this statue. Wright's engineering expertise ensured that the canal could effectively support the economic ambitions of the region.
Positioned at the front of Rockland Trust Plaza, the statue created by sculptor Robert Shure, greets passersby as they traverse the plaza. This area serves as a gateway to Polar Park and forms a vital connection between the Canal District and Downtown Worcester.
4) Heywood Boot & Shoe Company
The Heywood Boot & Shoe Company Building, once a thriving factory in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, stands today as a quiet reminder of the city's industrial past. During its peak, this brick building was a bustling hub, producing hundreds of upscale boots and shoes daily. However, the passage of time has left its mark on the structure. The lower part of the factory is now characterized by pink, rundown bricks with mortar slowly chipping away, while the upper stories of clean red bricks contrast sharply, appearing almost newly added.
The point where the pink and red bricks meet features a fading, painted sign that barely hints at the building's history. Close inspection reveals the letters spelling "Heywood Boot and Shoe Co.," a relic of the building's past prominence. Nowadays, the signs of small businesses like Go Bare Spa, Evolve Haircuts, and Infodiligo hang on the facade, signaling the building's new purpose.
Despite its current state, the Heywood Boot & Shoe Company Building stands as a symbol of Worcester's rich industrial history. Its transformation from a bustling factory to a quiet building housing small businesses illustrates the city's evolution and resilience.
The point where the pink and red bricks meet features a fading, painted sign that barely hints at the building's history. Close inspection reveals the letters spelling "Heywood Boot and Shoe Co.," a relic of the building's past prominence. Nowadays, the signs of small businesses like Go Bare Spa, Evolve Haircuts, and Infodiligo hang on the facade, signaling the building's new purpose.
Despite its current state, the Heywood Boot & Shoe Company Building stands as a symbol of Worcester's rich industrial history. Its transformation from a bustling factory to a quiet building housing small businesses illustrates the city's evolution and resilience.
5) W. H. Hill Envelope Company Building
The W. H. Hill Envelope Company Building is a significant historical structure constructed in 1890. Designed by architects Fuller and Delano, the building is a 4 1/2-story brick structure with a flat roof. Despite its relatively plain facade and minimal ornamentation, the building's historical and industrial importance stands out. It is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
It originally housed the Hill Envelope Company, which traced its origins to Dr. Russell Hawes, inventor of the envelope folding machine in 1846. Wade H. Hill joined the business in 1866, eventually becoming the sole owner and renaming it W. H. Hill Co.
The Hill Envelope Company played a crucial role in the evolution of envelope manufacturing in Worcester. Initially located on Grafton Street, the company became a part of the U.S. Envelope Company through a series of mergers involving several local envelope manufacturers. This factory remained operational under the U.S. Envelope Company until the 1970s, marking an era of industrial prominence for the building.
Today, the W. H. Hill Envelope Company Building has been repurposed and revitalized as Canal Lofts, a modern apartment complex.
It originally housed the Hill Envelope Company, which traced its origins to Dr. Russell Hawes, inventor of the envelope folding machine in 1846. Wade H. Hill joined the business in 1866, eventually becoming the sole owner and renaming it W. H. Hill Co.
The Hill Envelope Company played a crucial role in the evolution of envelope manufacturing in Worcester. Initially located on Grafton Street, the company became a part of the U.S. Envelope Company through a series of mergers involving several local envelope manufacturers. This factory remained operational under the U.S. Envelope Company until the 1970s, marking an era of industrial prominence for the building.
Today, the W. H. Hill Envelope Company Building has been repurposed and revitalized as Canal Lofts, a modern apartment complex.
6) Ash Street School
The Ash Street School is a notable historic building, embodying the Italianate architectural style. Constructed between 1848 and 1855, it is the city's second oldest surviving school building, representing a significant period of educational expansion in Worcester.
The school is a square, three-story brick structure topped with a low hip roof, characterized by a deep bracketed cornice. Each facade features four bays, divided by piers that extend to corbelling just below the roofline. The building originally had a cupola, although it has since been removed. It was designed with two entrances on the north and south sides, providing separate access for boys and girls.
The school was designed by Elbridge Boyden, a prominent local architect. Boyden's design was part of a broader initiative by the city to enhance its educational infrastructure during a time when the area was densely populated with residential neighborhoods. Despite changes over the years, including the removal of the cupola and the neighborhood's transition to industrial uses, the Ash Street School remains an important architectural and historical landmark.
By the time it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Ash Street School was being used as a storehouse. Today, it serves a new purpose as the headquarters of the Greater Worcester Land Trust, a land conservation organization.
The school is a square, three-story brick structure topped with a low hip roof, characterized by a deep bracketed cornice. Each facade features four bays, divided by piers that extend to corbelling just below the roofline. The building originally had a cupola, although it has since been removed. It was designed with two entrances on the north and south sides, providing separate access for boys and girls.
The school was designed by Elbridge Boyden, a prominent local architect. Boyden's design was part of a broader initiative by the city to enhance its educational infrastructure during a time when the area was densely populated with residential neighborhoods. Despite changes over the years, including the removal of the cupola and the neighborhood's transition to industrial uses, the Ash Street School remains an important architectural and historical landmark.
By the time it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Ash Street School was being used as a storehouse. Today, it serves a new purpose as the headquarters of the Greater Worcester Land Trust, a land conservation organization.
7) Crompton Collective
Crompton Collective is a unique shopping place that reflects the local culture and artistic talent of New England. It's a spacious marketplace with carefully arranged displays featuring a variety of items, including antiques, handcrafted products, and local art.
What makes Crompton Collective stand out is its diverse selection. You can find everything from handmade jewelry and soy candles to vintage furniture and records. Local artists contribute to the collection, offering a wide range of products like toys, clothing, glassware, pottery, and more.
Beyond shopping, Crompton Collective has historical significance. Housed in a building from 1860, originally built by George Crompton, the inventor of the Crompton Loom, it pays tribute to Worcester's industrial past. This focus on vintage goods and local products adds character and supports the local economy.
Amy Chase, the force behind Crompton Collective, is passionate about thrift stores and vintage retailing. Her dedication is evident in the store's selection and unique arrangements that showcase local talent.
Crompton Collective also offers event space called the White Room, suitable for weddings, baby showers, and more, along with décor and design services. The Canal District Farmers Market, held on Saturdays year-round, offers fresh local produce and other goods. In the summer, there are horse and wagon tours. The place also hosts various events, such as book clubs, photo shoots, knitting nights, and clothing swaps.
What makes Crompton Collective stand out is its diverse selection. You can find everything from handmade jewelry and soy candles to vintage furniture and records. Local artists contribute to the collection, offering a wide range of products like toys, clothing, glassware, pottery, and more.
Beyond shopping, Crompton Collective has historical significance. Housed in a building from 1860, originally built by George Crompton, the inventor of the Crompton Loom, it pays tribute to Worcester's industrial past. This focus on vintage goods and local products adds character and supports the local economy.
Amy Chase, the force behind Crompton Collective, is passionate about thrift stores and vintage retailing. Her dedication is evident in the store's selection and unique arrangements that showcase local talent.
Crompton Collective also offers event space called the White Room, suitable for weddings, baby showers, and more, along with décor and design services. The Canal District Farmers Market, held on Saturdays year-round, offers fresh local produce and other goods. In the summer, there are horse and wagon tours. The place also hosts various events, such as book clubs, photo shoots, knitting nights, and clothing swaps.
8) Crompton Loom Works
The Crompton Loom Works is a historically significant industrial complex originally established in 1860 by George Crompton. As one of the oldest surviving industrial sites in the city, the Crompton Loom Works played a pivotal role in the manufacture of looms for textile factories, continuing the legacy of George’s father, William Crompton, who invented the first power loom for weaving fancy fabrics. The facility on Green Street boasted a range of capabilities, including machining, drop hammer forging, a cast iron foundry for ductile and malleable iron castings, woodworking, pattern making, and a materials testing lab.
Architecturally, the Crompton Loom Works complex is an exemplar of industrial Italianate style. It comprises connected brick buildings ranging from one to three stories in height, featuring quoined corners and corbelling on the eave of the main tower. The windows are primarily rectangular, with some older sections displaying round-arch openings. Originally, the main building was two stories tall; subsequent alterations in the 1880s included the addition of a third floor and the main tower.
The significance of the Crompton Loom Works extends beyond its architectural and industrial contributions. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980 and became part of the Blackstone Canal Historic District in 1995.
Architecturally, the Crompton Loom Works complex is an exemplar of industrial Italianate style. It comprises connected brick buildings ranging from one to three stories in height, featuring quoined corners and corbelling on the eave of the main tower. The windows are primarily rectangular, with some older sections displaying round-arch openings. Originally, the main building was two stories tall; subsequent alterations in the 1880s included the addition of a third floor and the main tower.
The significance of the Crompton Loom Works extends beyond its architectural and industrial contributions. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980 and became part of the Blackstone Canal Historic District in 1995.
9) Worcester Public Market
Worcester Public Market is a vibrant hub where visitors can dine, shop, and enjoy live entertainment. Located near Kelley Square, this market is designed in the European tradition, offering an eclectic mix of produce, meat, seafood, cheese, baked goods, deli items, vegan products, flowers, and beverages, including local brews from Wachusett Brewery, which boasts a patio on site. The market’s array of fresh-cooked lunch fare and other delights makes it a perfect spot for a quick visit or a day-long adventure.
The market’s design encourages visitors to explore both the interior and exterior vendor spaces, creating a lively and engaging shopping experience.
More than just a marketplace, Worcester Public Market serves as a community gathering place where people can enjoy meals and beverages accompanied by local live music. This blend of commerce and culture fosters a sense of community and makes the market a go-to destination for both locals and visitors.
The market’s design encourages visitors to explore both the interior and exterior vendor spaces, creating a lively and engaging shopping experience.
More than just a marketplace, Worcester Public Market serves as a community gathering place where people can enjoy meals and beverages accompanied by local live music. This blend of commerce and culture fosters a sense of community and makes the market a go-to destination for both locals and visitors.
10) Polar Park
Polar Park is a state-of-the-art baseball stadium, serving as the home field for the Worcester Red Sox, a Triple-A Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the Boston Red Sox. The park officially opened for the 2021 Triple-A season and can accommodate up to 9,508 spectators. Named after Polar Beverages, a local company that secured the naming rights, the ballpark is a significant addition to Worcester's sports and entertainment landscape.
The construction of Polar Park is a cornerstone of a broader $240 million redevelopment initiative in Worcester's Kelley Square and Canal District. This ambitious project aims to revitalize the area, transforming it into a vibrant mixed-use community hub. The development plan includes the addition of 250 residential apartments, two hotels with a combined total of 250 rooms, a 96,000-square-foot office building that provides a scenic view of the left field playing area, and 65,000 square feet of retail space comprising shops and restaurants.
The Polar Park not only enhances the local sports scene but also contributes to the cultural and economic vitality of Worcester, making it a pivotal element in the city's ongoing transformation.
The construction of Polar Park is a cornerstone of a broader $240 million redevelopment initiative in Worcester's Kelley Square and Canal District. This ambitious project aims to revitalize the area, transforming it into a vibrant mixed-use community hub. The development plan includes the addition of 250 residential apartments, two hotels with a combined total of 250 rooms, a 96,000-square-foot office building that provides a scenic view of the left field playing area, and 65,000 square feet of retail space comprising shops and restaurants.
The Polar Park not only enhances the local sports scene but also contributes to the cultural and economic vitality of Worcester, making it a pivotal element in the city's ongoing transformation.
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