Francis Dewey House, Worcester

The Francis Dewey House, designed by the esteemed Boston firm Little & Browne and built in 1912, is a notable example of architectural eclecticism. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, it is a 2½-story wood-frame structure clad in stucco, characterized by its unique curving Flemish gables that rise to urned tops at various points on each facade, lending an ornate and dynamic appearance to the building.

The house's front facade, facing south, is symmetrical and divided into five sections, with the central section slightly projecting. This central section, along with the outer sections, is topped by the Flemish gables. Each of the four sections, except for the center, features two-story polygonal projections, adding to the building's architectural complexity. The main entrance is located in the center section, sheltered by an elegant porch made of cast stone, complete with Tuscan columns, an entablature, and an upper balustrade, all of which contribute to the house's grand and stately presence.

Francis H. Dewey, the house's original owner, was a prominent lawyer and businessman. He represented the fourth generation of his family in the legal profession and served both as a judge and a railroad company executive, reflecting his significant role in the community. The house was constructed based on one of three designs submitted to Dewey, all of which shared a similar footprint. This suggests that the new structure may incorporate elements of the older house that previously stood on the property, dating back to around 1860. Dewey ultimately chose an eclectic Flemish style for his residence, while the other designs featured Colonial Revival and English Revival (Tudor) styles.