Harris-Merrick House, Worcester

The Harris-Merrick House, built between 1832 and 1844, stands as an enduring example of Greek Revival architecture. This 2½-story wood-frame structure, with its classic gabled roof and clapboard exterior, is a rare surviving element of the early residential development that occurred west of downtown Worcester in the 1830s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 5, 1980, the house reflects the architectural preferences of the period and the early growth of the city's west side.

Originally located on Chestnut Street, the Harris-Merrick House is believed to have been constructed either for Clarendon Harris, a bookkeeper who bought the land in 1832, or Pliny T. Merrick, a prominent local attorney who owned the property in 1844. Merrick's adjacent home further emphasizes the area's significance during its developmental phase. In 1874, the house was relocated to its current position at the southwest corner of Fruit Street and Marston Way and converted into a two-family residence, adapting to the changing urban landscape.

The architectural details of the Harris-Merrick House highlight its Greek Revival roots. The structure's L-shaped plan features paneled pilasters at the building's corners and fully pedimented gables, typical of the style. The main facade, three bays wide, is distinguished by full-length first-story windows and an inviting main entrance situated in the rightmost bay. This entrance is sheltered by a porch with round columns, an entablature, and a fully pedimented gable, all contributing to the house's stately appearance.