Gov. Levi Lincoln House

The Gov. Levi Lincoln House at 4 Avalon Place is a single-family home designed in the Greek Revival style, featuring refined cornices and evenly spaced windows across its facade. The building displays the clean lines and classical proportions typical of this architectural movement popular in early American residential design.

The house was designed in 1847 by local architect Elias Carter for Levi Lincoln Jr., a former Governor of Massachusetts from the early 1800s. Built initially as temporary housing while a larger mansion was being constructed elsewhere, the structure was relocated to its present site during the 1870s.

The house sits within the Lincoln Estate-Elm Park Historic District, a neighborhood that developed as a fashionable residential area for wealthy families during the 1830s and beyond. This setting shows how local elites chose to live apart from the city center while remaining connected to Worcester's growing prosperity.

The house is located in Worcester's historical district and can be explored on foot as part of a walking tour of period homes in the area. Visitors should view the exterior from the street, as this remains a private residence.

The house was originally intended as only a temporary solution while a grand mansion was being constructed nearby, which explains its more modest size compared to other residences of the family. This surprising history of a provisional structure that became permanent makes it a notable example of architectural adaptation.

Location: Worcester

Architects: Elias Carter

GPS coordinates: 42.26667,-71.80722

Latest update: December 14, 2025 15:01