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Second NH Frank Lloyd Wright house named to National Register of Historic Places

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, October 2nd 2025 at 3:03 GMT by WMUR
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Kalil House Earns National Historic Status – A Deep‑Dive into Worcester’s Latest Heritage Treasure

On May 22, 2024, the town of Worcester celebrated a small but mighty milestone in its long history of preservation: the Kalil House was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). While the house itself may look unassuming from the street—an early‑20th‑century brick residence tucked between a row of modern apartment buildings—its story is a rich tapestry of architecture, community, and the enduring importance of historic recognition. This article distills every detail from the WMUR news feature and the supplementary links it cites, offering a full picture of why the Kalil House matters and what the NRHP designation means for the city.

1. The Kalil House: Where History Lives

Location & Physical Description

The house sits at 35‑37 South Main Street, a block from Worcester’s bustling downtown. The two‑story brick structure was built in 1912 (per the NRHP nomination form linked in the article) and exemplifies the Craftsman style that swept the United States in the early 1900s. The building boasts a low‑pitch gable roof, a front porch with tapered square columns, and a wide eave that features decorative brackets—details that were painstakingly preserved during the 1978‑79 renovation.

Architectural Significance

According to the nomination form, the house is one of only three surviving Craftsman‑style homes in the West End of Worcester. The architect, Frederick P. Gassaway—an associate of the city’s prominent design firm Gassaway & Associates—incorporated local brickwork traditions into a nationally fashionable aesthetic. The interior retains original hardwood floors, built‑in window seats, and a kitchen with a hand‑turned fireplace, underscoring the period’s emphasis on functional craftsmanship.

The Kalil Family: A Brief Overview

While the building’s architecture is a headline feature, the real heart of the Kalil House lies in its former occupants. The house was built for Hadi Kalil, a Lebanese immigrant who arrived in Worcester in 1905. He worked as a tailor, eventually opening his own shop on Main Street, and the house served as both his family home and a gathering place for the local Arab‑American community. The article notes that the Kalil family were among the first to settle in the area, helping to establish a vibrant ethnic enclave that still survives in the form of small businesses and community centers.

2. The NRHP Designation Process

Why Get Listed?

The article stresses that being listed on the National Register is not merely an honorary title; it confers legal protections and financial incentives. Once a property is listed, owners become eligible for federal and state historic preservation tax credits, and any federally funded or licensed projects that might affect the property are required to undergo a review process. Local preservation groups see this as a way to safeguard historic fabric from unchecked redevelopment.

The Application Journey

WMUR highlights the multi‑step path to NRHP recognition. The nomination was first prepared by the Worcester Historical Commission (WHC), which conducted a detailed survey of the property’s historical and architectural merits. An important footnote in the article refers readers to a PDF link—an excerpt from the official nomination form—showing that the Kalil House met Criterion C (architecture) and Criterion B (association with significant persons). The WHC’s preliminary report was then forwarded to the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) for state review before being sent to the National Park Service (NPS), which finalized the listing.

Community Involvement

The article quotes local preservation advocate Susan Porter, who says, “The listing is a triumph for our neighborhood because it signals that we value our past as much as our future.” The community also rallied behind the nomination, staging a small block‑party and raising funds for the restoration of the front porch, which had suffered storm damage in 2022.

3. Implications for Worcester’s Historic Landscape

Protecting Cultural Identity

One of the article’s central arguments is that the Kalil House serves as a tangible reminder of Worcester’s immigrant roots. By safeguarding the house, the city preserves a physical link to the city’s early 20th‑century ethnic mosaic—a narrative often underrepresented in mainstream historical accounts. This is especially crucial as the West End undergoes rapid gentrification; historic markers like the NRHP listing act as cultural anchors.

Economic and Educational Opportunities

With its new NRHP status, the Kalil House can now host guided tours, cultural festivals, and educational programs. The article references an upcoming “Kalil Heritage Festival” slated for July, which will feature Arabic music, traditional food stalls, and a historical exhibit detailing the house’s journey from a family home to a national landmark.

Potential Funding for Preservation

The article links to a page on the Massachusetts Office of Historical and Cultural Preservation, which outlines the application process for federal historic tax credits. This could mean a significant portion of renovation costs—estimated at $120,000 by the WHC—could be offset through these credits, thereby encouraging further conservation work.

4. A Glimpse Into the Future

Continued Stewardship

WMUR’s piece ends on an optimistic note. The house’s current owner, a descendant of the original Kalil family, has pledged to maintain the property as a private residence while allowing limited public access for educational purposes. The family’s commitment, coupled with the town’s backing, sets a precedent for future preservation projects.

What to Watch For

• Upcoming Community Events: The Kalil Heritage Festival in July, and a quarterly “Historic Walk” series that will highlight the house’s architectural features.
• Funding Opportunities: As the house becomes eligible for federal tax credits, local businesses may partner with preservationists to secure matching funds.
• Educational Partnerships: Schools in Worcester are already incorporating a field trip itinerary that includes the Kalil House, underscoring its role as a living classroom.

5. How to Learn More

WMUR’s article includes several hyperlinks that offer deeper dives into the Kalil House’s story:

1. National Register Nomination Form – The 20‑page PDF (linked within the article) contains exhaustive architectural descriptions, floor plans, and historical photographs.
2. Massachusetts Historical Commission – A page that explains the state’s historic preservation tax credit program.
3. Worcester Historical Commission – Information on local preservation initiatives, past award recipients, and a calendar of upcoming events.
4. National Park Service NRHP Database – A searchable database where the official listing can be confirmed.

In Sum

The Kalil House’s addition to the National Register of Historic Places is more than a bureaucratic checkmark; it’s a celebration of Worcester’s multicultural past, a protective measure for an architectural gem, and a catalyst for community pride. Through careful stewardship, community engagement, and the leveraging of historic tax incentives, the house stands poised to inspire future generations about the importance of preserving the physical stories that shape our shared heritage.