In the 1890s development accelerated as growing demand for housing pushed the urbanized parts of the city closer to the area.

[2] The houses that were built in the first phase of development are predominantly Second Empire in their styling such as the J.E.

Growth slowed in the decade following the Panic of 1873, when just three Gothic Revival houses were built.

[5] The building "has an unusual 'L' floor plan with the main entry of the house located at the junction of the two wings," and the exterior remains "virtually unaltered" with "gable aprons, decorated window caps, and a fine, original front porch.

The final Gothic Revival house built in 1881 (114 Woodland) was designed by Worcester architectural firm Barker & Nourse for Wade H. Hill, owner of the W.H.