Nestled in the northeastern corner of Worcester, Brittan Square is a neighborhood that weaves together rich history, architectural gems, and cultural diversity. With its bustling intersection, longstanding institutions, and evolving character, Brittan Square is both a nod to the city’s past and a testament to its spirit of renewal. This is a community where every street name and storefront tells a piece of Worcester’s grand story, and where local pride is as enduring as the historic buildings that line its avenues.
The Origins of Brittan Square
The story of Brittan Square begins in the late 19th century, as Worcester’s population boomed amid the Industrial Revolution. The area was once farmland, like much of the city’s periphery, gradually transformed into a residential and commercial hub as factories and businesses sprouted up to serve a growing city. Brittan Square emerged as a natural crossroads—anchored by the intersection of Lincoln Street (Route 70), Burncoat Street, and Sunderland Road. This intersection, still the heart of the neighborhood today, quickly became a focal point for community and commerce.
The neighborhood gets its unique name from Levi Lincoln Brittan, an early Worcester industrialist and businessman. While some old-timers believe the square pays homage to “Britain” due to the wave of English immigrants who settled in the area in the late 1800s, historical records confirm it was named for Brittan, who lived and worked nearby and contributed to the civic and economic life of Worcester.
Key Historical Milestones
Brittan Square’s proximity to Worcester’s rail lines and major roadways positioned it for steady growth. By the early 1900s, electric trolley lines ran up and down Lincoln Street, connecting the neighborhood to downtown Worcester and the surrounding suburbs. Shops, bakeries, and pharmacies began popping up along Lincoln Street, serving both commuters and locals.
Significant milestones include:
- The Establishment of Lincoln Plaza: One of Worcester’s first suburban-style shopping plazas, Lincoln Plaza, opened just north of Brittan Square in the mid-20th century. It brought with it anchor stores, grocery chains, and a steady buzz of activity, cementing the area’s role as a commercial center.
- Growth of Educational Institutions: The construction of Burncoat High School in the 1960s, on Burncoat Street, was a major development for local families and contributed to the neighborhood’s vibrant, youthful character.
- Medical Services Hub: Worcester’s legendary commitment to medical care found a home at the Lincoln Street Medical Complex, which has offered healthcare services to residents for decades and continues to be an anchor for the local community.
Notable Landmarks and Buildings
Brittan Square is dotted with buildings and landmarks that serve as living touchstones to its past:
- Grace United Methodist Church: Located on Lincoln Street, this handsome brick structure has served the spiritual and social needs of the neighborhood for over a century, hosting everything from community suppers to charity drives.
- The Old Brittan Square Fire Station: The original firehouse, though now repurposed, stands as a nod to the days when all of Worcester’s neighborhoods had their own tightly knit municipal services.
- Burncoat Park: Minutes from the heart of Brittan Square, Burncoat Park offers peaceful walking paths and tennis courts, and is a favorite spot for neighborhood picnics and youth baseball games.
- Historic Residential Architecture: Take a leisurely stroll down Sunderland Road or Brittan Street, and you’ll spot Victorian-era homes, classic triple-deckers, and sturdy mid-century ranches—each with stories to tell about the generations that have called Brittan Square home.
The Evolution of Brittan Square
Few Worcester neighborhoods have evolved as fluidly as Brittan Square. In the post-war decades, as trends in shopping and living changed, the area adapted—mom-and-pop shops gave way to chain pharmacies and fast-food restaurants, and residential infill added new housing options alongside the old.
Yet, what’s most remarkable is how Brittan Square has managed to balance progress with preservation. Lincoln Street remains a corridor of local business, from beloved pizza joints to multicultural grocery stores reflecting the neighborhood’s growing diversity. Community organizations and longstanding residents work together to keep the neighborhood welcoming, clean, and connected.
Over the years, the neighborhood has drawn new waves of residents—first from England and Ireland, then from Greece and Italy, and today from Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. This ever-shifting cultural mosaic is reflected in street festivals, church congregations, and the variety of cuisines available right at the corner of Lincoln and Burncoat.
What Makes Brittan Square Special Today
Ask a longtime Brittan Square resident what makes the neighborhood special, and you’ll get a smile and a list as long as Lincoln Street:
- A Tradition of Community Events: From summer block parties and picnics in Burncoat Park to winter festivals at local churches, Brittan Square’s calendar is always bustling.
- Walkable & Convenient: With its tangle of bus routes, bike-friendly side streets, and quick access to I-290, living in Brittan Square means Worcester—and all of New England—is at your doorstep.
- Enduring Pride: There’s a fierce love for this neighborhood. Whether it’s former students rooting for the Burncoat Patriots or neighbors gathering to shovel a sidewalk after a big snowstorm, community spirit is alive and well.
- Gateway to North Worcester: As the connector between downtown and northern Worcester towns like Holden and West Boylston, Brittan Square isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s a welcoming gateway for those arriving in the city.
Closing Reflections
Brittan Square is a neighborhood in the truest sense—a place where history is honored, traditions are celebrated, and every resident feels at home. As Worcester continues to change, the character of Brittan Square remains steady: warm, generous, and deeply proud of its roots.
Whether you’re grabbing a coffee at a local café, marveling at the historic brickwork of an old firehouse, or taking in the sights and sounds of a multicultural festival, Brittan Square invites you to discover a unique side of Worcester—one built on history, held together by community, and always looking forward to what’s next.