Jonathan Bowers/Round House, 58 Wannalancit Street

1872

National Register of Historic Places (6/18/1976)

Located near the top of Wannalancit Street, the Jonathan Bowers/Round House is Lowell’s most unique architectural landmark.  Built in the Second Empire style, the round form is not only a rarity in Lowell but in the entire United States.  Constructed in 1872, it is one of only three round houses known to exist in Massachusetts dating from that period.

The round shape of the house is a variation of the Octagon style popularized by Orson Fowler’s The Octagon House: A Home for All published in 1849.  Octagon homes were primarily built in New York, Massachusetts, and the Midwest between the 1850s and 1870s

The granite house was built by industrialist Jonathan Bowers for his daughter’s wedding reception at a cost of $30,000.  Granite from Bowers’ own Tyngsboro quarry was used in its construction and interior woodwork was fabricated at his own mill.  The house is capped by a fishscale slate mansard roof with a cupola.  Notable features include arched windows, pedimented dormers, round bays, and round granite chimneys.

The Round House is also located within the Wannalancit Street Historic District that was listed on the National Register in 1998.

As you explore Lowell's historic places, please note that many are privately owned.  Please respect the rights of property owners by not trespassing and remaining on public property as you view the community's many historic resources.