Usen Castle in Waltham Named to 'Massachusetts Most Endangered Historic Resources' List

WALTHAM, MA – A statewide nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of historic landmarks in Massachusetts says Waltham's Usen Castle is on the brink of extinction.

Preservation Massachusetts named the castle to its "Most Endangered Historic Resources" list for 2016, citing Brandeis University's planned construction on the landmark as likely to lead to further demolition.

Earlier this year, Brandeis outlined a plan to construct a new residence hall to replace the current student housing at the castle, while retaining Towers A and B.

"Unfortunately, the Castle was both poorly designed — without the benefit of an architect or engineers — and inexpensively constructed as it took shape during the Great Depression," Brandeis Interim President Lisa Lynch said in a March statement. "Despite our maintenance over the years, the Castle is reaching the end of its useful life."

Preservation Massachusetts claims this construction, expected to begin next year, will result in structural damage that will require further demolition of the iconic landmark.

"If enacted, the Brandeis plan will seriously compromise the architectural integrity of Usen Castle. Brandeis is proposing to leave part of the castle standing," the group said in a statement. "However, there is no guarantee that the surviving part of the structure will not be demolished in the future because there is no plan for that space."

The nonprofit also listed Ladder Block in Downtown Boston, Knox Automobile Factory in Springfield, Notre Dame des Canadiens Church and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church in Worcester, Sea Captains' Row in Hyannis and Truro National Seashore District on the Cape as "Endangered Historic Resources," as well.

Patch reached out to a representative of Brandeis, who was not immediately available for comment.

Photo by Mike Lovett [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons