Nov. 4, 2026 | Grove Village
The late-afternoon sun casts a warm glow over the historic brick buildings of Worcester’s Grove Village, where the city’s industrial past is finding new purpose.
Photographer Antonio Pastor captured the scene during one of his regular cycling excursions, stopping for a coffee break at Fuel America on Grove Street.
The area, once part of Worcester’s bustling manufacturing landscape, has undergone a transformation in recent years. Buildings associated with the historic Washburn & Moen industrial complex have been repurposed for businesses, dining and housing.
Among the additions are Fuel America, Grove Village Market and the recently opened Grove Village Lofts, a 46-unit residential development at 90 Grove St. The renovated mill dates to 1863 and was originally used to produce material for hoop skirts.
For Pastor, who frequently passes through the neighborhood on his bicycle, the changing landscape has been a pleasure to document. On this particular afternoon, the sunlight provided an added attraction, illuminating the old brickwork and highlighting the architecture of a neighborhood reinventing itself.
About the photographer: Antonio Pastor is a technology business executive who has called Worcester home since 2005. An avid cyclist and photographer, he combines his passions to capture distinctive images of Worcester and the surrounding communities during his daily bike rides.
About the series: “This Is Worcester” is a Worcester Guardian photography series celebrating the people, places and everyday scenes of Central Massachusetts. Readers are invited to submit photographs for consideration to carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org. Please include a brief description, location and photographer credit.
