In the late 1800s, eyeglass maker George Washington Wells consolidated several small lens manufacturers in Southbridge, Massachusetts, creating what would become the town’s largest optical company. By the early 1900s, Wells led the American Optical Company—known locally as “AO”—which grew into one of the world’s largest eyeglass manufacturers. AO eventually operated multiple factories in Southbridge and occupied more than 80 acres along both banks of the Quinebaug River.
© Wellsworth Hotel
One of the company’s principal sites was a former 19th-century textile mill built in 1833 on Mechanic Street, situated on the river’s south bank. Like many New England industrial centers, Southbridge saw manufacturing shift to lower-cost regions and overseas markets. AO’s largest Southbridge factory closed in 1979. After decades of change, the large brick factory—celebrated for its Romanesque architecture—was converted into The Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center in 2001. Following further renovations and a rebranding, the property now operates as The Wellsworth Hotel.
© Wellsworth Hotel
George Washington Wells championed affordable eyewear for all, not just the affluent. He would likely be surprised to see his former factory now offering 203 guestrooms and suites outfitted with contemporary comforts. The hotel combines preserved historic elements with modern amenities, including a fitness center with two racquetball courts, a half-court basketball gym, an indoor pool, Shades Lounge, Visions Restaurant, and 24,000 square feet of meeting space. Guestrooms feature refrigerators, coffeemakers, premium bath products and linens, and complimentary high-speed WiFi is available across the property. Preservation efforts retained the iconic American Optical clock tower as well as the original façade, foyer and marble staircase.
© Wellsworth Hotel
“The Wellsworth Hotel draws on the original brand ethos that balances beauty, form, and function with rich historical significance and an innovative spirit,” said Steve Gardiner, general manager. “Our guests will find the same amenity-rich ambiance as before but with a renewed focus on its historic identity and namesake.”
Located on the original factory site in historic Southbridge, The Wellsworth Hotel blends heritage architecture with contemporary design, making it well suited for both business and leisure travelers. The town’s American Optical Historic District was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting Southbridge’s growing appeal as a heritage destination. The Optical Heritage Museum is about a mile from the hotel, and nearby attractions include Old Sturbridge Village, a living-history museum that recreates early 19th-century rural life with costumed interpreters, period buildings, water-powered mills and a working farm.
Preserving the town’s industrial past while repurposing it for modern use, The Wellsworth Hotel stands as an example of adaptive reuse—honoring the legacy of American Optical and George Washington Wells while offering contemporary hospitality and event space in the heart of Southbridge.