PPS 10 Most Endangered Properties 2011
Friday, May 06, 2011
In a city known for its exemplary architecture, many historic buildings in Providence are vulnerable to decay, disrepair and destruction. Threatened by neglect, insufficient funds, and “inappropriate development,” these buildings are at a risk of disappearing.
As a way to raise awareness of buildings that are potentially on the road to rubble, the Providence Preservation Society announced its a yearly list of the Ten Most Endangered Properties. PPS Executive Director James Hall announced the list in Building No. 10, the Columbus Theater, which was built in 1926 to serve as a theater for Italian plays, events, and films.
Admiral Esek Hopkins Homestead
Now seven acres are all that remains of the 200-acre Admiral Esek Hopkins property. Admiral Hopkins, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Navy during the American Revolution, is credited for establishing the Marine Corps and persuading the British not to occupy Newport in 1774. Admiral Hopkins, the namesake of Admiral Street, built the two-story residence himself. The Hopkins family transferred the ownership of the home to the City in Providence in 1908, under the condition that the property would be maintained as a public park. Since then, the City's Parks Department has had limited funding and has struggled to maintain the home.
97 Admiral Street, Wanskuck
Age: 255 years old, built in 1756
Threat: Underutilized
The Arcade
As America’s oldest shopping mall, the Arcade originally housed 78 small shops and restaurants, and its central corridor served as a public pedestrian route between Downtown Providence’s most important thoroughfares. Built in 1828 and designed by architects James Bucklin and Russell Warren, it is constructed of granite quarried and carved locally at Bare Ledge Quarry in Johnston, Rhode Island. A large skylight illuminates the central corridor and glazed-front shops flank the isles. In 2008, its tenants were forced out to accommodate a proposed $8 million renovation that would transform building to use of a single tenant. PPS notes, “Should the Arcade be reconfigured for a single tenant, the integrity of the interior space, especially the public corridor, will be severely jeopardized.”
130 Westminster Street, 65 Weybosset Street, Downtown
Age: 183 years old, built in 1828
Threat: Vacancy, Interior Modification
“Barnaby’s Castle”
The Jerothmul B. Barnaby House is one of Broadway’s Iconic Victorian mansions, featuring an elaborate patterned-slate mansard roof, turrets, dormers and iron cresting. In 1885, it was enlarged to include a red slate, 12-sided, conical tower and an elaborate conservatory with arched stained-glass windows. Barnaby was a self-made magnate in the ready-to-wear clothing industry. PPS writes, “The eccentric composition and ornamentation of the house break from the restrained traditions of the firm and are thereby attributed to the wild tastes of its owner.” Now, the once impressive Victorian is in a state of disrepair after being vacant and neglected for years.
299 Broadway, Federal Hill
Age: 136 years old, built in 1875, expanded in 1888
Threat: Vacancy, Neglect
Cathedral of St. John
On the PPS “Most Endangered” list every year since 2007, the Cathedral was designed by Providence’s Federal-era architect John Holden Greene and built in 1810. The church is constructed in Smithfield stone with brownstone trim and combines Federal forms with Gothic detailing: the end-gable-roof Federal mass is articulated with lancet-arch windows with tracery. After being included in the 2007 Most Endangered Properties List, the Cathedral received a new roof, but much of the building remains in a state of deterioration. PPS writes, “While the church’s community is supportive of making repairs and maintenance, funds have not been made available for the substantial work that is necessary.”
271 North Main Street, College Hill
Age: 201 years old, built in 1810
Threat: Deterioration
Downtown Providence National Register District
The George C. Arnold building (1923) is a three-story, brick-sheathed structure, typical of low-rise structures built in the area during the years following WWI. In September of 2009, a fire damaged the building, rendering it completely vacant. No repairs have been made since the damage from the fire was incurred.
In 2005, developers demolished the Providence National Bank Building (1940s), promising to save the façade and integrate it into a new structure. When the project was stalled in 2007, the façade remains abandoned, propped up by rusting steel beams.
The Teste Block (1860) also significant as the earliest and one of the last of the narrow, low-rise commercial structures in historic Downtown Providence. The current owner has placed nearly the entire block for sale.
The Benjamin Dyer Block (1820) was originally built by Benjamin Dyer for his four daughters, is four attached row houses in the Federal Style, with bay windows. Each of the four entrances are recessed and set under a brownstone arch.
Threat: Further demolition
Narragansett Electric Lighting (Dynamo House)
The complex is comprised of several brick and granite-trimmed, Georgian Revival-style structures set on the east side of Eddy Street. The Narragansett Electric Lighting Company was formed by Marsden Perry and other Providence businessmen in 1884. The company’s first customer was the owner of a skating rink on Aborn Street. That same year the firm received a contract to produce electricity for 75 arc lamps in downtown Providence. The complex was slated for development as the Heritage Harbor Museum, but has been left open to elements without a roof or windows for years as the development is stalled.
360 Eddy Street, Jewelry District
Age: 99, built in 1912
Threat: Vacancy
Grove Street Elementary School
Built in 1901 the Grove Street Elementary School is an impressive two-story T-shaped building with a granite foundation. When the owner started to demolish the building in 2007 to replace it with a parking lot, he was issued with a stop-work order. Following a series of court actions and appeals, the case has been tied up in the legal system since 2007. PPS writes, “With each passing season, Grove Street School is open to elements and continues to deteriorate.”
95 Grove St, Federal Hill
Age: 110 years old, built in 1901
Threat: Demolition, Neglect
Outlet Parking Garage
In 1963, Providence’s Outlet Company hired architects Gage & Martinson to built a multi-story parking garage. The Outlet Parking Garage was considered to be a symbolism of modernity. Now, current owners want to transform the structure to make room for a surface lot. PPS writes: “The Outlet Garage further represents Mid-Century Modern architecture, a style that is threatened as properties less than 50 years old are often less understood and consequently more vulnerable to inappropriate treatment or demolition.”
100 Pine Street, Downtown
Age: 48 years old, built in 1963
Threat: Demolition, Neglect
Providence Public Schools
Among these recommended for renovation include Asa Messer School and Annex, Vartan Gregorian, and West Broadway Elementary. Among Providence’s distinguishing physical assets is its collection of quality historic architecture. These buildings have suffered neglect and deferred maintenance.
Threat: Vacancy, Neglect
Neighborhood Theaters
The Bomes Theatre is a two-story, Beaux Arts, flat-roof, brick structure with stone trim. On the façade there is an elaborate terra cotta trim and detailed moldings.
The Castle Theatre was distinguished by a handsome Art Deco terra cotta façade punctuated by a stainless steel and enameled metal marquee. Today, it is vacant and is beginning to deteriorate.
The Columbus Theatre is an early work of Oresto di Sais, one of Providence’s first Italo-American architects. Due to fire-codes, the Columbus Theater was ordered to be closed by city inspectors; costs of the fire upgrades would exceed $100,000, an amount the theatre cannot afford.
Threat: Underutilization, Neglect
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