Just like Upper South Providence, this section of the city was part of Roger Williams' original land purchase in 1636 and remained farmland into the 18th Century. It belonged to Cranston between 1754 and 1868. In response to the introduction of the horse-drawn trolley in 1879 the area developed into the first major streetcar suburb with intense speculative housing development. The closeness to Narragansett Bay led to intense industrial development as well. As a result of suburbanization in the 1950s the general level of prosperity sank in South Providence, leading to an increase in cheaper rental housing, and the subdivision of former one-family homes into multifamily houses. Today many abandoned buildings and lots can be found in this area. One of the most conspicuous urban designs in the area was the 1943 construction of the Roger Williams Housing Project, which after 15 successful years suffered from a lack of funds and appropriate maintenance; in 1991 all but two buildings were demolished. Now a new social housing project is planned to go up in the area.

Use the map on the left to select a location, or click here for a list.

For further information on Lower South Providence, consult the Providence Plan website.
 
 
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