With funding from the State Historic Preservation Office, the Providence Preservation Society surveyed industrial and commercial buildings beginning in the 1990s. The study was meant to continue the research initiated by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission in 1981. These buildings surveyed are meant to comprise an Industrial and Commercial Building District in Providence. Because it is not bound by geographic borders, this district is considered to be the first thematic local historic district in the country. The district currently contains over 220 buildings.
Buildings in the district are under the observation of the Providence Historic District Commission and any renovations must be approved. Buildings included in the district must be reviewed by the Historic District Commission for any major alterations and demolitions and are allowed a 30% State Tax Credit for eligible renovation projects
The goal of the survey was for the Providence Preservation Society to gather information about Providence's historic industrial sites and submit the buildings to be included in the historic district. These buildings were noted to be possible sites of future development and reuse. The information provided in the survey is available to developers who are considering investing in these properties for redevelopment and reuse. Together with federal and state programs, the district hopes to stir interest in preserving and reusing historical sites.
For more
information about the District:
http://www.providenceplan.org/pps/intro.asp
To contact the Providence Preservation Society:
Providence Preservation Society21 Meeting Street
Providence, RI 02903
401-831-7440
401-831-8583 fax
info@ppsri.org