Final Report: Historic Fort Adams Master Plan

Ann Beha Architects

Project background: "The Fort Adams Trust, founded in 1994, is a nonprofit organization that partners with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to operate Historic Fort Adams as a public historic site. The Trust raises funds from a variety of sources and activities to stabilize and restore the Fort, and to keep it open for daily tours, educational and cultural activities. To date, almost $7 million has been spent on restoration of the northern and eastern walls of the Fort, which comprise approximately 20% of the area of the main fortification. Over the past 15 years, the Trust has sought other public or private sector partners that could fund and implement a compatible adaptive reuse for the balance of the main fortification—the southern and western walls, as well as the extensive outer works. To date, this strategy has not met with success and the Fort has continued to deteriorate. This situation, and the decreasing likelihood of major public or private investment in the current economic climate, led the Trust to commission a Schematic Master Plan that would reconsider how the organization can best meet its stewardship responsibilities. In the summer and fall of 2009, the Trust conducted an open solicitation for interdisciplinary teams qualified in: Structural evaluation and design of historic masonry structures including fortifications; Landscape design and site master planning for large historic sites and public parks; Interpretive design for historic sites; Business planning for heritage tourism attractions/organizations; and Designing the visitor experience for large and complex historic sites." Following a review of qualifications, a short list of firms was invited to prepare proposals and present their credentials in person. The team led by Ann Beha Architects of Boston was selected to complete the work. Funding was provided in part by a 2008 Preserve America grant to the Rhode Island State Historic Preservation Office (grant number 44-08-AP-4132). The grant was administered by the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Preserve America is a federal initiative that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy our priceless cultural and natural heritage. The goals of the program include a greater shared knowledge about the nation's past, strengthened regional identities and local pride, increased local participation in preserving the country's cultural and natural heritage assets, and support for the economic vitality of our communities.

Final Report: Historic Fort Adams Master Plan

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