Statewide Historical Preservation Report N-N-3: The Southern Thames Street Neighborhood in Newport, Rhode Island

From introduction: "An historical and architectural in-depth survey of the Southern Thames Street Neighborhood in Newport, Rhode Island, was undertaken by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission in conjunction with the city's Community Development Project Area. In addition, this study covers the east side of Spring Street, from Memorial Boulevard to Narragansett Avenue. Though largely outside the Community Development Program Project and Recreation Service, and by the City of Newport, with funds made available through the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Summer Internship Program. In this report, the term "Southern Thames Street Neighborhood" designates the entire Lower Thames Street Community Development Project Area. In addition, this study covers the east side of Spring Street, from Memorial Boulevard to Narragansett Avenue. Though largely outside the Community Development Program Project Area, several of these properties are so integral to the history of this neighborhood that it was essential that they be included in the report. The goals of the Historical Preservation Commission's survey program are accomplished in three stages: field survey and research, preparation of maps and publication of a final report on each area studied. A standard survey form, the "Historic Building Data Sheet," is used throughout the state (Appendix E). It includes both architectural and historical information and a photograph of each building or site. Historical information is obtained from local maps, state atlases, city directories, deed records and published and manuscript histories and guidebooks. Data from the survey forms is transferred onto maps so that an area's architectural and historical assets can be easily identified for preservation planning purposes. The survey forms also provide much of the data for the final report. The report is reviewed by local officials, area residents and local historians in draft form. Upon completion of the project, copies of the survey sheets, maps and final report are filed in appropriate local repositories, such as the city or town hall, historical society or library and at the Commission's office. This report presents a concise analysis of the Southern Thames Street Neighborhood's historical development and recommendations for preservation planning. More than anything else, it is for the use and enjoyment of neighborhood residents. It is also intended for other Newport residents and for city officials. In the appendices are explanations of the National Register of Historic Places, the grants-in-aid program, historic district zoning and the survey form of the Historical Preservation Commission; there is also an inventory of structures and sites of particular significance to the historic character of the area covered in the report and of the city as a whole." Funding was provided in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant administered by the Rhode Island State Historic Preservation Office and the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Statewide Historical Preservation Report N-N-3: The Southern Thames Street Neighborhood in Newport, Rhode Island

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