Providence: A Citywide Survey of Historic Resources, 1986

Woodward, Wm; Sanderson, Edward

From introduction: "The Rhode Island statewide historical survey, inaugurated in 1969, has been designed to locate, identify, map, and report on buildings, sites, areas, and objects of historical and architectural value. During the survey, consideration is given to the total environment of the area under study. In addition to outstanding structures and historical sites, buildings of all periods and types, which constitute the fabric of a community, are recorded and evaluated. This survey of the cultural and historical resources of the City of Providence was undertaken for the city by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission as part of the Commission’s statewide effort to discover, evaluate, and protect historic sites, buildings, structures, and objects. It accomplishes the tasks of identifying these resources, establishing a context for their understanding, and presenting these results in a publicly accessible format. Funds for this survey were provided by the National Park Service of the United States Department of the Interior, the State of Rhode Island, and the Providence Mayor’s Office of Community Development... This survey report presents the city’s historic resources within several interrelated frameworks. The heart of the book is the inventory of historic properties, arranged alphabetically by address. Described and analyzed individually, these properties are provided with broader contexts by the accompanying essays. The physical setting for the city’s growth is set forth in "The Texture of Urban Development." Brief chapters on each of the seventeen neighborhoods in the city outline the development of each to provide an understanding of their visual and historical character. The architectural history of the city, arranged by broad building types, serves as an overview of local architecture as well as a guide to understanding the design of individual buildings in the inventory. Similarly, the historical overview provides both a general background and a reference essay for the inventory. Appendices explain survey methodology and the National Register of Historic Places, including a list of Providence properties listed in the National Register. The objectives of this report are fourfold. It is a planning document which can serve as a guide for future development of the city within an historic framework. It is an in-depth study of properties with important historical and architectural associations that document the growth of the city over three and a half centuries. It is an educational and academic background tool for the study of state and local history. And, it can be a catalyst in stimulating civic pride, making residents more aware of their historical and visual environment and encouraging a more informed interest in their collective heritage. To that end this effort is dedicated." 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.

Providence: A Citywide Survey of Historic Resources, 1986

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