Category: #ArchiveRI

An amazingly dense complex of mill structures dating from the mid-1800s and in use for over 100 years before succumbing to two large fires in the midst of plans to redevelop

Originally located along N. Main & Canal Sts., across from Roger Williams Park, Providence, the last meat-packing plant survived for about 50 years

A beautiful Second-Empire style, iron storefront, six-story commercial building on the edge of Exchange Place until a fire destroyed it in 1925

The story of two central fire stations located on the perimeter of Exchange Place, now Kennedy Plaza.

The Red Bridge name has been used with four different bridges connecting Providence and East Providence, but this is the one that “Used To Be There”

These three restaurants are a gateway to memories of mid-century immigrant restaurants and their impact on our taste buds.

A mapping project to trace the origins and evolution of the Cove Basin north of Downtown and south of Smith Hill, from 1823 to present day

During this park’s 90-year run, it entertained millions of New Englanders as well as people from all over the world.

A low-slung, semi-circular mid-century modern transportation hub in downtown Providence.

In use for almost 70 years, the East Side Train tunnel burrows beneath College Hill and once connected Union Station to East Providence

A late 18th-century inn in the heart of Colonial Providence’s political seat

A sprawling complex and a leading designer of silver goods for 100 years or more. Still in business (not in RI) as part of the Lenox Corporation.

A mid-century housing complex that survived the blast intended to take it down.

A mystery! How long did this slender building along Charles Street and the Moshassuck river stand?

This imposing, 6-story cold storage facility ran continuously for 98 years. It fell to the wrecking ball before converting these buildings became the cool thing to do

“That very Rhode Island, deliberately shabby den of loud music, cheap beer and all kinds of people”

Abandoned and derelict for 17 years, the former brewery complex that once employed 850 people was razed in 1998. The brand has lived on and has since reclaimed its Rhode Island heritage.

A massive private home designed by important turn-of-the-century minds had as colorful a history as it had decorative stone details.

This freight house was part of one of the first major railroad stations in America and one of the few only surviving structures of its architect Thomas A. Tefft

This property is actually a tale of three things — competitive cycling, a football stadium, and the Providence Steamroller

A previous naval repair facility employing about 12,000 military personnel eventually turned into an industrial park once the Navy left

A big hulking 5300-person capacity civic auditorium that hosted sports and entertainment for close to 50 years.

A former floating gourmet restaurant moored on South Water Street just outside where the Hot Club is today, before the current boat slips

America’s first designed and purpose-built amusement park was open for only 5 years.

A non-descript one story building in the jewelry district was once a job training program for impoverished women

A sweet and spare little gas and service station formerly on Eddy Street. Love the painted transom sign.