Providence Preservation Society releases annual list of most endangered city properties

THE KENDRICK-PRENTICE-TIROCCHI HOUSE on Broadway, also known as the Wedding Cake House, made the Providence Preservation Society's annual list of the most endangered properties in the city. / COURTESY PROVIDENCE PRESERVATION SOCIETY/JAN ARCHER
THE KENDRICK-PRENTICE-TIROCCHI HOUSE on Broadway, also known as the Wedding Cake House, made the Providence Preservation Society's annual list of the most endangered properties in the city. / COURTESY PROVIDENCE PRESERVATION SOCIETY/JAN ARCHER

PROVIDENCE – The Providence Preservation Society this week released its annual list of the most endangered properties in the city and they include previous list mentions such as the Cranston Street Armory, Wedding Cake house and “Superman” building, as well as newcomers, such as four schools, the former Tops Electric Co. and Congregation of the Sons of Jacob.
The purpose of the list, which has been compiled since 1994, is to generate interest in preserving the properties, according to the society.
The properties identified are historically significant properties deemed in threat of deterioration, neglect and demolition. Most have made previous lists, but a few are new, such as Barstow Stove Co., known as Tops Electric Co., at 120 Point St., built in 1849 in the historic jewelry district, and Congregation of the Sons of Jacob, at 24 Douglas Ave., which was built in two stages starting in 1906.
In addition, three middle schools and a former primary school are new to the list this year: the Greek Revival-style Gilbert Stuart Middle School at 188 Princeton Ave. (1930); Georgian Revival-style Roger Williams Middle School at 278 Thurbers Ave. (1932) and the Gothic-style Nathanael Greene Middle School at 721 Chalkstone Ave. (1929). Meader Street School, 20 Almy St., built in 1891, also was included; it was described as one of the last remaining four-room schools in the city.
“Most buildings on the annual lists represent notable aspects of local community life and character,” according to the preservation society.
For example, the Cranston Street Armory, built in 1907 at 315 Cranston St. to house the Rhode Island National Guard, is described as a castle-like structure that has remained largely underutilized since the guard left in 1996 due to rising upkeep costs. The Cranston Street Armory is a repeat structure on the list, having made appearances from 1996 to 2000, 2003, and 2014 and 2015.
The Wedding Cake house, officially known as the Kendrick-Prentice-Tirocchi House, was built in 1867 at 514 Broadway. It earned the nickname for its “elaborate Italianate style” that makes it resemble a gingerbread house. The property is owned by ONE Neighborhood Buildings, a community development corporation, and the Providence Revolving Fund is managing emergency stabilization work on the building. The house, which is for sale, made the list in 2010, 2012 and 2015.
Other properties on the list:

  • Atlantic Mills, at 100 Manton Ave., built in 1863.
  • Bomes Theatre, 1017 Broad St., built in 1921.
  • Ward Baking Co. Administration Building at 145 Globe St. (1908-1956)
  • Broad Street Synagogue, 688 Broad St. (1910-1911)
  • United Presbyterian Church, 619 Chalkstone Ave. (1895)
  • Industrial Trust Building, 111 Westminster St., built in 1928 and known as the “Superman” building for its resemblance to the structure in the comic books and old television show.
  • Rhode Island Hospital Southwest Pavilion, 593 Eddy St., built in 1900.
  • Sheffield Smith House, 334 Smith St., built in 1855.

No posts to display