Westerly, Pawtucket projects to receive state historic preservation tax credits

WESTERLY – Redevelopment plans for the ruins of the Potter Hill Mill in Westerly and the former Church Hill Grammar School in Pawtucket will receive state historic preservation tax credits, the state announced Monday.
The sprawling Potter Hill Mill, which dates to the mid-19th century, is largely beyond rehabilitation but two structures with historical significance could be saved under a revised development plan submitted by applicant Renewable Resources Inc.
The new plan would tentatively restore the partially collapsed buildings for use by business tenants. The developer plans to restore the signature structure, Mill Building No. 1, which was constructed in 1840 of red granite, as well as Mill Building No. 6, which contained the former boiler for the mill structures.
Building No. 1 is notable for its architecture, according to Ted Sanderson, executive director of the R.I. Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission. It was designed in a Greek revival style by Peleg Clarke and features a smooth granite exterior with horizontal slabs of alternating size. The mill was known for manufacturing a rough cotton cloth that was used in slave clothing, according to Sanderson.
When completed, the mill project will qualify for $500,000 in state tax credits, according to documents released by the R.I. Division of Taxation.
In another award announced Monday, the state will make available $750,000 in state tax credits for renovation of the former Church Hill Grammar School, at 81 Park Place, in Pawtucket.
The building, constructed in 1889 in the Queen Anne revival style, is a two-and-a-half story brick structure with granite trim. It was a school for 60 years and later became the city school system’s school administration building.
It was designed by Rhode Island architect William R. Walker, according to Sanderson, who was the architect for several schools and town halls in the area, including Warwick Town Hall.
The redevelopment plan, submitted by applicant Everett A. Amaral, of Amaral Revite, will receive $750,000 on completion.
The plan would renovate the structure as office space, according to Sanderson.

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