PROVIDENCE – The National Park Service has added the Liberty Elm Diner on Elmwood Avenue in Providence to the National Register of Historic Places, the R.I. Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission announced Monday.
The diner, a one-story, steel-framed, prefabricated structure, about 10 feet by 40 feet, was built in 1947. The commission said much of the diner remains intact, including a pink Tennessee marble counter with chrome stools, a backbar with stainless steel sunburst-style panels, original oak booths, yellow and blue tile floor, black and yellow tile wainscot and counter apron, light-blue porcelain enamel ceiling and metal hat racks.
The car ordered for then-Central Diner was built by Worcester Lunch Car Company in Massachusetts after Ralph “Truck” Narducci of Providence ordered the custom-built diner in 1947. He initially opened for business at the corner of West Exchange and Gaspee streets in Providence, where the Westin Hotel stands today. Around 1953, he moved the diner about 3 miles down the road to Elmwood Avenue and operated as the Central Diner until 1972.
Since then the diner has had many names, including the Elmwood Diner, Jenn’s Elmwood Diner, Ole Elmwood Diner, Louie’s Diner, Roberto’s Café or La Criolla Restaurant. In 2006, Elmwood resident Carol “Kip” DeFeciani purchased the property and initiated another overhaul, restoring the diner to its historic appearance and opening for business as The Liberty Elm.
“I’m so happy to see Providence get recognition for one of its most unique historic structures, and to bring that recognition into the Elmwood neighborhood where the Liberty Elm Diner is the gateway to the Elmwood Historic District,” DeFeciani said.
