Thomas Wright is a project manager at the R.I. Department of Administration. Preserve Rhode Island and the R.I. Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission recently presented him with the Frederick C. Williamson Professional Leadership Award for his work in preserving state-controlled buildings.
Wright recently took some time to talk to Providence Business News about the historic buildings that fall under state control and some of his favorite projects.
PBN: I don’t think people traditionally think of most state buildings holding historical significance. Yet, there’s apparently a lot of history there. Can you tell us a little about the historic buildings you maintain?
WRIGHT: Five buildings come to mind, which certainly would lead the list. Most people obviously think of the Statehouse on Smith Hill but two other statehouses predate it.
The oldest is the Old Colony House, which was built in 1739 in Newport. This is where the Declaration of Independence was read to the citizens of Newport. This was the original Statehouse for more than 100 years.
The next one is the bicentennial building on Benefit Street in Providence, which served as the Statehouse from the mid-19th century until 1903, when the present Statehouse was constructed.
Two other notable buildings are the Veterans Auditorium built in 1951 … and the Stephen Hopkins House on Benefit Street, which was the home of the governor of Rhode Island who signed the Declaration of Independence.
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PBN: Now, you’re not the state historic preservation officer. Why the interest in keeping the historical character of these buildings?
WRIGHT: The R.I. Department of Administration is responsible for maintaining all state property. There are hundreds of state buildings that require maintenance and capital improvements. In the case of the buildings that have historical significance, we work closely with the Rhode Island Historic and Heritage Preservation Commission regarding any restoration work in these structures.
PBN: Is it difficult to persuade the state bureaucracy to go along with historic preservation projects, especially given these economic times?
WRIGHT: I have personally not had a problem in pursuing the capital projects that I manage. There is a capital budget that is submitted by the governor and approved by the legislature every year that requests funding for the next five years to make repairs and improvements to public buildings.
There has been reduced funding overall due to the slow economy, but my experience is that people in state service do have an appreciation for our historic buildings and want to see them maintained.
PBN: What are your favorite projects you have been able to accomplish?
WRIGHT: Two projects come to mind. The Old Colony House in Newport was in a very serious state of decay when I became involved about four years ago. The interior plaster was falling down, the windows were not operational and had not been painted and glazed in decades, and the masonry is in serious need of attention. Three phases of restoration have been completed and the fourth one is now under way.
The second project is the complete replacement of the South Plaza at the Statehouse. The project is now under construction. The broken marble pavers are being replaced with marble from the same quarry in Tate, Ga., where the original marble at the Statehouse was quarried. The broken brick is being replaced from the same brickyard in Ohio.
PBN: What does receiving the Frederick C. Williamson Professional Leadership Award mean to you? I understand you knew Williamson.
WRIGHT: I was very honored to be the recipient of this year’s Frederick C. Williamson Award and give thanks to the Rhode Island Historic and Heritage Preservation Commission and Preserve Rhode Island for this wonderful award.
I knew Fred many years ago, when I began state service as an environmental engineer and saw his commitment to Rhode Island at that time. Fred recently passed away at the age of 95.
My wife and daughter were there in Newport at the recently restored Casino Theatre, and I wish to thank them for their support throughout the years.
