PPS names city’s most endangered properties

By Emily Greenhalgh
PBN Web Editor
Twitter: @EGreenhalgh

PROVIDENCE – The Providence Preservation Society has released its list of the 10 most endangered properties in providence.

The list seeks to identify historic structures threatened by development. “In a city known for its extraordinary architecture, many historic building are unfortunately still threatened by factors such as neglect, insufficient funds, adverse public policy and inappropriate development,” the advocacy organization said in a release.

After nominations by the public, the society identified 10 properties facing the threat of destruction. New to this year’s list are:

• Flower shop and green house (1885), 398 Hope St.

• Foreclosed multifamily housing stock (Varying), Citywide

• Roger Williams Park Seal House (1938), Roger Williams Park

• Ward Baking Company administration building (1908-1956), 145 Globe St., Jewelry District

The six other structures on this year’s list also appeared on lists in prior years:

• Cathedral of St. John (1810), 271 North Main St., College Hill

• Former R.I. Department of Transportation headquarters (1927), 30 Arline St., Smith Hill

• George C. Arnold Building (1923), 98 Washington St.

• Jerothmul B. Barnaby House “Barnaby’s Castle” (1875-1888), 299 Broadway, Federal Hill

• Kendrick-Prentice-Tirocchi House (1867), 514 Broadway, Federal Hill

• Narragansett Electric Lighting House “Dynamo House” (1912), 360 Eddy St., Jewelry District

The Preservation Society’s annual list is modeled after the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 11 Most Endangered Places and started in Providence in 1994.

The society says it hopes the list serves as a catalyst for sustainable development by sparking conversation and finding solutions that ensure preservation.

The society noted four successes in protecting properties placed on previous lists.

The Preservation Society named the Masonic Temple, the Foundry, the Shepard’s Building, and most recently the Teste Block, which was featured on the 2011 list, as “saved” properties.

For the full 2012 list of the most endangered properties in Providence, visit www.ppsri.org.