PRES341/541 - Riverside Square Revitalization Assessment - FA21 by Cummings School of Architecture

PRES 341/541 BUILDING/SITE DOCUMENTATION & RESEARCH METHODS FALL 2021 RIVERSIDE SQUARE REVITALIZATION ASSESSMENT Elaine Stiles, Assistant Professor of Historic Preservation

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Acknowledgements This research was made possible by the following participants. Partner Organizations GrowSmart RI East Providence Department of Planning & Economic Development School of Architecture, Art and Historic Preservation, Roger Williams University Community Partnerships Center, Roger Williams University Project Partners Jillian Finkel, GrowSmart RI Bill Fazioli, City of East Providence Department Planning & Economic Development James Moran, City of East Providence Department of Planning & Economic Development Patrick Hanner, City of East Providence Department of Planning & Economic Development Dominic Leonardo, East Providence Department of Planning & Economic Development Ginette Wessel, Roger Williams University Elaine Stiles, Roger Williams University Students in PLAN 511: Interdisciplinary Planning Workshop, Fall 2021 Evamarie Alessandroni Thomas Herc Tyler Patria Jonathan Ames Brianna Jordan Karissa Prios Doug Brown Bryan Laborera Carleigh Procyk Caleb Hayward Joseph Larue Alejandra Quintera

Kylee Simpson Jonathan Stark-Sachs Brianna Valcourt Michael Welch Samuel Ziccardi

Students in PRES 341/541: Building & Site Documentation and Research Methods, Fall 2021 Alyssa Bailey Avery Corcoran Brianna Jordan Christina Sewall Tayla Burns Kayla Hansen Xuanzi Li Jonathan Stark-Sachs Malcolm Wells

Acknowledgments

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The neighborhood of Riverside is located in the City of East Providence which is part of Providence County in Rhode Island. Riverside’s convenient geographic proximity to Providence and coastal assets have shaped its growth overtime. Riverside Square marks the neighborhood downtown via the intersection Bullocks Point Ave and the East Bay Bike Path (a former rail line). Riverside Square offers local eateries, shops, churches, historic buildings, and serves as a connection point to waterfront access to the south and west for its residents and visitors to enjoy. While Riverside Square is a place with its own unique qualities and assets, it has a lot of unrealized potential that could help the existing residents build a prosperous future while also making the area a must-see destination. A way to capitalize on these assets in Riverside Square is the implementation of

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First, the project demonstrates the need for developing Main Street initiatives in local Rhode Island communities. GrowSmart RI is undertaking an initiative to develop a state-wide approach to Main Street revitalization. They seek to implement a program that will provide organization and support for people working to promote, activate, and beautify our main streets, downtowns, and village squares. The Riverside Square Revitalization Assessment illustrates the potential of Main Street revitalization efforts.

This data-driven report is informed by extensive community participation from the neighborhood and city officials. On November 8th, 2021 the students hosted a community open house event at the Riverside Congregational Church with 100 attendees. The open house was a way to share data and engage the community in strengthening Riverside Square. The report includes qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis that supports recommendations for future planning and development.

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Second, the project supports the City of East Providence’s development of a Mixed-use Overlay District for Riverside Square that will enhance business diversity and residential opportunity. The Riverside Square Revitalization Assessment supports this effort by assessing the existing economic, social, and physical conditions of the community and identifying assets and challenges to support policy and design recommendations for revitalization.

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The Riverside Square Revitalization Assessment is a collaborative effort between Roger Williams University students in Dr. Ginette Wessel’s Interdisciplinary Planning Workshop course, Dr. Elaine Stiles’ Building Documentation and Research Methods class, City of East Providence planners, GrowSmart RI planners, and Riverside residents and community groups. The project supports multiple concurrent planning efforts.

The project area primarily includes the Riverside Square which has 33 parcels and 28 buildings in the commercial area. It also has 22 ground floor businesses. Data and statistics are generated from the Riverside neighborhood boundary that is defined by US Census Tracts 106, 107.01, and Census Tract 106 & 107 107.02.

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Project Overview

a community-driven revitalization plan. Main Street Approach Rhode Island is full of traditional commercial districts – where we go for brunch or a stroll, where we bring our out-of-town guests, shop for gifts, and run into friends and neighbors. Our main streets, downtowns, and village squares are the centers of our communities, provide an environment where small businesses can thrive, and make RI a unique, interesting, and fun place to live, work, and visit. Working under the framework long-established by the National Trust Main Street Center, the Rhode Island Main Street initiative will draw upon best practices from around the country to help maintain and grow our unique and beloved places as vibrant anchors for businesses and communities. The National Trust Main Street Center’s “Four Points” approach to main street and downtown revitalization includes organization, promotion, design, and economic vitality: • Organization establishes consensus and cooperation by building partnerships among the various groups who have a stake in the commercial district. By getting everyone working toward the same goal, a Main Street program can provide effective, ongoing management and advocacy for the district. • Promotion takes many forms, but the goal is to create a positive image that will rekindle community pride and improve consumer and investor confidence in a district. Advertising, retail promotional activities, special events, and marketing campaigns help sell the image and promise of the Main Street to the community and surrounding region. Promotions communicate a district’s unique characteristics and offerings to shoppers, investors, business owners, and visitors. • Design means getting Main Street into top physical shape and creating a safe, inviting atmosphere. It

Project Overview

takes advantage of the visual opportunities inherent in a commercial district by directing attention to all its physical elements: public and private buildings, storefronts, signs, public spaces, landscaping, merchandising, displays, and promotional materials. Its aim is to stress the importance of design quality, to educate people about design quality, and to expedite improvements. • Economic Vitality strengthens a community’s existing economic assets while diversifying its economic base. This is accomplished by retaining and expanding existing businesses to provide a balanced commercial mix, converting unused or underutilized space into productive property, sharpening the competitiveness and merchandising skills of business people, and attracting new businesses that the market can support.

Table of Contents Acknowledgements Project Overview 1.0 Main Street Revitalization Case Studies ...........................................................................1 1.1 Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma ..................................................................................2 1.2 Lafayette, Louisiana .........................................................................................................5 1.3 Winston-Salem, North Carolina ......................................................................................9 1.4 Roslindale Village, Boston, Massachusetts ....................................................................13 1.5 Washington Street Gateway, Boston, Massachusetts ...................................................17 1.6 Woonsocket, Rhode Island ............................................................................................20

2.0 People, Social Capital, and Housing ..................................................................................23 2.1 People and Social Capital ...............................................................................................24 2.2 Housing ..........................................................................................................................26 2.3 Stakeholder Analysis ......................................................................................................27 2.4 Capturing the Voices of Riverside .................................................................................28 2.5 Open House Feedback ...................................................................................................29 2.6 Recommendations .........................................................................................................31

3.0 Historic Preservation ..................................................................................................................34 3.1 Riverside Historical Narrative .........................................................................................35 3.2 Cultural Resource Survey Results and Recommendations ...........................................39 3.3 Survey of Relevant Statutes and Related Funding Programs ........................................44 3.4 Survey of Codes and Regulations ..................................................................................47 3.5 Example Design Guidelines ...........................................................................................48 3.6 Historic Properties on the National Register of Historic Places ....................................48 3.7 Neighborhood Preservation Model ...............................................................................52 3.8 Recommendations .........................................................................................................53

4.0 Economic Development ............................................................................................................55 4.1 Statistical Analysis ...........................................................................................................56 4.2 Existing Retail Types .......................................................................................................60 4.3 Vacant Lot Survey ..........................................................................................................61 4.4 Land Use Investigation ..................................................................................................64 4.5 Survey of Finance Tools .................................................................................................65

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4.6 Open House Feedback ..................................................................................................67 4.7 Recommendations ........................................................................................................68 4.8 Site Specific Recommendations ....................................................................................69

5.0 Transportation and Circulation ...............................................................................................71 5.1 Community Assets ..........................................................................................................72 5.2 Street Hierarchy ..............................................................................................................72 5.3 Traffic ..............................................................................................................................72 5.4 Bus Routes ......................................................................................................................72 5.5 Bike Path and Foot Trails ................................................................................................72 5.6 Walkability ......................................................................................................................79 5.7 Wayfinding ......................................................................................................................79 5.8 Parking ............................................................................................................................79 5.9 Open House Summary ...................................................................................................79 5.10 Recommendations .......................................................................................................83

6.0 Public Amenities and Streetscapes .....................................................................................88 6.1 Introduction and Methodology .....................................................................................89 6.2 Block Conditions ............................................................................................................89 6.3 Street Surfaces Conditions ............................................................................................89 6.4 Sidewalk Surfaces Conditions ........................................................................................94 6.5 Curb Surfaces Conditions ..............................................................................................94 6.6 Building Typologies and Conditions ..............................................................................94 6.7 Open House Feedback ..................................................................................................94 6.8 Recommendations .......................................................................................................103

Appendices ...........................................................................................................................................106 Appendix 1: Cultural Resource Survey Forms ....................................................................107 Appendix 2: Demographic Maps & Market Reports .........................................................262 Appendix 3: References .....................................................................................................303 Appendix 4: List of Figures Citations .................................................................................304 Appendix 5: Mixed Use Overlay Map ................................................................................306 Appendix 6: Financial Tools for Businesses Flyer ..............................................................307 Appendix 7: Block and Building Conditions Survey Forms ................................................308

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Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies 1.0 Main Street Revitalization Case Studies ...........................................................................1 1.1 Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma ..................................................................................2 1.2 Lafayette, Louisiana .........................................................................................................5 1.3 Winston-Salem, North Carolina ......................................................................................9 1.4 Roslindale Village, Boston, Massachusetts ....................................................................13 1.5 Washington Street Gateway, Boston, Massachusetts ...................................................17 1.6 Woonsocket, Rhode Island ............................................................................................20

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

1.1 Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma Year Program Founded: The Kendall Whittier Main Street program (KWMS) was founded in 2010. Population The current population of Tulsa, Oklahoma’s metropolitan area is just over 1 million residents according to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. Main Street Area The covered area is substantial with approximately 33 blocks within the program’s “service area” centering on Whittier Square and fanning out along commercially oriented streets spurring from Lewis Avenue. Stakeholders The stakeholders of the community are the Tulsa Planning Office, Oklahoma Department of Commerce – Oklahoma Main Street, and Oklahoma Arts Council.

Figure 1.1 Circle Theater. Source: Rich Fischer

Figure 1.2 “Selfie Wall” Mural. Source: Brecklyn Hudson

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

Grants and Funds The funding for the community comes from the Kendal Whittier Improvement District supporting $60,000 per year. KWMS also touts over “$158 million in private dollars reinvested” and lists sponsors on its website including Fowler Toyota, Williams Companies, Tulsa Food, Tulsa People, Tulsa Habitat for Humanity, and the George Kaiser Family Foundation although it does not list individual contributions. Location Kendall Whittier was the first suburban commercial development in Tulsa, at the beginning of the 20th century. This coincided with the establishment of the University of Tulsa nearby in 1907. The neighborhood saw its greatest era of economic growth between the 1920’s and the Second World War after the designation of US Route 66, which ran through Whittier Square. In the post-war years, and particularly with the construction of the interstate highway in the 1960’s, the area went into rapid decline. The area become mostly vacant and associated with a seedy atmosphere as the existing businesses were mostly “adult” oriented. After the success of the Main Street program, the area is home to an eclectic array of businesses with food and drink, art and music, and an independent film theater. At least half of employment in the larger neighborhood is within the manufacturing or educational services industries. The neighborhood is one of the most diverse in all of Tulsa, with “students, young professionals, families, and seniors” as well as being a center for Hispanic food and culture with a growing population. The neighborhood is easily accessible by the freeway, which bisects the historic neighborhood, although this division remains a scar separating the population and businesses from cohesion. The streetscape otherwise provides easily navigable thoroughfares. In terms of public transportation, there are five bus routes with numerous stops within the bounds of Kendall Whittier that provides easy access to the main

commercial hubs. Although the area has strong potential for biking with some routes already planned, there are currently no dedicated bike lanes within the main street area. Origins In 1991 the City of Tulsa completed its KendallWhittier Neighborhood Masterplan to begin stabilizing and revitalizing the area. The project was funded by the city on one hand and a combination of the university, local businesses, and community churches on the other. The portion of the plan focusing on the Whittier Square was updated in 1996 to provide more detailed analysis for future redevelopment. While these efforts laid the groundwork for the revitalization that was to come, it took the establishment of a local main street program in 2010 to give the neighborhood the kick start it needed. Working from a core of local businesses including the local independent movie theater, Circle Cinema, and an art store named Ziegler Art & Frames, Kendall Whittier Main Street began its revitalization. By partnering with these businesses for events, the main street group was able to draw people into the area who could see its potential.

The original director of the program pointed to the series of public events and programs as the key to their success in bringing new people to the area and attracting new businesses. Among these are bi-monthly farmers markets, art installations and murals, free yoga lessons in the park, and a monthly concert series on a pocket park created by placing rolls of AstroTurf over a parking lot. Kendall Whittier Main Street also has their own facade renovation grant program that has awarded over $40,000 to local businesses. During the COVID pandemic, KWMS did not want to lose any of their progress establishing new businesses and started another one-time grant fund for rent abatement. Preservation Whittier Square is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district as well as being designated a local historic district by the Tulsa Historic Preservation Commission. As a local

Economic Development The economic progress made in the area since the founding of the Main Street program has been considerable. As of 2018, 39 new businesses started. During the period from 2012 to 2018, commercial property values increased 46%. The main street program describes its overall progress the following way: “When KWMS got its start in 2010, the district had a 35 percent occupancy rate. Thanks to community-led business recruitment and retention efforts, occupancy has grown to 100 percent today. Kendall Whittier is now home to a mix of galleries, breweries, restaurants, and non-mainstream retail. . . . KWMS has seen a total of 350 jobs created and $158 million private dollars reinvested.”

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

Figure 1.3 Zoning Map. Source: Tulsa Development Authority

historic district, proposals for exterior renovations or repair must be approved via design review by the city’s preservation commission. There are three other properties listed as individual properties in the neighborhood, The Circle Theater, Phillips 66 Station No. 473, and the Tulsa Monument Company. Because of their designation, the individually listed properties and contributing structures within the Whittier Square Historic District can qualify for Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit for projects that follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, which will refund 20% of qualifying expenses. Land Use The entire corridor along Lewis Avenue going through Whittier Square is already zoned and utilized as a mixed-use development. Much of the area surrounding Lewis Avenue is residential. There is some limited industrial and business park use at the southeast corner. The remaining area in the district consists of a mixture of open space parkland and the university campus, which is also considered public, open space land. There is very little vacant land in the district, limited to a few small parcels abutting the expressway.

September 23, 2021, https://www.mainstreet.org/ mainstreetamerica/mainstreetawards/gamsa/gamsa2020/ kendallwhittier. Tulsa Development Authority. “Kendall Whittier Sector Plan.” 2016. http://tulsaplanning.org/plans/Kendall-Whittier-SectorPlan.pdf. Tulsa Planning Office. Kendall Whittier Improvement District. Accessed September 23, 2021, https://tulsaplanning.org/dd/ kwid/. Visit Kendall Whittier. “2017-18 Annual Report.” Accessed September 23, 2021, https://visitkendallwhittier.com/wpcontent/uploads/2018/06/2017-18-KWMS-Annual-Report.pdf. Visit Kendall Whittier. “Become a Sponsor.” Accessed September 23, 2021, https://visitkendallwhittier.com/sponsor/. Visit Kendall Whittier. “COVID-19 Rent Relief Program.” Accessed September 23, 2021, https://visitkendallwhittier. com/rentrelief/. Visit Kendall Whittier. “Facade Grant Program.” Accessed September 23, 2021, https://visitkendallwhittier.com/ facadegrants/.

Housing The housing stock within the Kendall Whittier neighborhood is predominantly detached single family homes on either side of Lewis Avenue. While it is not entirely clear to what extent mixed use has penetrated the commercial stock along the main corridor, the zoning allows for it. There are also a few blocks of high density, multi-family residential housing on the east side of Lewis Avenue south of Whittier Square. Sources

Killman, Curtis. “Tulsa area population tops 1 million for the first time, Census Bureau data says.” Tulsa World, May 5, 2021, https://tulsaworld.com/news/local/tulsa-area-populationtops-1-million-for-first-time-census-bureau-data-says/ article_92eda23c-ace3-11eb-b51f-af0d39031dee.html. “Kendall Whittier Main Street: 2020 Great American Main Street Award Winner,” Main Street America, accessed

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

1.2 Lafayette, Louisiana Year Program Founded In 2014, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) developed the Downtown Lafayette Action Plan as their main regional economic development tool. The plan was created to replace the previous 1989 Growth Management Program. The Downtown Lafayette Action Plan works in relation to the Comprehensive Plan developed for the entirety of the Parish Lafayette sits within. Population Downtown Lafayette has a total population of 3,611 residents. The entirety of the City of Lafayette has a total of 131,034 residents while the County has a total of 247,147 according to ESRI 2021 population data. Main Street Area The entirety of downtown Lafayette covers 0.86 square miles. Jefferson St is a major roadway that runs north/south through the center of downtown and acts as a primary hub of activity, stretching appx. 1.4 miles from the intersection of W. Grant St and Jefferson St. (where you’ll be greeted by a welcome sign reading “Downtown Lafayette”) to the end of Jefferson St. where it intersects with US Route 90. Program The DDA is the key stakeholder and commanding organization of downtown Lafayette’s revitalization efforts. The authority works in unison with the subdivision Downtown Lafayette Unlimited (DLU). The DLU is a private, non-profit corporation that is member-based. The two organizations have worked to develop the Downtown Lafayette Action Plan and implement several programs that provide grant opportunities to businesses to bring back historical significance to downtown Lafayette. Stakeholders The DDA acts as the primary stakeholder in the development of downtown Lafayette providing the

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

grants for several development programs business. “The DDA is funded with property tax assessed on commercial buildings within the district and has a budget of approximately $450,000 per year”. The Downtown Lafayette Unlimited has a total of 220 members, each of which also act as a stakeholder as they pay membership dues. The DLU saw 90% growth in membership in 2019 as more residents of the community and business owners wanted to take part in the development of their downtown. Other stakeholders include local architects, interior designers, downtown residents, business owners, and preservationists residing within the community. Grants and Funds The DDA provides grants for the following programs; Blade Sign Program which the DDA covers up to 90% of the cost, but not to exceed $2,000; Facade Improvement Grant Program which the DDA covers up to 50% of the cost, but not to exceed $20,000; Storefront Awning Program which the DDA covers up to 50% of the cost, but not to exceed $2,500; Retail Tenant Improvement Program which is a reimbursable grant by the DDA covering up to 50%, but not to exceed $3,000 for spaces under 1,500 sq. ft. or $5,000 for spaces greater than 1,500 sq. ft. Location Lafayette is in the center of the region of Acadiana, located in Southwest Louisiana. Acadiana is home to the Cajun ethnic group and Creole people; two groups that play a large role in the culture of Lafayette. With a heritage of Caribbean and French descent, music such as Cajun and Zydeco have come out of Acadiana, along with food dishes such as jambalaya and gumbo. Downtown Lafayette is a vibrant, cultural hub with several museums, galleries, and public art pieces across the downtown. A great deal of restaurants and retail benefit downtown’s economy, while major tech companies have begun to also bring in hundreds of jobs. Lafayette is the largest parish of the city, making it the central hub for activity bringing in people

from all over Acadiana and beyond. Lafayette is at an advantage for success due to factors such as a pleasant climate, proximity to the University of Louisiana, and the connection to the I-10/I-49 corridor. There are five railroad crossings within the downtown area, and a public bus service. Approximately 49.8% of residents in downtown Lafayette are White while 46.8% of residents are Black. The median age of residents is 34.9, of which 60% are considered white collar, alluding to the fact that the area attracts a younger group of professionals, possibly those working in the technology industry. Origins Working with business owners and developers, the Downtown Lafayette Action Plan aims to further the physical, economic, and cultural development of the downtown. The DDA’s board members consist of two officers, and five additional staff members. The DLU was established in 1983 as a private, nonprofit organization. The DDA and DLU work hand in hand to uphold the main street program and ensure

success for the community. Stakeholders outside the realm of the DDA or DDU are primarily business owners within the community, or individuals professionally interested in urban development such as architects or preservationists that reside within the community. The Downtown Lafayette Action Plan sets out to increase the amount of high-quality residential units downtown, improve streetscapes and transportation opportunities by bicycle and public transportation, and transition to mixed use zoning. In 2013, the DDA established the Development & Design Center (DDC) to help implement the plan by working with stakeholders, coordinating with property owners, and providing schematic designs to developers and owners upon request. Economic Development In recent years, several tech companies have landed in downtown Lafayette, bringing in hundreds of jobs to the community. CGI (a global international technology firm) is expanding into a 50,000 sq.

Figure 1.4 Downtown Layfayette. Source: Travel, Lafayette

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

ft. space in the Versailles Centre. Its placement in downtown has already provided 500 jobs and projects to reach 800 by 2023. In addition to CGI, several other tech companies are bringing jobs including Waitr (200 jobs), and the Opportunity Machine (400 jobs). Retail and restaurants also play a large role in the economy. Since 2018, 14 new businesses have opened. Vestal is a new restaurant where the food is sourced from local vendors and artisans and prepared in house. Downtown Lafayette also hosts several events that bring in visitors and publicity to the local businesses. Every second Saturday, museums, galleries, or studios host events as a part of the Art Walk event series. Downtown Alive! is an event produced by the DLU, creating an outdoor street party concert series that brings in visitors to the various restaurants lining the downtown streets.

Figure 1.5 Iconic Signage. Source: Travel, Lafayette

Figure 1.6 Rooftop View of Downtown Lafayette. Source: Travel, Lafayette

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

Preservation Lafayette has a vast history, first being documented in 1815, establishing itself as the town of Vermilionville in 1820, and later, the city of Lafayette in 1884. There are several historical buildings located downtown that have been preserved and still exist today. The Preservation Alliance of Lafayette works to preserve these buildings along with maintaining attractive historical neighborhoods by restoring, rehabilitating, and developing properties for adaptive re-use in respect to the US National Park Service Historic Preservation Guidelines. The Preservation Alliance has documented 72 notable properties for historic preservation across the city. The Downtown Lafayette Action Plan’s grant programs also work to preserve historical significance by providing grants for storefront development from signage to the additions of awnings to create a cohesive, culturally significant downtown. As a part of the DDA’s preservation initiative, a large three-dimensional sign spelling out “LAF ETTE” was erected downtown (Figure 1.5). The sign acts as a symbol of the history and culture of downtown as it is repainted multiple times a year by local artists. The sign has become an iconic landmark like the sign overhead at the top of Jefferson St welcoming visitors into downtown. Art plays a large role in the preservation of downtown as it tells stories of Lafayette’s past and future. It also plays a significant role in the development of the community as it brings people in potentially boosting opportunities for tourism and in turn benefiting downtown’s economy. Additionally, it provides a sense of culture and insight into the history of downtown and the significance of the community. Land Use Downtown currently consists of 29 restaurants, 39 retail spaces, 7 sleeping accommodations, 15 galleries, museums, and theaters, and 4 parcels which also double as event venues. There is not much green space aside from four parcels. Most of the land use is commercial with some single

and double family homes and a few apartment complexes. As a part of Downtown Lafayette’s Action Plan, the goal is to hopes to create more mixed-use development with an intention to follow streetscape models from their sister city, Paris. Using Paris as a base model, the DDA plans to transition from single and double story buildings to buildings that are three to five stories high. By doing this, it will allow for mixed-use buildings with businesses on the ground floors and residential above with comfortable exterior public spaces that are walkable. Housing Housing opportunities are severely lacking in downtown Lafayette. Many people currently reside in the suburbs or rural areas of Acadiana and must commute into downtown for work. As of 2014, the downtown accommodates less than 1% of the region. Providing high-quality city living is the primary goal of Downtown Lafayette’s Action Plan. In doing so, the plan creates an environment that is walkable, bikeable, transit friendly, and car friendly. Currently, there are plans to develop over 200 new residential units. The primary interest is having young professionals move into one-bedroom units that are possibly new graduates or people working in the tech center who desire a live-work lifestyle.

September 23, 2021. https://communityanalyst.arcgis.com/ esriCA/index.html. “DDA Grant Programs - Downtown Lafayette Unlimited Lafayette, LA.” 2019. Downtownlafayette.Org. July 17, 2019. https://www.downtownlafayette.org/resources/developerresources/dda-programs/. “Downtown Development Authority CEO Anita Begnaud on the Discover Lafayette Podcast: Energy Downtown Has the Area Poised for Explosive Growth.” 2019. Theadvocate.Com. July 1, 2019. https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/news/ business/article_db7b78d4-9bac-11e9-b977-7b3d9bcc59f4. html. “Downtown Lafayette - the Center of Acadiana Business and Culture.” 2019. Downtownlafayette.Org. January 23, 2019. https://wwwdowntownlafayette.org. Lee, Bernadette. 2021. “Downtown Lafayette Continues to Thrive & Grow.” Kpel965.Com. February 2, 2021. https:// kpel965.com/downtown-lafayette-continues-to-thrive-grow/. “Main Menu.” 2009. In 2009 IEEE Pacific Rim Conference on Communications, Computers and Signal Processing. IEEE. “Notable Properties.” 2013. Wordpress.Com. January 31, 2013. https://preservationalliancelafayette.wordpress.com/notableproperties/.

Additional Information The Downtown Lafayette Action Plan contracted Agora Partners in 2020 to help inform a comprehensive capital improvement plan and programming strategies for the downtown parks. The DDA and DLU are pursuing an amenity-based strategy to program Parc Sans Souci. They are focused on developing small activity “hubs” or “nodes” for scheduled programs and to produce sustained daily activity in the parks. Zones of activity include music/performance, skateboarding, Y-Lafayette, Splash Pad, playgrounds, dining and table games. Sources

“ArcGIS Community Analyst.” n.d. Arcgis.Com. Accessed

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

1.3 Winston-Salem, North Carolina Town/State Located in Forsyth County, North Carolina, downtown Winston-Salem is a hub of cultural and economic development in the center of the city. Winston-Salem is part of a larger community known as the Piedmont Triad consisting of Greensboro to the east, Winston-Salem to the west, and High Point to the south. Winston-Salem has formed the nations 75th largest metropolitan statistical area, with a population of over one and a half million. Winston-Salem has a strong business community and is one of the country’s most desirable places for entrepreneurs.

Figure 1.7 Stakeholder List. Source: The Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership

Year Program Founded The Main Street program was founded in 2013, but built off of a previous Downtown Plan of WinstonSalem from 2001. Population Downtown Winston-Salem is the fourth largest metropolitan area in North Carolina, with a population of 244,000 people. The population of the area is constantly growing, adding around 2,000 people. The three most common ethic groups are White (Non-Hispanic), African American, and White (Hispanic). The average age of the area is mid-30s. Main Street Area The core area comprises of four urban districts: Courthouse Square, Theatre District, Arts District, and Twin City Quarter. The area consists of approximately 32 blocks, but are unequal in size and connect through multiple different streets and avenues. These districts are walkable serving shops, entertainment, restaurants, and hotels. The downtown area becomes full of activity and the uniqueness of each district helps establish the downtown’s character and identity. Location Winston-Salem has been referred to as the “Camel City” after the world-famous Camel cigarette

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

Figure 1.8 Aerial View of Downtown. Source: Downtown Winston-Salem

Figure 1.9 Art District. Source: Downtown Art District

brand, created by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. The tobacco company became the city’s largest employer and made the city at one point the largest city in the state. The tobacco industry plays a major role in the historical context of the city. Despite downtown Winston-Salem serving as a “hub” for various modes of transportation, most residential areas are outside of the downtown area which makes the car the primary mode of transportation. The number of cars on the roads is constantly increasing, which is accounted for through employment and population growth in the downtown area. The plan seeks to improve the area’s walkability, connectivity, bicycling, public transportation, and parking amenities. Economic Development The downtown area remains not only the geographic center of Forsyth County, but it is also a center of job creation, tax generation, arts, and entertainment. Downtown remains one of the largest employment centers in the Piedmont Triad region with 25,000 employees working within a one-mile radius and is expected to double over the next 20 years. The arts and entertainment opportunities have increased dramatically since 2006, and the downtown has been established as a regional retail entertainment destination. The expansion of events continues and jobs and entrepreneurship rises. Winston-Salem has a proud history of innovation and entrepreneurship, with many companies starting in the downtown area, ranging from manufacturing to banking to doughnut shops. In 2011, 14 new start-up businesses were established in the downtown area and most of the 80-plus restaurants have been started locally. Bringing in tourist is not hard, where an estimated 1,000,000 out of town guests visit annually. Different attractions such as the Winston-Salem Dash minor league baseball team, Old Salem, Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, Stevens Center, and Millennium Center are all assets for the community.

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

Other events and festivals include fairs, Oktoberfest, brewing festivals, brewpubs, and film fests. These events happen throughout the year, bringing in visitors year round. Preservation To date, 14 downtown projects have been historic rehabilitation projects. There are multiple landmarks, blocks, and districts that are on the National Register of Historic Places. The Arts District/Downtown North is a National Historic District, with many landmarks in the area and in the surrounding districts. Landmarks such as the Main Post Office Building, Safe Bus Company, and multiple buildings along W 4th Street provide the proof that history is important to the community. The Forsyth County Historic Resources Commission has a role in protecting and enriching the county’s historical, architectural, and archaeological heritage through the preservation of historic resources. Land Use Each district has unique functions that bring people into the downtown area: Courthouse Square is more of an urban gathering place and mixed-use development; the Art District is more historical, full of character of the past and present; the Theater District is an entertainment center; and the Twin City Quarter is largely hotels, a convention center, and mixed-use development. Given the history of downtown Winston-Salem, a vast majority of the area is designated for mixed-use. One exception that is outside of the major downtown area is the historic Holly Avenue Neighborhood that is primarily residential. There are a small number of parks in the downtown area including Civic Plaza in Courthouse Square, Winston Square Park in the Theatre District, Corpening Plaza in the Skyline District, Arts Park in Goler Heights, and Crystal Towers Park in West Side Mixed-Use area. Multiple parks, plazas, and greenways can be found within Wake Forest Innovation Quarters. Housing The skyline of Winston-Salem is full of high-rise

buildings, which promotes a large amount of human interaction and efficient land use. The downtown area has a concentration of highdensity office development. Several housing developments can be located, such as West End Village, Trader’s Row, and One Park Vista. When compared to other major metros, the cost of living stands out for its affordability. Winston-Salem is ranked among the top 25 cities nationally in terms of housing affordability according to the June 2019 index and has a lower cost of living than Raleigh, Charlotte, and many other urban centers across the country. The plan pushes for more residential housing options, hoping to add highrise residential developments. The challenge is to provide condominiums and apartments at a variety of income levels. As of today, there are 15 different housing complexes, and 3,028 total units under construction. Many of the apartment and housing complexes are multi-level income and serve studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments.

Additional Information The Arts District is known for its historic character and vibrant streetscape. Known as “City of Arts and Innovation” the district was founded in 1950 and is the first municipal arts council in the country. There are multiple colleges and universities in the area. Salem College, is the oldest women’s school in the country and 13th oldest college. Wake Forest University is a private university with a liberal arts curriculum. Winston-Salem State University is a historically black university that is ranked among the top public universities in the south, specifically for programs such as motorsport management and nursing. Forsyth Technical Community College is one of the largest community colleges in North Carolina, serving over 30,000 students each year offering over 200 programs. Sources

“Cost of Living.” Greater Winston-Salem, Inc., 13 Nov. 2020, www.winstonsalem.com/living-here/cost-of-living/.

Figure 1.10 3D Site Plan. Source: J. Sinclair

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

“Downtown Plan: Winston Salem.” Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership, 2013. “Forsyth County Historic Resources.” Arcgis Web Application, cows.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index. html?id=913a540a712745e3ac2e965b23e307e9. Hutcheson, John A. “Winston-Salem.” NCpedia, 2006, www. ncpedia.org/winston-salem. “Interactive Map of Historic Locations.” City of Winston-Salem: Planning and Development Services Department. https://www. cityofws.org/1450/Interactive-Map-of-Historic-Locations “Nonprofits & Community Groups.” The Winston-Salem Foundation. https://www.wsfoundation.org/nonprofitscommunity-groups “Partnering.” The Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership, 1 Aug. 2018, www.downtownws.com/partnering/. “Quick Facts.” The Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership, 26 Feb. 2016, www.downtownws.com/partnering/quick-facts/. “Residential Archives.” The Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership, www.downtownws.com/property-category/ residential/. “Winston-Salem Downtown Plan.” City of Winston-Salem: Planning and Development Services Department. https://www. cityofws.org/908/Downtown-Winston-Salem “Winston-Salem, NC.” Data USA, datausa.io/profile/geo/ winston-salem-nc/#demographics. “2021-2022 Proposed Annual Budget.” City of Winston-Salem: Budget and Evaluation Department. https://www.cityofws.org/ DocumentCenter/View/20386/FY-2021-22-Proposed-BudgetDocument

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

1.4 Roslindale Village, Boston, Massachusetts Town/State Roslindale Village, also called Roslindale Square is a small, distinct area of Roslindale neighborhood which itself is a satellite suburb of Boston, Massachusetts. Year Program Founded: 1985 Population The 2021 population of Roslindale Village is approximately 230 people with approximately 29,386 people living in Roslindale neighborhood in 2020. Main Street Area Roslindale Village is approximately 0.06 square miles. The district encompasses Adam’s Park which is a triangular park space that is bounded by

Washington Street, Poplar Street, and South Street which are lined with commercial and municipal buildings. Roslindale Village is surrounded by residential neighborhoods on all sides having a commuter rail station to the east near the Arnold Arboretum. Program Roslindale Village Main Street program is a nonprofit organization established in 1985 as one of the first Main Street revitalization programs in the country. It began with the help of then City Councilor Thomas Menino and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Roslindale Village Main Street has a volunteer board of directors constituted of residents, professionals, and business owners working to connect members of the community together, collaborate with stakeholders and business owners, and provide organizational and administrative oversight for projects and events. Grants and Funds The program’s primary donors are Boston Main Streets Foundation and Peregrine Group LCC. Other groups include The Cooperative Bank (TCB), Cummings Electric, Birch Street House and Garden, among several other local businesses, banks, churches, individuals, and families. Location Roslindale was originally a part of Roxbury when Roxbury was first settled in 1630. Roslindale established their first independent parish in 1712 but remained a part of Roxbury until the latter half of the 19th century. Along with Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury, Roslindale separated from Roxbury and combined into an independent town in 1851 to maintain their “separate agricultural town,” later joining the city of Boston in 1873. Roslindale Village is the historic center of Roslindale, where much of its historic architecture originated.

Figure 1.11 Roslindale Baptist Church. Source: Wikimedia Foundation

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

Roslindale Village has a vibrant and successful cluster of smaller “mom and pop” shops providing various services. Roslindale Village Main Street

program provides a business directory on their website to connect residents to their local economy. A large majority of the commercial business in the area include industries related to food and drink, medical and wellness, salon services, retail, and community resources. The remaining minority of industries constituting white collar services are banking, legal, tax services, and a few auto-repair shops. This is the result of establishing clear goals and principles to guide their revitalization; focusing on local ownership, a sense of community, selfreliance, local empowerment, and distinctive architecture. There is a commuter rail station in Roslindale Village that takes 45 minutes to get to Downtown Crossing. The closest MBTA station is Forest Hills that is along the Orange Line.

Figure 1.12 Revitalized 1911 Roslindale Substation. Source: Historic Boston

Population In 2020, of Roslindale’s 29,386 residents, 45.7% are White, 20.6% are Black/African, 25.1% are Hispanic/ Latino, 3.5% are Asian/Pacific Islander, and 5.2% are some other or multiple races. About 40.7% of Roslindale’s residents speak a language other than English in their homes. Economic Development In the first three years of Roslindale Village Main Street’s operation, Roslindale Village saw 33 facade changes, 43 commercial building rehabilitations, 29 net new businesses, and 132 net job gains; totaling over 5 million dollars in investments. One neighborhood event that has been created by the revitalization effort is the weekly farmer’s market that takes place every Saturday and moves indoors during the winter months. The market hosts vendors from local businesses, farmers, and musicians giving residents and other customers an opportunity to socialize and support the local businesses. In 2018, Roslindale Village Main Street hosted its annual tree lighting ceremony and Small Business Saturday simultaneously. The event drew nearly 350 residents enjoying free hot chocolate, making ornaments, and visiting with Santa and Mrs.

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

Figure 1.13 Arnold Arboretum. Source: American Public Gardens Association

Figure 1.14 Roslindale Congregational Church. Source: UCC

Clause. Preservation There are currently no historic districts in Roslindale. Despite this, Roslindale Village’s revitalization incorporates the reuse of historic buildings to maintain the community’s sense of character. Roslindale Village is the historic center of Roslindale with buildings from the neighborhood’s 19th century growth.

property owners to develop strategies and grants to promote the preservation of historical integrity, facades, and minimum maintenance.

There are only two Roslindale properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Roslindale Congregational Church is timber framed, shingle style, and is influenced by the Richardsonian Romanesque style of 1893. The Roslindale Baptist Church began construction in 1884 as a wooden church with substantially intact stick-style ecclesiastical architecture, including wooden clapboard and carpenter gothic revival style windows and moldings. Together, the two churches are important resources for Roslindale Village because they add to the Village’s strong collection of late 19th and early 20th century architecture.

Land Use Roslindale Village is encompassed by the Roslindale Square Neighborhood Design Overlay District. The overlay district is intended to protect the existing scale of architecture, character of residential neighborhoods, integrity and concentration of historic buildings, and quality of the pedestrian environment.

Recently, Roslindale Village Main Street received preservation awards from Preservation Massachusetts and the Boston Preservation Alliance for the Roslindale Substation. The Main Street program partnered with Historic Boston, Incorporated, and Peregrine Group to develop a 1911 historic substation for commercial use and 44 rental units. Since opening in 2017, the Substation has hosted two local breweries, retail space, and offices. Historic Boston outlines the historic properties that could benefit from restoration and renovation. Their list includes Fairview Hall at 47 Poplar Street built in 1891, the Delfino Building at 754 South Street built between 1898 and 1905, and the Prescott Building at 17 Poplar Street built in 1929. As of 2011, recommended strategies for these buildings include nomination for the National Register of Historic Places, feasibility for renovation utilizing historic, and “non historic” tax credits offering assistance to

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

Another notable structure includes the Mary Baker Eddy House, located at 175 Poplar Street. It was built in 1879 and designed by the same architect who designed the original buildings of Boston College.

Roslindale neighborhood is a quiet suburb when compared to Boston-proper due to its lack of meaningful nightlife. Much of Roslindale is residential. The western half of the neighborhood, closer to West Roxbury, is mostly rural and suburban with single and double family homes. The northern and eastern parts of the neighborhood, closer to Jamaica Plains and Mattapan, are more densely populated with double-family and triple-decker homes. Roslindale Village is currently a vibrant commercial district with several small businesses such as; food markets, bakeries, and restaurants. Several of the food shops in Roslindale Village include bakeries, a fish market, an Italian butcher/deli, a Halal butcher, a wine shop, a Mexican specialty food store, a Middle Eastern market, and a cheese shop. Roslindale Village also has several popular restaurants, attracting many patrons out of Bostonproper. The Arnold Arboretum, which borders Roslindale Village to the north, is about 280 acres offering residents open green space. The Arnold Arboretum is a nature preserve protected and supported by

Harvard University for the study of temperate woody plants in North American and Eastern Asian flora. It is freely open to everyone and offers educational programs for visitors. Housing Many of Roslindale Village’s colonial homes are now condos that house Boston’s growing population. There is also a strong mix of single-family homes, Boston’s iconic triple-deckers, and smaller apartments. The Roslindale Zoning Board approved two projects for Roslindale Village: a new 18 unit condo to be built at the intersection of Washington Street and Archdale Road, and three new floors to be added to a one-story building on Poplar Street to accommodate nine new apartments. The new condo will replace an auto-repair shop and will have parking and ground-level retail space. Two of the 18 units will be sold as affordable housing. Redfin considers Roslindale’s housing market to be “very competitive.” Currently, the average sale price of a home is about $660,000 which is nearly $280,000 above the median sale price of a home nationwide. In 2020, only 4.8% of Roslindale 12,114 housing units were vacant, with approximately 2.5 persons on average in each unit. Sources

ArcGIS Community Analyst. Last accessed Sept. 23, 2021. Boston Planning & Development Agency. “Roslindale.” At a Glance. Last accessed Sept. 23, 2021. http://www.bostonplans. org/neighborhoods/roslindale/at-a-glance. Boston Planning & Development Agency. 2020 U.S. Census Redistricting Data: Boston Overview. Boston, 2021. City of Boston. “Roslindale.” Last modified July 30, 2021. https://www.boston.gov/neighborhood/roslindale. Historic Boston, Incorporated. Commercial Casebook: Roslindale Village. Boston. MA, Historic Boston, Incorporated, 2011. Historic Boston, Incorporated. “Roslindale Substation Revival Receives Two Preservation Awards.” Last modified Sept. 24, 2021. https://historicboston.org/roslindale-substation-revivalreceives-two-preservation-awards/. NeighborhoodX Boston. “Roslindale.” Boston | Neighborhoods.

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

Last accessed Sept. 22, 2021. http://boston.neighborhoodx. com/neighborhoods/71. Redfin. “Housing Market Overview.” United States Housing Market. Last accessed Sept. 24, 2021. https://www.redfin. com/us-housing-market. Redfin. “Roslindale Housing Market Trends.” Roslindale Housing Market. Last accessed Sept. 24, 2021. https://www. redfin.com/neighborhood/2341/MA/Boston/Roslindale/ housing-market. Roslindale Village Main Street. “Our History.” About Us. Last accessed Sept. 23, 2021. https://www.roslindale.net/about-us. Roslindale Village Main Street. “Board & Staff.” About Us. Last accessed Sept. 23, 2021. https://www.roslindale.net/about-us. Roslindale Village Main Street. “Business Directory.” Last accessed Sept. 23, 2021. https://www.roslindale.net/businessdirectory. Roslindale Village Main Street. “Sponsors & Supporters.” About Us. Last accessed Sept. 23, 2021. https://www.roslindale.net/ about-us. The National Main Street Center, Inc. “Small Business Saturday 2018: Neighborhood Champions of Main Street America.” Main Street America. Last modified Dec. 13, 2018. https://www.mainstreet.org/blogs/national-main-streetcenter/2018/12/13/small-business-saturday-2018-main-streetamericas. The President and Fellows of Harvard College. “About Us.” Last accessed Sept. 24, 2021. https://arboretum.harvard.edu/ about/. Universal Hub. “New housing in Roslindale approved.” Roslindale. Last updated Aug. 29, 2020. https://universalhub. com/2020/new-housing-roslindale-approved. US Department of the Interior. National Park Service. National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Roslindale Baptist Church. Washington, DC, 1991. US Department of the Interior. National Park Service. National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Roslindale Congregational Church. Washington, DC, 1991. Von Hoffman, Alexander. Local Attachments: The Making of an American Urban Neighborhood, 1850 to 1920. Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press, 1994. https://archive.org/details/ localattachments00prof/page/n9/mode/2up.

1.5 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts Year Program Founded: 1998 Main Street Area Washington Gateway Main Street program oversees a 1.4 mile stretch of road in between Herald Street and Melnea Cass Boulevard. Program Washington Gateway Main Street program focuses on land use, economic development, housing, and the preservation. The mission statement of the program is: “Washington Street will be a safe, inviting, tree-lined boulevard that draws people to its parks, shops, cafes and quality services. Known for its efficient transportation, vibrant architecture, abundance of artists, and its cultural, age, and economic diversity, it will be a shopping destination for the unusual and ordinary, and a desirable place

to live, work, shop, and visit.” Location Planned in 1801 by Charles Bulfinch, Washington Street saw prosperity towards the end of the 19th century. The street enticed theater-goers at the Windsor and Columbia theaters. Restaurants provide for theater-goers as well as residents. The street is lined with Victorian era row houses and parks, many of which still exist in some form today. Originally a bustling location within a vastly developing Boston, Washington Street drew large crowds of immigrant families to the community establishing it as one of the most diverse neighborhoods. Origins Former Mayor, Thomas M. Menino, established the Washington Street Task Force in 1995. Within two years, a group known as the Washington Gateway Main Street group split off from the task force after having been founded by Sheila Grove and Randi Lathrop. This group set out and established the plan and goals that have shaped the face of this community. The mayor and director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority, John F. Palmieri, are heavily involved in the program. Economic Development The Washington Gateway Main Street program has fostered the growth of roughly 60 new businesses. “By 2007, $600 million in targeted investment had transformed the street.” The revitalization is now “making the corridor a destination for local services, home furnishings, art, and dining.” The community has seen growing prosperity where the shops and restaurants are open relatively late into the evening. The community also does fundraising efforts that are coordinated with several of the art galleries and restaurants on the street.

Figure 1.15 Washington Gateway Street View. Source: Washington Gateway Main Street

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

Preservation The historic row houses that were created in the mid 19th century still stand and are a key part of the communities history. Today, historic Federal-era and Victorian structures, many listed and designated on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973

and 1983, are intermixed with contemporary loft developments. The community contains the largest church in New England, the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. The church was completed in 1875 and has undergone an extensive series of preservation initiatives. Several of the parks along the street have undergone preservation and beautification efforts due to their historic nature. Blackstone and Franklin Square are two parks that can be dated back to the original development of the Washington Street neighborhood. Housing The Washington Gateway Main Street program sought to limit housing displacement. “To prevent the displacement often associated with gentrification, the city focused on housing opportunities for a range of family household incomes.” The housing within the neighborhood has been developed with high density due to new zoning initiatives.

The draw to Washington Street is that a large portion of the developed housing stock is affordable for community members. “Nearly 60% of the 1,750 new and renovated housing units are affordable, with an emphasis on owner-occupied housing.” The focus on new housing development within the area has transformed the neighborhood into an affordable and diverse community. Additional Information Washington street has undergone a physical transformation since the foundation of the Washington Street Task Force. “The state’s transit authority and highway department spent $54 million on landscaping, the strategic installation of 18-foot brick sidewalks, granite curbing and crosswalks, lighting, and sheltered canopies that serve as stops for the new Silver Line Bus Rapid Transit.” This has helped to increase transit accessibility within the community as well as the walkability

Figure 1.16 Gateway Corridor. Source: Washington Gateway Main Street

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

of the community. “By 2007, $600 million in targeted investment had transformed the street.” The community has several volunteer groups that promote the beautification and preservation of the community. There are also pushes for increased street art throughout the community. Livening the street even more with donations can express the opportunity to pay artists to paint electrical boxes and large murals on walls. Washington Gateway Main Street program is a success story of the potential for Main Street programs within the US. Their initiatives have a balanced focus on the economy, housing, and community. The community has invested heavily into their street aesthetic as a way to improve the quality of life. Several fundraising efforts have been set up bringing food trucks to the neighborhood and thus encouraging a lively street life. The community is now active during all times of the day making Washington Street safe and full of activity.

Accessed september 17th 2021, http://www.bostonplans.org/ getattachment/32e9b68a-ce1b-41c7-808c-0395cb4f4d19 History of Blackstone and Franklin Squares, Blackstone Franklin, Accessed September 19th 2021, http://www. blackstonefranklin.org/southend Washington Street: Boston Massachusetts, Great Places Streets, APA, Accessed september 15th 2021, https://www. planning.org/greatplaces/streets/2008/washingtonstreet.htm Washington Gateway Main Street, Washington Gateway, Grass Roots Fund, Accessed September 15 2021, https:// grassrootsfund.org/groups/washington-gateway-main-street

Sources

Advocacy Project, Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Boston Preservation, Accessed September 17th 2021, https://www. bostonpreservation.org/advocacy-project/cathedral-holy-cross Boston: Economy, US Cities, City-Data, Accessed September 17th 2021, https://www.city-data.com/us-cities/TheNortheast/Boston-Economy.html Boston: Measuring Diversity in a Changing City, Boston Plans,

Figure 1.17 Main Street Food Trucks. Source: Washington Gateway Main Street

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

1.6 Woonsocket, Rhode Island Overview The Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative is the main initiative facilitating the revitalization of Main Street in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Woonsocket was incorporated as a city in 1888 and consists of just over 40,000 residents as of 2010. The heart of Woonsocket is its historic downtown area, defined as Main Street and the adjacent riverfront area. Main Street has two anchors: the Museum of Work and Culture and the Stadium Theatre. Woonsocket is located in the Blackstone River Valley, in the north-east corner of Rhode Island. Year Program Founded The Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative was founded in 1989 under the name Woonsocket Main Street Riverfront Initiative. Population As of the 2010 census, Woonsocket includes 77.7 % of the residents identifying as White. 53.5% of Woonsocket is described as being between the ages of 25 and 64. As described in the 2012 comprehensive plan, “according to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines, 64% of all persons in the City qualify under the definition of low/moderate income”. Transportation The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is the public bus option in and out of Woonsocket. The comprehensive plan for the city, written in 2012, highlights the difficulties encountered by RIPTA when serving the city. “The existing bus service is insufficient to meet the needs of job seekers looking for second or third shift work as the buses do not run frequently enough, there are not enough express routes, the buses do not enter many of Woonsocket’s neighborhoods, and do not arrive at several major employment centers…”

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

A privately run, non-profit transportation service is run by Northwest Transportation Service, Inc. This organization serves indigenous, elderly, handicapped and disabled residents. However, the comprehensive report points out that the most vulnerable still do not have access to adequate transportation. “Low-income residents have fewer options than the elderly or disabled and should be targeted for future programs.” History The city of Woonsocket enjoys the Blackstone River Bikeway which is currently over 18 miles long. The bikeway connects to the Main Street “district” and is an important public transportation access point. The city has a long history, like other New England towns, of great industrialization. The once thriving industry has trended towards a recent pattern of disinvestment heading into the latter half of the 20th century. It’s most significant period was

Figure 1.18 Woonsocket City Hall. Source: Kenneth Zirkel

Figure 1.19 Stadium Theater. Source: Lauren Clem

during the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century. According to the comprehensive plan, “The growth of the railroads led to further industrial growth and to the development of extensive mill complexes, most of which were involved in the textile industry. These mills attracted immigrant laborers, the first of which came here in the 1840s from Ireland and several other European nations. These immigrants were followed by great numbers of French Canadians from Quebec in the 1870s and 1880s. A wave of Ukrainian immigrants came to Woonsocket in the early 1890s. Each of the immigrant groups brought with them vestiges of their native cultures, and established their own parishes and church complexes as centers of social activity. Of all these groups, the French Canadians have left the greatest mark on Woonsocket. Their influence is evident in the names of streets and places throughout the City.” Stakeholders As a non-profit organization, the Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative’s focus is the “revitalization of Woonsocket Main Street Area.” The collaborative partners include the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, Neighborhood Works, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, and the City of Woonsocket. The organization relies on donations and outside grant funding. Most recently, the Collaborative received funding from the Rhode Island State Council of the Arts for a “Back in Time” mural. Location In 2003, the City commissioned another Main Street/Riverfront Revitalization Plan, called the Downtown Riverfront Revitalization Plan, prepared by the Urban Design Group. These plans offered several suggestions on ways to improve the city’s downtown core and riverfront area. Some of these recommendations have come to fruition, while others have not. In 2009, the City initiated a Wayfinding Master Plan for downtown Woonsocket, which represents the City’s evolution in ideas for revitalizing the Main Street. There have been plenty

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

of challenges as outlined in the comprehensive plan, “Main Street suffer[s] from the surrounding vacancies, the lack of pedestrian traffic in the area, marginal commercial uses, and questionable levels of design control. It is a challenge for the city to stimulate appropriate development along Main Street.” Origin The Collaborative has created a series of community events to bring pedestrian traffic as well as support small business vendors. They invite local food and beverage vendors as well as artists with handmade wares to participate. They sponsor events like Arts in the Valley and a food and wine event which is happening at a new, local brewery called Lops which opened in 2019. Events like Murder at the Museum, Twilight on Blackstone and an annual Main Street Holiday Stroll are important to the community’s identity. While Covid-19 has impacted some of the community events, they remained resilient. Social media, their website, and the local newspaper, The Valley Breeze, are some of the ways in which the Collaborative is doing outreach and gaining publicity. Economic Development Woonsocket’s economy revolves around industrial park development such as the Highland Corporate Park. Currently, the city is the home of CVS Health Corporate Headquarters. CVS is Rhode Island’s only Fortune 50 Company, and Woonsocket’s number one corporate citizen, with local employment of approximately 3,500 people as of 2012. There is substantial employment in healthcare, retail, and food service. Preservation Woonsocket has an impressive number of historic resources. There are over 30 National Register Historic Sites and 8 National Register Historic Districts. Two of the listings anchor downtown. Land Use Downtown has mostly commercial and industrial

zoning. In the 2012 Comprehensive Plan, it discusses the creation of a Main Street Overlay. As of the 2019 zoning regulations for the city, there is a Main Street Area and Downtown Overlay District. The district regulates the development and use of land, buildings, improvements, and facilities in the Main Street area; allows additional permitted uses that encourage further growth and concentration of art, cultural and entertainment attractions; promotes the use of vacant and underutilized properties; and encourages a walkable vibrant environment.

“Rhode Island State Council on the Arts”, accessed Sept. 22, 2021, https://risca.online/grants/grant-recipients-fy22-springcycle/. “Department of Transportation: Blackstone Bikeway”, accessed Sept. 23, 2021, https://www.dot.ri.gov/travel/bikeri/ blackstone.php “Lops Brewing: about”, accessed Sept 24, 2021, https://www. lopsbrewing.com/about.

The comprehensive plan indicated, that most future residential development in Woonsocket will consist of rehabilitation and infill in the city’s older, dense neighborhoods. Additional Information The 2012 comprehensive plan has indicated that there have been multiple buildings lost to demolition, abandonment, neglect and disrepair. There were plans to begin a public outreach and education campaign to gain support for reinstating a Local Historic District Commission. Still, this process seems to have stalled. The city would benefit greatly, especially the Main Street area, by instituting a local historic district commission to ensure the continuation of historic character and fabric of its built environment. The Woonsocket Historic Society is small but enthusiastic about the city’s rich history. The relationship between a local historic district commission and the historical society is a benefit for not only the Main Street but the entire city. Sources

City of Woonsocket, 2012 Comprehensive Plan. “The Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative” R.I. Cooperate Database, accessed Sept. 22, 2021, https:// business.sos.ri.gov/CorpWeb/CorpSearch/CorpSummary. aspx?FEIN=000057833&SEARCH_TYPE=1 “The Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative; about”, accessed Sept. 22, 2021, https://www.dwc02895.org/about

Chapter 1: Main Street Revitalization Case Studies

Chapter 2: People, Social Capital, and Housing 2.0 People, Social Capital, and Housing ..................................................................................23 2.1 People and Social Capital ...............................................................................................24 2.2 Housing ..........................................................................................................................26 2.3 Stakeholder Analysis ......................................................................................................27 2.4 Capturing the Voices of Riverside .................................................................................28 2.5 Open House Feedback ...................................................................................................29 2.6 Recommendations .........................................................................................................31

Riverside Open House November 8, 2021, Riverside Congregational Church. Figure Source: Author.

Chapter 2: People, Social Capital & Housing

2.1 People and Social Capital

Statistics programs. The vintage of the data is 20152019, 2021, 2026. US Census Tracts in this study include 106, 107.01, 107.02. These census tracts include 13 block groups.

The purpose of this chapter is to identify the stakeholders, social capital, and community priorities in Riverside. This chapter explores the community through interviews, maps, and infographics using US Census information. The data was collected for Census Tracts 106, 107.01, and 107.02. These census tracts are consistent with the Riverside Square Market Analysis conducted in 2017.

Population As of 2021, the population of Riverside was 12,955 people. In 2000, the population was 13,709 people. This shows that the population has decreased by 800 people over 20 years. Figure 2.1 shows the population and other key facts in Riverside. Figure 2.2 shows the distribution of the population in Riverside using block groups. There are 6,121 males and 6,874 females, with around 700 more females. Figure 2.2 shows the gender comparison of females and males by age in 5-year increments. A larger portion of the population’s age is between the 55-69 years old.

The following data is sourced from Esri's Community Analyst which produces data reports and infographics to demonstrate data trends. Their partners in collaboration to provide this data include: American Community Survey (ACS), Current Population Survey, Esri, GfK MRI, Data Axle, Local Area Unemployment Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, and Current Employment Demographic Summary 3 Census Tracts

Prepared by Esri

440070106.00 (44007010600) et al. Geography: Census Tract

DEMOGRAPHIC SUMMARY

INCOME

3 Census Tracts Geography: Census Tract

KEY FACTS

12,955

47.4

$71,098

$36,475

$158,917

Median Household Income

Per Capita Income

Median Net Worth

Population Median Age

200000+

150000-199999

5,667

$52,922

Households

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This infographic contains data provided by Esri. The vintage of the data is 2021, 2026.

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Figure 2.1 Demographic Summary for Riverside, RI.

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Median Household Income

Average Household Size

Age Every 5 Years Diversity index is a measure of racial and ethnic diversity in a community. The diversity index of Male Population FACTS EDUCATION Riverside is lower at 31.9 dueKEY to its large white Female Population population at 86.6% (Figure 2.3). The other KEY FACTS EDUCATION percentages in12,955 the area consist of 4.6% African 47.4 American, 0.7% Population American Indian, and 1.4% Asian. 8% 12,955 47.4 The Hispanic Origin in the area is at 5.0% and is Age Median Population 8% projected to increase to 6.7% in 2026. As of now 29% Median Age the majority of the population is White, with a small 2.3 No High School Some College $71,098 Diploma diversity percentage. 29% 33% 30% 5 Year Incraments 2.3 No High School Some College Bachelor's/Grad/Pr Median Household Average High School $71,098 FigureDiploma 2.3. Sex by Age for Riverside, RI. Income Household Size Graduate of Degree 33%INCOME 30% Income Median Household Average High School Bachelor's/Grad/Pr The median household income for Riverside Income is Household Size Graduate of Degree Age Every 5 Years Diversity $71,098, however, the incomes vary. Figure 2.5 shows the median household income along with per Male Population Age Every 5 Years Diversity capita income and median net worth of the peopleFemale Population of Riverside. The majority of household incomes inMale Population Female Population Riverside are between $100,000 to $150,000, which makes up 19.1% of the population. Most ranges $71,098 $36,475 $158,917 83,378 of income consists of 10-15% of the population, Median Household Median Net Worth 12,074 2021 Average 31.9 Per Capita Income 11,222 Income Household Income suggesting that the household income varies 2021 Diversity Index 2021 White 2019 Pop Age 5+ by (Esri) (Esri) Population (Esri) Language Spoken at throughout the town. 31.9 11,222 12,074 Home Base (ACS 5-Yr) 600

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The average income in Riverside by household is INCOME 5 Year Incraments $83,378. There are a total of 99 households with the average age of 25 or less. INCOME The most common income range for this group is between $10,000$14,000. Households with the householder age between 25 and 64 years of age have a income between $75,000-$99,000. 0-4

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Figure 2.4(Esri) Diversity of Riverside, RI.(Esri) Population

2019 Pop Age 5+ by Language Spoken at Home Base (ACS 5-Yr)

This infographic contains data provided by Esri, Esri and Data Axle. The vintage of the data is 2021, 2026.

CRIME INDEX

$71,098 $36,475 $158,917 83,378 Overall Crime Crime Index 31 30 Median Household Per Capita Income Median Net Worth 2021 Average There were Income 36,813 crimes reported in 2021 with a Household Income Property Crime $36,475 $158,917 (Esri) Overall Crime third of it$71,098 being property crime and the rest being83,378 31 personal crimes. Figure 2.6 Income showsMedian an overall crime Median Household Per Capita Net Worth 2021 Average Income Household Income Property Crime infographic contains data providedindex by Esri, Esriof and 31, Data Axle. The vintage data is 2021, 2026. index ofThis30, property crime and a of the(Esri) Figure 2.5 Crime in Riverside, RI. personal crime index of 24.

24 Personal Crime

Personal Crime

In Riverside there are a high number of single- © 2021 Esri family homes. According to land use designations in the City of East Providence Comprehensive Plan, residential zones are high density, medium density, and low density. In Riverside, the high-density zone is around 15.51 acres, and has around 50 units. This includes residential complexes with affordable housing units and units dedicated to senior citizens.

This infographic contains data provided by Esri, Esri and Data Axle. The vintage of the data is 2021, 2026.

2.2 Housing

This section focuses on the housing in the community, with the emphasis on the Riverside Square and the different types of units in the community.

Chapter 2: People, Social Capital & Housing

Pro

By the LOOF Carousel and Crescent Park there is an affordable housing complex. The medium-density land uses are 56 acres that contain 290 units. The low-density land uses are approximately 100 acres and contain around 420 units. According to the ESRI Community Profile of Riverside, there are 5,667 housing units in Riverside in which 66.5% are owner occupied, 27.2% are renter occupied, and 6.3% are vacant. The median home value in 2021 is $246,290 and in 2026 it is estimated to be $278,326. Around 35.3% of the housing units that are occupied by owners have a value of $200,000-$249,999. In 2010, 67.5% out of the 5,667 units in Riverside were households with 2+ people, 24.9% were households with children, and 3.3% were multigenerational households. According to the ACS Key Population & Household Facts, there are 1,444 households with householders 25-44 years old, 2,275 households with householders 45-64 years old, and 1,733 households with householders 65+ years old. Most of the housing units were built around 1939 or earlier.

2.3 Stakeholder Analysis

The following section identifies the active stakeholders in the community and their relationship with other stakeholders. Riverside Renaissance Movement The group focuses on advocacy, activities, education, and promotion in different areas: beautification, economic development, waterfront and environmental resources, and cultural awareness. Their mission is to promote and enhance the sense of community in Riverside through collaboration. The Riverside Renaissance Movement is a collaboration of residents, businesses, organizations, and public officials to promote and enhance Riverside. The RRM serves as a forum where community stakeholders can come together

Chapter 2: People, Social Capital & Housing

to collaborate and align their efforts to better the neighborhood. Contact Information: Riverside Renaissance Movement Jason Rafferty, MD Young Families of Riverside Young Families of Riverside is a group that interacts with young families in the community, talking and connecting with families about events, meet-ups, and other engagement opportunities. The group is committed to stepping in and standing up for young moms and dads in the community. Founded in early 2020 on Facebook, the organization focuses on bettering the community for families. The organization reaches out to other organizations and partners with Friends of Grassy Plains, East Providence Arts Council, the Riverside Library, Elderwood at Riverside, and Cub Scouts, among others. Contact Information: Young Families of Riverside Sarah Smalley - Founder Friends of Grassy Plains Friends of Grassy Plains is a non-profit charitable corporation that is committed to the sensitive restoration of Grassy Plains Park in Riverside. The group works with the City of East Providence to restore the park and generate awareness of what the park has to offer. The organization has partnered with local and national nonprofits and civic organizations to help improve the park. Other major groups they have engaged with are the City of East Providence and the Young Families of Riverside. Contact Information: Friends of Grassy Plains Park Alan D’Aielo and PJ Dopke https://fogpp.org/

Riverside Action Committee: Riverside Action Committee focuses on working to improve the green spaces in the community, promote and preserve Riverside’s historic character and in doing so, improves the quality of life for residents of Riverside. The central idea of the organization is to improve the environmental health and accessibility of residents while bringing a sense of an affordable and safe community to light. Riverside Action Committee engages with multiple organizations, but their focus is working with the Planning Committee, City Council, and East Providence Beautification Commission. City of East Providence The City of East Providence focuses on the needs of the community. The City Council, serves as the legislative branch in governing the city. It helps approve certain contracts, traffic legislation, and the annual budget for the city. Since it serves the overall City of East Providence, it works with other departments and boards, such as housing, school, and planning. Contact Information: City of East Providence East Providence City Hall 145 Taunton Ave, East Providence, RI 02194 https://eastprovidenceri.gov/ City of East Providence Planning Department The Planning Department oversees planning, review of development projects, economic development, community development activities, and other related activities. The Planning Department works with community development programs such as the Boys and Girls Club, Foster Grandparent, Day One, Family Services of Rhode Island, East Providence Public Library, Childhood Lead Action Project, and East Bay Community Action Program.

Chapter 2: People, Social Capital & Housing

Contact Information: Planning Director William Fazioli wfazioli@eastprovidenceri.gov Other Stakeholders: The List of Stakeholders below are some of the additional organizations that actively contribute to the development of Riverside Square. East Providence Arts Council Boys and Girls Club East Bay Community Action Project East Providence Urban Forest East Providence School Committee Riverside Congregational Church Riverside Public Library

2.4 Capturing the Voices of Riverside

We conducted interviews with different community groups to understand the roles of their organizations within the community. Questions allowed us to gather information that would capture the voices of Riverside. Each interview consisted of the same questions and focused on the connection and interactions between other organizations within the community and their overall impression of the Riverside community. Below are the 5 questions we asked the interviewees. Questions: 1. Thinking about the next three years, how would you say your community is likely to change? 2. Is there anything your organization would change or add that would make the neighborhood better? 3. Please tell us what other types of community groups your organization has been engaged with in this community. 4. Now, we’d like to know about how you think the community has changed in the past three years. Can you compare your community now to how it was three years ago? 5. Overall, how satisfied are you living here? Scale of 1-10, 10 being extremely satisfied.

The focus of the interviews were to share thoughts about the community and how to improve it. Most groups or organizations have a relationship with one another through different contacts and social media. Many organizations work with one another on certain projects within the community that address safety or recreation. When asking about how the community has changed over the past three years, multiple stakeholders focused on the different physical aspects of the community. One community organization representative talked about the growth of young families in the community. Many people have been buying houses who have children while older residents are downsizing. Many older homes are over 100 years old and have become more affordable for young families. The incentives that bring people into the community are the affordability and short commute to work nearby. One community resident explained that Riverside was family-friendly and a great location near Providence. Another stakeholder focused on the improvements to green spaces in Riverside. They mentioned more people are working on their landscaping and planting trees. They are seeing an overall sense of care for Riverside. They also stated that the work on community open spaces is essential to community engagement. A concern from some of the stakeholders was the need for more safe pedestrian and bike connections to Riverside Square. Fast cars through Riverside Square make it unsafe to access the bike path. Making intersections safer for families and children was mentioned. Reducing the speed of cars would also allow for a more walkable community. More crosswalks, lighted pathways, and a bigger focus on the safety for persons with disabilities were mentioned by interviewees. Almost all the stakeholders wanted to bring more businesses and public amenities to Riverside

Chapter 2: People, Social Capital & Housing

Square. Many of the residents are younger families who need safe spaces and activities. These residents want places to get together and have events that allow the community to come together. They also want to stay in Riverside for all their needs and not have to go to another town. Adding more businesses and walkability to Riverside Square would allow for residents to stay as well as attract more people to the community.

2.5 Open House Feedback

At the Open House the feedback, conversations, and engagement activities allowed our team to better understand the community of Riverside from residents. The engagement activity gave attendees questions to answer regarding their involvement in the community, their sense of what they wanted and needed, and their overall rating of Riverside as a whole. Throughout this process, we discovered different trends and interesting ideas of what people take away from living and being a part of the community. We first asked the attendees was how and what they would do to strengthen community engagement. The most common answer given was more community events such as block parties. Another commonly suggested event was live music and entertainment. Other attendees mentioned wanting to see better utilization of spaces within the community that already exist. Another attendee suggested more local restaurants and businesses partnering with community events. Residents also highlighted that they would like more residents to volunteer. Residents talked about helping neighbors, volunteering at the food banks, and volunteering for the foster grandparents program at Waddington Elementary School. Another response focused on fixing up Riverside, whether that be improving Riverside Square, fixing the carousel, or cleaning up storefronts. They also mentioned bringing in businesses or popup stores. A few other singular responses given were, “more young families”, “be outside more

often”, and “meetings like this” referring to the fact that the open house can strengthen community engagement. These comments suggest adding more diversity to the community through a younger generation, development of green areas, and hosting community events to bring people together. The residents then were asked how often they interact with their neighbors to know how active the community is with one another and the relative amount of social capital in the community. Figure

2.6 shows that out of the 48 answers collected, 36 people answered that they interact daily with their neighbors and people around the neighborhood, 10 people said that they interact with other residents multiple times a week instead of daily, and only two answered that they like to stay by themselves and preferred not to interact with anyone. This analysis shows Riverside residents generally maintain a close relationship with their neighbors and stay connected within their community in their daily lives. We also asked the attendees what community engagement means to them. Our goal was to understand how people engage within Riverside and what makes the community unique. Multiple answers suggested helping each other and being kind to others. Kindness can bring people together in different ways. The fact that helping others was mentioned so many times shows there’s a sense of kindness already within Riverside. Many people felt that community engagement was about improving the conditions of the community and making a positive impact. One resident quote in particular highlights this point, “not just saying, but doing.” The consensus in the community is to focus on creating a better community through positive change.

Figure 2.6 Responding to the question: How often do people interact with their neighbors?

Figure 2.7 Attendee Rating of Riverside.

Chapter 2: People, Social Capital & Housing

Other community engagement answers included creating a sense of family, caring what goes on in the community, building trust and friendship in a community, and knowing your neighbors. This shows there is a healthy amount of social capital in the community and residents are capable of making Riverside the community they want and need. To capture the overall sense of resident sentiment about the community, we asked attendees to rate their overall experience on a scale of one to ten. Most residents gave Riverside a 9-10 rating, ten being the best. This high rating was due to how long they had been in the community, giving it a higher scale because they had lived there their whole lives or left and came back, emphasizing their love for

the community. Figure 2.7 shows that 41 attendees participated in the rating of Riverside. Most attendees rated higher than a 5, which suggests that people like the community, but it can use some improvements. One person voted a 1 for Riverside, explaining that there could be many improvements to Riverside that could enhance the community and make it a better place for all. In conclusion, many residents enjoy living in Riverside, but want more for the community and to utilize the space they have to enhance its sense of value and character.

2.6 Recommendations

The following recommendations focus on the social capital and people within Riverside. They also focus on the needs of the community and what they value.

Figure 2.8 Long-term Engagement Strategies.

1. Create a long-term community engagement strategy to enhance communication among residents and create a sense of togetherness.

Figure 2.9 Community pocket park with a shared library box.

Chapter 2: People, Social Capital & Housing

Support community engagement in Riverside requires ways for the community to come together and work as a collective whole. Creating more frequent and diverse community events within and around Riverside Square will provide opportunities for community engagement. Having monthly or continuous community events such as holiday festivals, movie nights, farmers markets, and block parties, can enable a more connected community (Figure 2.8). More events can also encourage community members to volunteer. Different types of volunteer work may include stewardship of park spaces, educational and teaching opportunities in schools, giving trees, and food drives.

spaces, social events, festivals, markets, and other seasonal events such as ice skating can create more opportunities for the community to connect. The small pocket park, located at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Monroe Avenue (Figure 2.9), is an opportunity space. Historically, this space had a library, so including a library box would reflect the history of the site and allow for the community share used books. 3. Support the development of locally owned, family oriented businesses that respond to the community’s needs. Businesses that are operated by community

2. Add more recreational and green space to allow for gathering spots for community activities. Green space can be developed with interactive elements. A playground area with a dog park can serve dog owners and young families. A community garden can be maintained through different organizations and community members and promote a sense of collective ownership of a community asset. Adding a diversity of green Figure 2.10. Medium density housing scenario for 27 Monroe Ave.

Figure 2.11 Medium density housing scenario for 27 Monroe Ave.

Chapter 2: People, Social Capital & Housing

members of Riverside give residents a sense of trust in new businesses. Local businesses also keep economic revenue within the community. Attracting locally owned family oriented businesses that sponsor local events and community charities with other organizations, enhance volunteering, support important causes, and host events that support other businesses.

more people to Riverside, build the diversity of the community, and add value to the town.

4. Expand medium and high density housing with diverse housing types. Medium to high density housing can reduce overall housing costs by providing more housing options for residents. Higher density housing can attract more businesses and people which can boost the local economy and create jobs. For example, the vacant lot located at 27 Monroe Avenue, adjacent to Stevie D’s, is an opportunity to expand the density of housing from single-family to multi-family dwellings. Figure 2.10 and 2.11 show a hypothetical two-story housing complex, designed with 8 units at 900 square feet. The complex blends with the architecture and design aesthetics of the community and provides walkability directly to the Square and other transportation. 5. Establish a neighborhood association dedicated to preservation and restoration of historic structures. An association can help actively promote the appreciation, protection, and appropriate use and development of the historic buildings, community, and landscape. This association can focus on places that make Riverside special and help give a voice to those who want to protect them. Educational outreach, planning efforts, and advocacy for preservation and restoration will help strengthen the historic character of the neighborhood. 6. Improve the conditions of Riverside through a maintenance program. Improving the quality and maintenance of different spaces will keep the community clean and usable for residents and visitors. By creating a cleaner and more appealing environment, it can attract

Chapter 2: People, Social Capital & Housing

Chapter 3: Historic Preservation 3.0 Historic Preservation ..................................................................................................................34 3.1 Riverside Historical Narrative .........................................................................................35 3.2 Cultural Resource Survey Results and Recommendations ...........................................39 3.3 Survey of Relevant Statutes and Related Funding Programs ........................................44 3.4 Survey of Codes and Regulations ..................................................................................47 3.5 Example Design Guidelines ...........................................................................................48 3.6 Historic Properties on the National Register of Historic Places ....................................48 3.7 Neighborhood Preservation Model ...............................................................................52 3.8 Recommendations .........................................................................................................53

Chapter 3: Historic Preservation and the Regulatory Environment

3.1 Riverside Historical Narrative

The City of East Providence was officially founded in 1862 after the state of Rhode Island annexed the land from Massachusetts. Prior to becoming part of Rhode Island, parts of the land belonged to Seekonk and Rehoboth at various times, with European settlement dating back to the early 17th century. The character of East Providence was decidedly rural at the time of its founding although a few commercial centers were beginning to develop. The early period of East Providence’s history saw four distinct villages coalesce: Watchemoket, located across the river from Providence proper; Rumford, located near the historic Rehoboth green; Phillipsdale, located in the far northwest of the town; and Riverside, located in the town’s southernmost portion. Riverside as it exists today first began to develop with the establishment of the Providence, Warren and Bristol Railroad Company in the early 1850s and the construction of a station in Riverside, allowing city-dwellers easy transportation to the picturesque waterfront retreat. Although some had sought recreation in Riverside prior to the railroad, either camping or staying in modest summer cottages, the mid-19th century saw the burgeoning of a veritable industry of resorts, hotels, and shore dinner halls. The first of the Riverside resorts was Vue de l’Eau in 1860, but the decades that followed saw the construction of Silver Spring, What Cheer House, Riverside Hotel, Ponham House, East Providence Hotel, and half a dozen others. Due to stiff competition, many of these recreational retreats failed as others prospered; for instance, the What Cheer House changed owners and names several times and the Riverside Hotel was dismantled and shipped to Nantucket. Many shore hall dinners also emerged alongside these resorts, the most prestigious of them being the Squantum Club. The Club was established on the shoreline north of Riverside in 1871 and quickly became one of the most prestigious eating establishments in East Providence. Alongside the development of Riverside’s shore dinner halls arose an opportunity

for the locals to harvest clams to sell either as a profession or to supplement their income. The popularity of Riverside as a vacation destination began to spur land developers to invest in planned residential plats rather than the resorts and ad hoc cottages of previous decades. In 1871 General Lysander Flagg and a group of businessmen from Pawtucket formed the Riverside Land Company, buying several farms located in the area around the train station. The Company’s first platted community in Riverside was Cedar Grove, after the many trees that graced the landscape. Cedar Grove laid upon a unique curved streetscape that earned the neighborhood the moniker of “the maze.” Flagg’s company completed the platting of all its land, in a more regular pattern by 1873, and the entire village soon became known as Riverside, after the neighborhood adjacent to Cedar Grove dubbed Riverside Villa. The next three decades saw the area develop into a bustling resort town, accompanied by many growing pains of a small fishing community now accommodating thousands of excursionists each summer and a growing number of rear-round residents. The most extravagant recreation areas in Riverside were Crescent Park, Boyden Heights, and Vanity Fair amusement parks, leading Riverside to be promoted as the “Coney Island of New England.” The longestlived and most noteworthy of these was Crescent Park, first founded in 1886 by George Boyden. After a successful start, Boyden sold the park and it was eventually leased to Charles I. D. Looff, who brought the park into its own. Looff was a German immigrant who came to the US in 1870. A furniture maker by trade, Looff began constructing a carousel for Coney Island in the late 1870s. Looff began making carousels full time by 1880 and opened up a small factory. Looff manufactured several carousels for East Providence parks, including one at Crescent Park in the 1890’s, and moved his business there in 1894. The Crescent Park Carousel became his showpiece, with many figures being of unique design as examples of what patrons could request

Chapter 3: Historic Preservation and the Regulatory Environment

for their own carousels. In addition to the carousel, Looff added an impressive dance hall, dinner halls, bathing facilities, and concert venues, making Crescent Park the crown jewel of Riverside. Riverside as a resort district reached its highwater mark around the turn of the twentieth century, with the closure of both the massive but short lived Vanity Fair and Boyden Heights in 1910 signaling the end of an era. The new mode of automobile transportation allowed vacationers to seek out other resorts further south, cutting into the once considerable visitorship of Riverside. Without the mainstay of summer economic activity the village entered into an era of relative decline. The numerous resorts and hotels, now aging and falling into disrepair, were either abandoned or became dens of ill repute. The everpresent antiliquor sentiment, culminating in the outright banning of liquor sales with prohibition in the 1920s, meant that the hotels began to operate as

illegal “speakeasies.” The purchase of the Vanity Fair grounds by Standard Oil for a refinery and storage tanks, as well as growing pollution in the waters of Narragansett Bay, changed the character of Riverside’s once attractive shoreline. The Great Depression in the 1930s worsened the economic downturn for Riverside’s resorts, and the hurricane of 1938 destroyed most of what remained. During the late 19th and early 20th century, Riverside shifted from a vacation district into a year-round residential neighborhood, culminating with the closure of the resort era. This began with the conversion of some of the more solidly-built vacation cottages into permanent stock and the infill of houses into Flagg’s neighborhood plats. Local businessmen formed the Riverside Improvement Society in 1878 and started working to bring infrastructure improvements and civil institutions to the village to keep up with the ballooning population and hordes of summer visitors. The

Figure 3.1 Panoramic of Riverside in 1894.

Chapter 3: Historic Preservation and the Regulatory Environment

Figure 3.2 Postcard of the Looff Carousel at Crescent Park.

Figure 3.3 Swimmers at Crescent Park’s Shoreline.

Chapter 3: Historic Preservation and the Regulatory Environment

Figure 3.4 First Riverside Fire Station built c. 1880.

Figure 3.7 Looff Family in Front of the Carousel c. 1905.

Figure 3.5 Riverside Passenger Depot c. 1900.

Figure 3.8 East Providence shoreline after the 1938 hurricane.

Figure 3.6 Passenger Trolley running through Riverside Square c. 1930.

Chapter 3: Historic Preservation and the Regulatory Environment

1880s and 90s brought the first school, church, library, fire department, and police station to Riverside, and thriving businesses built up around the train depot. The advent of automobiles, while putting an end to Riverside’s resorts, also allowed a new class of suburban commuters to relocate to Riverside by the 1920s. Like most places in the US, Riverside was deeply affected by the Great Depression, and the destruction caused by the 1938 hurricane worsened the economic condition, rendering the neighborhood largely stagnant until the post-war years. The second half of the 20th century was prosperous for East Providence, but gave mixed blessings to Riverside. Into the 1960s, Riverside experienced a housing boom, including many new apartment complexes in addition to the dominant singlefamily home. Riverside’s coastline now became primarily oriented towards industrial use because of its central location to ports, rail lines, and the emerging interstate highway system. The construction of Interstate-95 in 1960 proved a boon for northern East Providence, but increasingly made the core commercial area of historic Riverside Square obsolete in favor of shopping centers on the outskirts of the city and in Seekonk in the later part of the century. The Providence, Warren and Bristol Railway, which had discontinued commuter services after the 1938 hurricane, went bankrupt and was sold, and the rail line through Riverside was completely abandoned by the 1970s. In 1979 Crescent Park, the only remaining vestige of Riverside’s glittering resort history, closed its doors for the last time. In the late 20th century, two developments helped to bring visitors back to Riverside, the rehabilitation of the Looff Carousel and the establishment of the East Bay Bike Path. In 1983 Gail Durfee established “Save our Carousel” in response to a development project looking to dismantle the Looff Carousel. Mrs. Durfee became one of the fierce local leaders in a grassroots preservation effort to save the carousel. Eventually the City of East Providence

created the Carousel Park Commission that oversaw the rehabilitation of the carousel; Mrs. Durfee served as its chairwoman. In 1985 the Rhode Island general assembly declared the carousel as the State Jewel of American Folk Art, and the Looff Carousel was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1987 for its national significance, the highest level of designation in the US. Between 1987 and 1992, the state converted the old rail bed of the Providence, Warren and Bristol Railroad into the East Bay Bike Path. The bike path is recognized nationally and once again serves to bring those seeking recreation through Riverside Square. Riverside has a unique and dynamic history as a center of recreation that spurred its development during the 19th century. Since the close of the resort era, the character of Riverside has shifted into a solidly residential dynamic, and changes in transportation modes throughout the 20th century meant that the core of historic Riverside, Riverside Square, has languished economically. By not suffering the destruction of major infrastructure projects during the 20th century, however, Riverside has managed to retain a number of its historic resources, most notably the Looff Carousel. While many of Riverside’s historic resources are covered in non-historic materials that hide their historic character, they may yet reveal themselves. Leveraging the East Bay Bike Path as a way to bring in visitors, just as the railway on which it lies once did, represents an opportunity for Riverside to recapture some of its former glory. See Appendix for bibliographic references.

3.2 Cultural Resource Survey Results and Recommendations

This section presents the findings of a limitedscope cultural resource survey of commercial, civic, and institutional buildings in and around Riverside Square conducted by students in Building and Site Documentation and Research Methods under the supervision of Dr. Elaine Stiles. The purpose of the

Chapter 3: Historic Preservation and the Regulatory Environment

survey was to identify and evaluate properties in Riverside Square that may be eligible for the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The survey also considered the potential for a historic district in the square. Scope of Work and Methods The survey included completion of Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission Property Data Forms for properties in and around Riverside Square. Tasks included photography; collecting basic building information; archival research utilizing historic maps and photographs, census records, city directories, and title research; and secondary sources. The survey also collected information on potential historic properties from community members at the Open House event organized by PLAN 511 students and Professor Wessel on November 8 at the Riverside Congregational Church. The class evaluated surveyed properties and the potential for a historic district according to the criteria for eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. To be considered historically significant, a property must be at least fifty years old and must meet at least one of the following basic criteria: (A) the property must be associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history, (B) or the property must be associated with the lives of persons significant in our past, (C) or the property must embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, represent the work of a master, possess high artistic values, or represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction, (D) or the property must show, or may be likely to yield, information important to history or prehistory. The property must also possess sufficient integrity to convey its significance. Integrity is described through seven aspects, which include location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.

Figure 3.9 Map of Riverside Square, East Providence, RI showing properties surveyed shaded in blue.

Significant Historic Contexts There are several historic contexts that significantly shaped the development and built environment of the Riverside neighborhood and Riverside Square. The earliest of these contexts is the development of Riverside as a recreation and resort district from 1860 to 1930. Around the turn of the twentieth century, Riverside transitioned into a residential and commuter suburb, which had a profound effect on the physical development of the community. The third significant context is the overall development of Riverside’s civic and religious institutions and commercial architecture from 1880 to 1970. Riverside’s growth throughout the historic period is also closely connected to the development and eventual abandonment of the Providence, Warren and Bristol Railroad from circa 1850 to 1970.

Chapter 3: Historic Preservation and the Regulatory Environment

Resources Appearing Eligible for the National Register of Historic Places Based on our research and evaluation, we identified eight properties that appear individually eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

10 Lincoln Avenue, known as the old Post Office (1920), appears to be eligible under Criterion A for its association with the transition of Riverside from an entertainment district to a residential, streetcar suburb in the first decades of the twentieth century.

240 Bullocks Point Avenue, the Dari-Bee (1960) appears to be eligible under Criterion A for its association to the growth and development of Riverside’s transition from a declining population in the 1930s to the booming economic growth between 1945 to 1970. The building also appears to be eligible under Criterion C as an increasingly rare example of small-scale Googie-style commercial buildings in East Providence.

10 Turner Avenue, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, appears to be eligible under Criterion C as a distinctive example of Modern architectural style in religious architecture in East Providence. The property is also associated with the development of religious institutions in Riverside in the late nineteenth century, but the present building, constructed in 1965, is not associated with that context. The building meets the standards for Criteria Consideration A for religious properties as the significance of the building is architectural.

250 Bullocks Point Avenue, the Riverside Station of the Providence, Warren & Bristol Railroad (ca. 1860), appears eligible under Criterion A for its significant association with the commercial and residential development of the Riverside neighborhood in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The railroad increased accessibility for seasonal and recreational visitors and made Riverside more accessible as a commuter suburb to Providence. The depot is the only building remaining extant in Riverside associated with the railroad context from this period. 273-279 Bullocks Point Avenue, the Winchester Block (ca. 1880), appears eligible under Criterion A for its significant association with commercial development in Riverside between the late nineteenth century and the 1950s. It was one of four large commercial blocks built in the square on Bullock’s Point Avenue and is one of only two blocks still remaining. 332 Bullocks Point Avenue, known as the Burke Block (ca. 1910), appears eligible under Criterion A for its association with commercial development in Riverside between 1880 and 1940. It was one of four large commercial blocks built in the square on Bullock’s Point Avenue and is one of only two blocks still remaining.

18 Turner Avenue, the St. Andrews Masonic Lodge (1909), appears eligible under Criterion C as a wellpreserved example of a Classical Revival Masonic lodge building. The lodge is one of only two Masonic lodges in East Providence. 49, 55, 60, and 70 Turner Avenue, the Saint Brendan Parish Complex, appears eligible as a historic district under Criterion A for its association with the growth and development of the Catholic religious institutions in Riverside from the late nineteenth to the mid-twentieth centuries. The complex is an example of a four-part parish complex composed of church (1970), rectory (1965), school (1956), and convent (1957) developed in different stages. The church also appears individually eligible under Criterion C for its Modern architectural styling. The complex meets the standards for Criteria Consideration A for religious properties as the significance of the building is related to community development and architectural design.

Chapter 3: Historic Preservation and the Regulatory Environment

Resources Appearing Ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places The following buildings do not appear eligible for the National Register of Historic places. Properties annotated with an asterisk (*) are not individually eligible, but may have the potential to contribute to a historic district. The Riverside World War II Memorial (1950) at the corner of Bullocks Point Avenue, Turner Avenue, and Pawtucket Avenue does not appear eligible for the National Register. The memorial does not meet the significance standards under Criterion Consideration F for commemorative properties as the memorial has not accrued significance for its design, age, tradition or symbolic value. Jerry’s Auto Repair/Jerry and Son at 255 Bullocks Point Avenue does not appear eligible for the National Register. Constructed in 1963, the building is not associated with any significant events or persons in the history of Riverside. The building is typical of a mid-twentieth-century automobile service and gas station, but is not a distinguished example of the type. *241 Bullocks Point Avenue, a commercial building built circa 1943, does not appear eligible for the National Register. It is associated with midtwentieth-century commercial development in Riverside Square, but is not individually significant with that context. It embodies the characteristics of a small-scale commercial building from the period, but has lost some integrity due to replacement materials. Although individually undistinguished, the building could contribute to a potential historic district. The Bullocks Point Laundromat at 257 Bullocks Point Avenue was built circa 1994 and does not meet the fifty-year age criteria for evaluation for eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. 285-289 Bullocks Point Avenue, a commercial building built in the mid to late nineteenth century,

has undergone many additions and does not appear eligible for the National Register due to a loss of integrity. 290-292 Bullocks Point Avenue, a single-story commercial building built between 1921 and 1939, is not associated with any significant events or persons, and does not appear to have architectural significance. It does not appear eligible for the National Register under any criteria. 329 Bullocks Point Avenue, East Providence Fire Station No. 2, does not appear eligible for the National Register because it was built in 1974 and does not meet the fifty-year age criterion and is not exceptionally significant. However, when the building reaches fifty years of age in 2025, it may be eligible for the National Register as a well-preserved example of a fire station rendered in the Modern style. It is the only fire station in East Providence from this period and in this style. The Riverside World War I Memorial (ca. 1920) located at 329 Bullocks Point Ave does not appear eligible for the National Register, as the memorial does not meet the standards set out in Criterion Consideration F for commemorative properties. The memorial has not accrued significance through design, age, tradition, or symbolic value. 376 Bullocks Point Avenue, or Lee’s Restaurant and Lounge, was built circa 1950 and has been in use as a restaurant since its construction. The building is architecturally unremarkable and is not associated with any significant events or persons in the history of the development of Riverside. The building has also lost integrity of design, workmanship, and materials through numerous renovations. 27 Burnside Avenue was built around the turn of the twentieth century. Originally a private residence, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church purchased the property in 1965 as a residence for the parish priest. The property does not appear eligible for the National Register under any criteria as it is not associated

Chapter 3: Historic Preservation and the Regulatory Environment

with any significant events or persons in the history of Riverside and has lost integrity of design, materials, workmanship, and feeling. 19 Maple Avenue, the Odeon/Lyric/Gilbert Stuart Theater, was built in 1921 and is associated with the commercial and recreational development of Riverside Square in the period as it became a streetcar suburb. Now in use as a light industrial site, the theater has lost integrity of design, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association and in its current state, has lost too much integrity to be eligible for the National Register under any criterion. 24 Monroe Avenue, built circa 1949 and historically known as the Lincoln Bar, does not appear to be eligible for the National Register. The building has retained integrity of the historic period, however it is not associated with any significant events or persons in the history of Riverside and is not architecturally significant. *15 Oak Avenue, the Riverside Congregational Church, does not appear eligible for the National Register. The Riverside Congregational Church was the earliest organized congregation in Riverside, being established in 1881. However, the current building, constructed in 1960, is not significantly associated with that context. The church is rendered in a modest Modern style, but is not a distinctive example of Modern architecture. Though individually undistinguished, the church could contribute to a potential historic district. *The Post Office building at 3708 Pawtucket Avenue, built in 1946 as the second branch of the Riverside Post Office, does not appear to be individually eligible for the National Register. Its construction is associated with the expansion of the neighborhood over the early twentieth century as a streetcar suburb, but the building is not significantly associated with these developments. The building retains integrity, but does not embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period,

or method of construction. The property could contribute to a historic district. *The Riverside Square building at 3734 Pawtucket Avenue, built circa 1955, does not appear to be eligible for the National Register. The building is associated with a period of commercial growth in the Riverside area after World War II, but the building is not significantly associated with this context. The building has some modest Modern styling, but is not a distinctive example of the style. The property retains integrity, however it could contribute to a historic district. 3736 Pawtucket Avenue, now Rhodes Pizza, is a long-standing business fixture of Riverside Square. The wood frame portion dates to the 1890s and the concrete and brick portion was added in the 1950s. The property does not appear to be eligible for the National Register under any criteria. Although it is associated with the history of commercial development in the square and is the oldest surviving commercial building, it has suffered a considerable a loss of integrity and no longer conveys that significance. 9 Turner Avenue, Narragansett Engine Co. 2, was built in 1880 by the City of East Providence. The building served as the first fire station in Riverside and was in service until 1908. Since then, the building has been in commercial use. The building is associated with the early civic development of Riverside, but has suffered a loss of physical integrity and can no longer convey that association. Riverside Square Historic District Eligibility Survey efforts included evaluating the potential for a historic district in Riverside Square. The National Register program defines a historic district as “a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, buildings, structures, or objects united historically or aesthetically by plan or physical development.” The Riverside Square area appears potentially eligible for the National Register under Criterion A for its association with broad trends

Chapter 3: Historic Preservation and the Regulatory Environment

that influenced the development of the square area. These include development of the railroad and light rail system in East Providence, the development of seaside resorts, entertainment, and seasonal use; the development of a commercial district to serve the growing residential streetcar suburban neighborhoods adjacent to the square, and the growth of religious and civic neighborhood institutions. The period of significance for the district would be from ca. 1860 when the Riverside Depot was constructed to the 1970 when the most recent religious buildings were constructed for longstanding congregations in the area. The primary period of development reflected by the resources in and around the square date from the first half of the twentieth century. Figure 3.10 shows proposed boundaries for the potential historic district, which includes sixteen contributing buildings. This grouping arranged around the transportation “spine” of the streetcar commuter suburb reflects the historic development patterns that created a commercial center in Riverside Square. Despite some loss in density through demolitions in the late twentieth century, extant commercial, civic, and religious buildings remain to constitute a unified entity. Other Recommendations There are several aspects of the historic built environment in Riverside that warrant further study: (1) This survey did not address residential properties. Future survey efforts should examine residential development and assess if areas around Riverside Square warrant consideration as historic districts or should be included in a larger potential Riverside Square historic district. (2) The social and business history of Riverside as a recreation and resort area and a residential suburb deserves greater attention than we were able to give it in this project. (3) The relationship of civic and religious institutional development and residential growth between 1880-1970 deserves greater attention, as does the impact of these institutions on the neighborhood. (4) Future surveys should

Figure 3.10 Proposed boundaries of potential Riverside Square Historic District showing contributing and non-contributing properties .

examine how events such as the development and dismantling of Rhode Island’s rail system and the 1938 Hurricane affected Riverside’s commercial and residential fabric. (5) There should be further investigating of the impacts of immigration on the growth and development of Riverside.

3.3 Survey of Relevant Statutes and Related Funding Programs

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 The National Historic Preservation Act created the National Register of Historic Places, a list of historically significant properties that can assist with planning decisions, The State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPO), who administer the nomination of properties to the National Register, oversee each state’s historic preservation program, and coordinate federal funding via grants and tax incentives. The act also created the Advisory

Chapter 3: Historic Preservation and the Regulatory Environment

Address

Property Name/ Description

Parcel ID

Map/Block/Lot

Year Built (Corrected)

National Register Recommendation

240 Bullocks Pt Ave

Dari-Bee

6839

312-09-001.00

1960

Eligible – Individual

6826

312-07-008.00

1890

Eligible – District (Riverside Square)

241 Bullocks Pt Ave 250 Bullocks Pt Ave

Riverside Depot

6841

312-09-002.00

Ca. 1860

Eligible – Individual

255 Bullocks Pt Ave

Jerry’s Auto Repair/Jerry & Son

6837

312-08-005.00

1963

Not Eligible

257 Bullocks Pt Ave

Bullocks Point Laundromat

6836

312-08-004.00

Ca. 1994

Not Eligible

273-279 Bullocks Pt Ave

Winchester Block

7062

312-13-001.00

1880

Eligible – Individual

285-289 Bullocks Pt Ave

7226

312-13-013.00

1850

Not Eligible

290-292 Bullocks Pt Ave

7039

312-12-019.00

Ca. 1930

Not Eligible

295 Bullocks Pt Ave/15 Oak Ave

Riverside Congregational Church

7438

312-23-001.00

1960

Eligible – District (Riverside Square)

329 Bullocks Pt Ave

Riverside World War I Memorial

8220

312-52-007.00

Ca. 1920

Not Eligible

329 Bullocks Pt Ave

East Providence Fire Station No. 2

8220

312-52-007.00

1974

Not Eligible - Age

332 Bullocks Pt Ave

Burke Block

7038

312-12-018.00

Ca. 1910

Eligible – Individual

376 Bullocks Pt Ave

Lee's Restaurant and Lounge

7051

312-12-029.20

Ca. 1950

Not Eligible

27 Burnside Ave

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Rectory

15761

312-11-002.00-2 1900

Not Eligible

10 Lincoln Ave

Old Post Office

7063

312-13-002.00

1920

Eligible – Individual

19 Maple Ave

Lyric/Odeon/Gilbert Stuart Theater

7073

312-13-011.00

1940

Not Eligible

24 Monroe Ave

Lincoln Bar

6838

312-08-006.00

1940

Not Eligible

3708 Pawtucket Ave

US Post Office

6845

312-10-001.00

1946

Eligible – District (Riverside Square)

3734 Pawtucket Ave

Riverside Square Building

Ca. 1955

Eligible – District (Riverside Square)

3736 Pawtucket Ave

Rhodes Pizza

6858

312-11-001.00

Ca. 1890

Not Eligible

9 Turner Ave

Narragansett Engine Co. 2

7033

312-12-014.00

1880

Not Eligible

10 Turner Ave

St. Mark's Episcopal Church 6859

312-11-002.00

1965

Eligible – Individual

18 Turner Ave

St. Andrews Masonic Lodge 6864

312-11-007.00

1909

Eligible – Individual

49 Turner Ave

St. Brendan's Church

10968

412-04-005.00

1970

Eligible – Individual; Eligible – District (St. Brendan’s Parish Complex, Riverside Square)

55 Turner Ave

St. Brendan’s School

10968

412-04-005.00

1956

Eligible – District (St. Brendan’s Parish Complex, Riverside Square)

60 Turner Ave

St. Brendan’s Rectory

10776

412-01-002.00

1965

Eligible – District (St. Brendan’s Parish Complex, Riverside Square)

70 Turner Ave

St. Brendan’s Convent

10777

412-01-003.00

1957

Eligible – District (St. Brendan’s Parish Complex, Riverside Square)

0 Zz Railroad Site

Riverside World War II Memorial

7037

312-12-017.00-2 1950

Not Eligible

Figure 3.11 List of Surveyed Properties and Recommendations for National Register Eligibility

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Council on Historic Preservation who administers the regulatory review of federal projects that may have the potential to affect historic resources. The National Historic Preservation Act created certified local governments (“CLG”) that are eligible for grants through the National Parks Service and through the state SHPO’s office. CLG’s have specific requirements that must be met to qualify. East Providence is a CLG as of 2011. The Federal Historic Tax Credit is an incentive based program that encourages private project investment into historic properties. The tax credit is given to income producing properties only, private homes do not qualify. The credit is 20% of eligible improvement expenses. Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 The primary purpose of this program is to provide states with funding to expand the quantity and quality of community services, conserve and expand the nation’s housing stock, improve the health and safety of communities, and preserve and restore historic resources for their cultural and architectural value. This act also consolidates various forms of funding and aid to the states to standardize and simplify various procedures. This statute is primarily concerned with low to moderate income individuals, who those earn at or below 80% of the local median income. According to the federal regulations, the State of Rhode Island manages the community development program and its community development block grants for those municipalities that do not directly receive funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Some cities, including East Providence, operate the program independently of state efforts. The program, aimed at housing, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization, must still meet the national objective to benefit low and moderate income individuals. This is usually accomplished by either the state distributing funds to local governments or the communities who operate independently may

distribute funds to non-profits and other entities that undertake eligible activities. Historic Residence Tax Relief Act This act empowers cities and towns to establish their own historic preservation tax credits that reduce the property tax by 20% for five years after the completion of a historic rehabilitation is certified by the RI Historic Preservation & Heritage Commission. In order to qualify for the tax credit, the historic property is either listed on the National or State Register of Historic Places or subject to regulation by a local historic district commission. Cities are required to establish a minimum dollar amount spent on rehabilitation to make an applicant qualify for their respective credit. Additionally, the property owner must also grant a restrictive covenant to the Rhode Island Historic Preservation & Heritage Commission, agreeing that the property shall be maintained to preserve the use and historic character of the property for the period of the tax abatement. Property Tax Relief Act This act was created to provide tax credits and refunds to elderly and/or disabled persons who own or rent their homes. Only one person from a household who is over 65 years of age or is receiving social security benefits, or both, may be eligible to receive a small credit on their Rhode Island income taxes for the year they lived in their Rhode Island residence, or based on the previous year they rented the property to tenants. These tax credits are apportioned from the general state treasury. While this credit does not necessarily involve historic preservation, this credit may be of importance to the Riverside community and its residents. Historic Homeownership Assistance Act This statute intends to provide income tax credits for the maintenance or rehabilitation of historic residences. This tax credit is eligible to any individual who lives in a historic residence, makes certain

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maintenance or rehabilitation to their residence, and complies with the Rhode Island Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission’s standards and guidance. “Historic residence” is any property not already benefiting from tax credits because of their status as an income producing property, and is either listed individually on the State Register of Historic Places (SRHP), located in a district listed on the SRHP or designated by the city and certified by the Rhode Island State Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission as contributing to that district’s character, or designated by a city or town as an individual structure subject to regulation by a historic district commission. Any taxpayer who files a state income tax return and owns a historic residence may claim an income tax credit of up to 20% of the certified maintenance or rehabilitation costs. Before the property owner begins any work on the property, the property owner applies to the RIHPHC, who will then regularly inspect the residence to ensure that the owner complies with guidelines established by the RIHPHC. These tax credits are apportioned from the general state treasury. Historic Preservation Tax Credits Act 2013 This statute creates an economic incentive for restoring, redeveloping, or reusing historic buildings for some income producing use. The building must be listed on, or placed in a district listed in the National or State Register of Historic Places. If the building owner makes certain improvements compliant with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards and meets certain reporting requirements, they are eligible to receive at least a 20% tax credit on certain expenditures related to the rehabilitation of the building. The credits can be used towards the taxes owed by the building owner on the year they made the renovations, and can be applied to future taxes owed if there are any credits remaining after application.

3.4 Survey of Codes and Regulations

State Rehabilitation Building and Fire Code for Existing Structures This statewide code is intended to encourage the extended use and reuse of existing buildings by streamlining permitting processes. It attempts to accomplish this by not requiring buildings go through the full and individualized Building Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Rhode Island Fire Safety Code, Rhode Island Fire Prevention Code, Electric Code, Boiler Safety Code, Energy Code, Elevator Code, or Accessibility Code compliance schemes. It should be noted that one, two, and three family dwellings are not covered by the rehabilitation code. This code mandates that if a complex rehabilitation project is underway and requires multiple permitting processes and code compliance schemes, representatives from agencies dealing with the Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, Rhode Island Fire Safety, Rhode Island Fire Prevention, Boiler Safety, Energy, Elevator, Accessibility, and State and Local Historic Preservation Codes, respectively, must meet with the permit applicant at the applicant’s request. If the total cost of the project exceeds $500,000, the officials shall meet onsite if so requested by the property owner. The purpose of this meeting is for the permit applicant to present the intentions of the planned work to the responsible code officials so they may together determine the scope and specific requirements to be applied to the project. If the project is for the repair, renovation, or rehabilitation of a building and a construction permit application has not been submitted, this preliminary hearing may be granted at the discretion of the certified building official and the certified fire marshal. When the building to be renovated is a historical building included on the National or State Registers of Historic Places, the building owner is required to contact the Rhode Island Historic Preservation & Heritage Commission to verify that the building is indeed historic, and required to comply with

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guidelines set by the commission. Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 The Community Development Block Grant is administered by the Community Development Division, part of the city’s Planning and Economic Development Department. The block grant is annually awarded to the City of East Providence by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Among various things, the grants are used to help low and moderate income families rehabilitate their homes for the safety and health of the residents and environment. Mixed Use Overlay Districts Mixed use overlay districts intend to lessen restrictions by allowing the mixed use of singleand multi-family residential, commercial, and limited manufacturing buildings instead of strictly mandating a single use for an area. The amendment explains that the mixed use of single- and multifamily residential and commercial buildings, along with dedicated improvements to pedestrian walkways, are hallmarks of a vibrant main street. Additionally, the overlay districts are intended to incentivize growth, and expand commerce and residential density. See Appendix for a map of Riverside’s Mixed Use Overlay District.

3.5 Example Design Guidelines

The Kettle Point Design District architectural and building guidelines apply to the most northern part of Riverside. These design guidelines articulate specific features required for different buildings and

streetscape features, rather than suggesting a single or multiple styles of architecture. All buildings and their design elements must be “well proportioned and unified” to the other surrounding buildings to maintain “an overall architectural continuity” of the area. Large unarticulated boxes are prohibited and all building elevations must be articulated with window openings; the primary facade of a building must have a 10% minimum window ratio. The guidelines also prohibit certain features from the building’s primary elevation, including trash dumpsters, utility meters, bulkheads, ventilation louvers, animated and/or LED signage, drive-up ATMs, and garage doors or loading docks. Building exteriors are required to be made with “durable and maintainable materials that are attractive even when viewed up close.” Vinyl, aluminum, and EIFS siding are prohibited. Wooden shingles, clapboards, cement siding, stucco, brick, stone, rubble, standing-seam metal, and synthetic materials for trim and cornices are permitted but should be considered within the context of abutting structures and character. Commercial buildings may extend to the front property line, with setbacks for entries and café terraces permitted. Residential buildings are required to have windows and doors that face the street, and are prohibited from having garage doors from their primary building elevation.

3.6 Historic Properties on the National Register of Historic Places

There are several historic properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the area around Riverside or related to its history as a resort community.

Figure 3.12 Kettle Point Masterplan.

Bicknell-Armington Lightning Splitter House Located at 3591 Pawtucket Avenue the house

Chapter 3: Historic Preservation and the Regulatory Environment

is architecturally significant as a well preserved example of an idiosyncratic dwelling type. Only half a dozen narrow houses were built with unusually steep gabled roofs in Providence and surrounding towns during the mid-nineteenth century. These dwellings are important relics of a defunct building practice with strong ties to local folk-culture. The house was built between 1827 and 1850. Rose Land Park Plat Historic District Located west of Willet Avenue to the northeast of Little Neck Cemetery, this historic district is locally significant for representing a period of rapid development of Riverside as a commuter suburb during the early to mid twentieth century, as well as for having fine examples of English Cottage, Cape Cod, and Colonial Revival architectural styles popular during this period. The plat was originally recorded in 1928 and most houses within the district were constructed in the ensuing decade. Elm Tree Plat Historic District Located south of Willett Avenue to the northeast of Little Neck Cemetery, this historic district is locally significant for representing a period of rapid development of Riverside as a commuter suburb during the early to mid 20th century, as well as for having examples of the bungalow architectural type. The plat was originally recorded in 1924 and most houses within the district were constructed in the ensuing decade. Whitcomb Farm Located at 36 Willett Avenue, the farm was built between 1780 and 1805 and is locally significant as a long-standing architectural landmark with a unique, clapboard-sheathed brick construction that has been associated with various important individuals including a co-owner of Providence Hotel, the leader of the Providence Band and Orchestra, and a prominent East Providence realtor and developer. District 6 Schoolhouse Located at 347 Willett Avenue, the District 6

Schoolhouse is architecturally and historically significant as the earliest school building in East Providence to survive in recognizable form, and is the only extant local example of a once common structural type: the double-entry one-room schoolhouse. The school was built between 1864 and 1874. Crescent Park Carousel Located along southern Bullocks Point Avenue, the Crescent Park Carousel was built by Charles I.D. Looff, a German immigrant and furniture-maker by trade, circa 1895, and became a showpiece for his carousel manufacturing business located at Crescent Park. The carousel has a wide variety of figures that Looff’s patrons could purchase and is a veritable museum of his work. The carousel is listed as a National Historic Landmark for its national significance in the history of recreation, and recognized by the state of Rhode Island as a jewel of American folk art. Little Neck Cemetery Located off of Read Street, Little Neck Cemetery is historically and culturally significant because it is the final resting place of many individuals who have played prominent roles in the history of East Providence. Among those buried at Little Neck Cemetery are John Brown Jr. (d. 1662), son of the man who purchased Wannamoisett from the Wampanoag Indians, and Elizabeth Tilley Howland (d. 1687), an original Mayflower passenger. The cemetery is also aesthetically significant as it exhibits numerous well preserved gravestones representing practically every aspect of American funerary art from the 7th century to the present. Pomham Rocks Light Station Located approximately 200 yards off mainland East Providence, the Light Station is one of the oldest lighthouses situated on Narragansett Bay and has served functionally and as a picturesque landmark for the East Providence community. The light and the keeper’s quarters are combined in a single masonry structure of handsome proportions and High Victorian design. The light station was built in

Chapter 3: Historic Preservation and the Regulatory Environment

Figure 3.15 Looff Carousel Present Day.

Figure 3.13 Lamppost by Looff Carousel. Figure 3.16 Little Neck Cemetery.

Figure 3.17 Pomham Rocks Light Station.

Figure 3.14 Riverside Businessman’s Association Clock c. 1950.

Figure 3.18 Squantum Association Bakehouse.

Chapter 3: Historic Preservation and the Regulatory Environment

Figure 3.19 Riverside Passenger Depot, Early 1900’s.

Figure 3.22 Riverside Passenger Depot, now Borealis Coffee Company.

Figure 3.20 Riverside Post Office. c.1970.

Figure 3.23 Old Riverside Post Office, Present Day.

Figure 3.21 Saint Brendan’s Church, 1906.

Figure 3.24 Saint Brendan’s Church, Present Day.

1871.

Providence’s shore dinner halls during Riverside’s resort era in addition to a social club for the elite. The Squantum Association has statewide significance as a monument to the social life and customs of Providence in the late 19th and 20th centuries, as a progenitor of the Rhode Island clam

Squantum Association Located at 947 Veterans Memorial Parkway, this collection of six buildings, most prominently the clubhouse, served as the most prestigious of East

Chapter 3: Historic Preservation and the Regulatory Environment

bake, and for the aesthetic value of its architecture and cultural landscape. The club was founded in 1870 and the various structures were erected in the following years.

3.7 Neighborhood Preservation Model

In talking to residents of Riverside, it was clear that they valued historic preservation and appreciated rehabilitation work that was visible in their neighborhood, namely at the Riverside passenger depot, now Borealis Coffee. Many of these same residents, however, considered the cost and effort of undertaking rehabilitation on their own properties to be prohibitive. With much of the Riverside community being residential houses, the ability for the neighborhood to recapture its historic character is substantially diminished without noncommercial preservation activity. However, some residents have already taken it upon themselves to rehabilitate their homes to fit Riverside’s historic character and could provide neighbors with a template for future success. One of these residents, Melissa Linhares Spurr, shared her experiences with us. Mrs. Spurr and her husband Jeremy bought a bungalow in the Elm Tree Plat Historic District east of Riverside Square, and listed it on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. The historic materials of the bungalow were obscured by vinyl siding and the porch, an important feature of bungalow architecture, had been enclosed. The new owners quickly went to work on the house, both inside and out, to reveal the house’s historic character. On the exterior, removal of the vinyl began to reveal still intact cedar shingles although painted in a lime-green color. The cladding presented an important aspect of the house’s historic materials. On the porch, the Spurrs found much of the millwork intact. These relatively modest changes, along with thoughtful landscaping, transformed the house into one that truly conveyed the character of its historic neighborhood.

Figure 3.25 Elinora House Rehabilitation Project, Before.

Figure 3.26 Elinora House Rehabilitation Project, Vinyl Removal.

Figure 3.27 Elinora House Rehabilitation Project, After.

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The impact on the neighborhood of this single rehabilitation project was evident. According to Mrs. Spurr, “[t]hat summer, three of our neighbors decided to also open their porches. . . . This is proof that this kind of investment is noticed, encourages others, and perpetuates.” Riverside, like Ms. Spurr’s bungalow, has a unique and vibrant history that is waiting to be uncovered. With some inspiration from neighbors and financial assistance, the residents and homeowners of Riverside can also help recapture the character of this historic community.

3.8 Recommendations

Riverside has a fascinating and unique history that is currently not being recognized or utilized fully. While many historic buildings remain in and around Riverside, the historic character of the village is not evident due to the use of non-historic materials that cover these resources. Unfortunately, there is a gap between the current condition of the built environment and the level of historic “integrity” that is necessary for the formal recognition of historically significant resources on the State or National Registers of Historic Places. Most funding streams and incentives related to historic preservation require a prerequisite of recognition. East Providence has taken major steps in their policies related to historic preservation, including enacting a historic preservation ordinance, being recognized as a Certified Local Government by the National Park Service, and working to establish national register and local historic districts. The following recommendations support these historic preservation policies and further private efforts for historic preservation in Riverside. 1. Investigate and nominate properties potentially eligible for the national register. The City of East Providence has been working since the 1970’s to identify historic properties that may be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Most of these efforts have been

concentrated in other areas of East Providence and have not focused on Riverside. Additionally, since the last comprehensive survey fifty years ago, many properties may have “aged in” past the fifty-year window required to be considered historic. 2. Nominate the Riverside Passenger Depot to the National Register of Historic Places. The Riverside Passenger Depot is the most likely candidate for eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places for local significance. The depot has a key place in the historical development of Riverside through allowing cheap and convenient transportation for the village’s use as a recreation area, setting the stage for the growth of Riverside’s hotels and resorts. It also represents an era in the development of Rhode Island’s rail system. Both of these considerations may qualify the depot for listing under Criterion A for association with significant events. The depot also represents a type of building, the small rail depot, that was once widespread but is now relatively rare, potentially making it eligible under Criterion C for embodying the distinct characteristics of this type of construction. The restoration already undertaken has helped restore the historical integrity of the structure despite it being overlooked in past survey efforts. 3. Fully operationalize the East Providence Historic Preservation Ordinance. East Providence passed their local historic preservation ordinance in 2009, using it to create a local historic district in Rumford and a historic district commission to address issues in historic preservation. Most local historic districts carry substantive powers to review the design of buildings within the district including alterations, demolition, and new construction. Currently, the historic district commission serves only as an advisory body. The city council can vote to fully enact the design review of the Rumford Historic District, which could in turn revitalize the commission and lead to the creation of additional local historic districts.

Chapter 3: Historic Preservation and the Regulatory Environment

4. Fully staff the existing Historic District Commission, Crescent Park Commission, and Ancient Little Neck Cemetery Commission. The historic district commission has one member out of seven positions currently filled and cannot conduct business without the nomination of at least two more members. The Ancient Little Neck Cemetery Commission currently has no members. The Crescent Park Carousel Commission has four active members out of 20. Filling these vacant positions can be done by nominating credentialed community members to these commissions.

Investigating development of design guidelines for new and existing commercial properties to guide rehabilitation and improve the historic appearance of the commercial district. Guidelines should inform scale, form, arrangement and finished materials. Eligible and contributing buildings could be used as bases for design guidelines for new construction and development. 8. Develop a historic interpretive marker program. Markers may include historic photographs, to identify and educate the public about Riverside’s historic buildings and monuments.

5. Investigate the feasibility of city ordinances and policies to provide funding to restore the historic integrity of houses and set the stage for further preservation activities. Many of the residents in Riverside value historic preservation and understand its potential benefits. There is a gap, however, in resident’s ability to fund rehabilitation projects to remove non-historic materials like vinyl siding and restore the historic character of their neighborhood. To meet this gap, the City of East Providence could create incentive programs to fund private historic preservation activities. The city may work within current funding programs such as the Certified Local Government program and Community Development Block Grants or enact city ordinances to take advantage of state enabling laws for the Historic Residence Tax Relief, Property Tax Relief Act, or the Historic Homeownership Assistance Act. 6. Restore the Crescent Park Carousel to operational status. The Crescent Park Carousel is currently out of operation. While there are ongoing efforts to get the carousel up and running, once completed, the city should plan events to reintroduce the carousel as an active attraction in Riverside. 7. Create design guidelines focused on historic character in the community.

Chapter 3: Historic Preservation and the Regulatory Environment

Chapter 4: Economic Development 4.0 Economic Development ............................................................................................................55 4.1 Statistical Analysis ...........................................................................................................56 4.2 Existing Retail Types .......................................................................................................60 4.3 Vacant Lot Survey ..........................................................................................................61 4.4 Land Use Investigation ..................................................................................................64 4.5 Survey of Finance Tools .................................................................................................65 4.6 Open House Feedback ..................................................................................................67 4.7 Recommendations ........................................................................................................68 4.8 Site Specific Recommendations ....................................................................................69

Chapter 4: Economic Development

The following chapter documents the progress of economic development in Riverside. The chapter describes the research and data collection alongside key findings. The contents include a statistical analysis of economic activity, a survey of existing retail types, a survey of vacant lots and buildings, a land use investigation, and a survey of finance tools available to businesses in Riverside, along with recommendations in regard to the economic development of Riverside.

4.1 Statistical Analysis

Population trends are useful for analyzing and predicting cause and effect of population change. In the sense of population decline, it is important for a city to keep a focus on the responsive decline of investment and an incline in abandonment. An area that is expected to experience a population incline would benefit from analyzing the labor force and housing availability. An increase or decline in population indicates the housing demands of the community. In general, providing more housing opportunities for a younger population of residents, can offset the rising costs which are often associated with an older population of residents. Furthermore, a growth of residents means more people to share the costs of government services and capital investments, rather than leaving these costs shared among a smaller number of residents over time. In studying the housing trends of Riverside, the most typical home value in the square is between $200,000 and $249,999, as represented in Figure 4.1. The data also shows the majority of Riverside has a higher home owner occupancy rate compared to the entire Providence County. The Marketing Profile (Figure 4.2) shows a population of 12,955, a median household income of $71,098, and average household size of 2.2 persons. The Age Pyramid chart is useful in understanding the number of currently employed individuals versus the individuals who are either dependents or elderly, in either case likely not to be employed. The smallest demographic group is males aged 80-84 and the largest group is females aged 60-64. Key household facts and age demographics provide an understanding of how spending trends reflect certain demographic groups in Riverside.

Figure 4.1 Home Value by percentage of Owner-Occupied Housing Units, Riverside, RI.

Chapter 4: Economic Development

The Marketing Profile infographic includes annual household spending which is highest among hardware, apparel, eating out, groceries, and health care. The infographic includes an Annual Lifestyle Spending tab which shows that Riverside residents

prioritize their personal care products and services as well as their experiences such as going out for alcoholic beverages ("away from home purchasing alcoholic beverages"). Additional findings support a lower expenditure on theaters, movies/museums/ parks and sporting events, but it is significant to understand that these events are not readily available in Riverside and residents are likely to spend this money in another town. The Transportation to Work infographic (Figure 4.3) shows that there are 4,057 Riverside residents who work in the same county which they live, compared to 1,506 Riverside residents traveling out of the county but still in Rhode Island to work, and 1,041 Riverside residents who travel outside of Rhode Island to work. In essence, the more people commuting within their county are likely to support the local business economy. These statistics also show traveling far for work is less of a trend for Riverside residents with the average travel time between 20-24 minutes. This suggests that the

typical Riverside resident may travel less to get to work than they may travel to purchase clothing or groceries. Additionally, the most frequent form of commuting includes 5,977 people driving alone to work while the least frequent form includes zero people bicycling to work. Keeping in mind that the bike path is an asset to the local community, the low number of people commuting to work via bike does not reflect the accessibility the bike path provides. There are 32 workers who report walking to work which would accommodate the short travel times and 83 workers taking public transit which would accommodate the lengthy travel times. Additionally, 107 individuals report working from home and 365 individuals report carpooling to work. The Employment Overview infographic (Figure 4.4) shows 248 total businesses that employ 2,119 total people. This information gives a sense of the low employment in Riverside. Regarding the educational

Figure 4.2 Esri Marketing Profile.

Chapter 4: Economic Development

attainment of employed individuals, 30% have a college degree, 29% have attended some college, and 28% have a high school diploma. The remaining 8% of the employed individuals have no high school diploma. The employment type in Riverside consists of 70% white collar employees (business, finacial, legal, education, etc.), 18% blue collar (farming, construction, production, and transportation, etc.) employees, and 12.4% Services employees (healthcare, food preparation, personal care, etc). The commuters in Riverside consist of 90.5% of individuals driving alone to work. Of the commuter population, 16% spend more than seven hours commuting to and from work per week. The Civilian Labor Force Profile 1 describes key factors of Riverside’s employment and labor force populations (Figure 4.5). The employment versus unemployment chart suggests that the majority of employed individuals are within ages 25-54. Riverside’s Civilian Labor Force Profile 2 (Figure

4.6) compare the industry and occupation share of Riverside’s employment relative to that same share nationally. A value lower or greater than one indicates that the local area is less or more specialized in that industry or occupation category than in the US as a whole (2021 Esri). Data shows that Riverside specializes in arts/entertainment, wholesale trade, and management industries, compared to the distribution of these same industries across the nation. Industries such as real estate and agriculture show minimal specialization in Riverside compared to the distribution of these same industries across the nation. Occupations such as building maintenance, architecture/ engineering, and legal show minimal specialization in Riverside compared to the distribution of these same industries across the nation. In contrast, it is clear that Riverside specializes in office/admin, education/library, and social services. What these findings show is that educational service, health care, retail trade industries, office/admin, management and sales occupations are the primary

Figure 4.3 Transportation to Work.

Chapter 4: Economic Development

Figure 4.4 Employment Overview.

Figure 4.5 Civilian Labor Profile 1.

Chapter 4: Economic Development

Figure 4.6 Civilian Labor Profile 2.

professions supplying jobs to Riverside and contain the largest number of employees in Riverside. These findings suggest which industries Riverside may want to add to the community in order to diversity spending trends as well as broaden the availability of occupations for the residents.

4.2 Existing Retail Types

Data collection for existing retail types in Riverside Square started with the 2017 Riverside Square Market Analysis which provided a list of businesses. To provide an accurate updated list of businesses, direct observation was used to identify new or closed businesses. A complete list of businesses in Riverside Square (Figure 4.7 & 4.8) were organized by religious, food and beverage, retail, personal service, human

Chapter 4: Economic Development

service, and wholesale. Under religious, any churches or religious organizations were grouped. Although community centers are not a business type precisely, they are places that congregate people in great numbers and represent a large amount of the activity in the area. Retail is a crucial part of the economic health of Riverside Square. Any business that sells items directly to consumers, ranging from consumables, entertainment, or clothing is considered retail. Personal service businesses include personal health, beauty, or other services that directly affect the human body. This includes beautician shops and medicinal services. Human service businesses could be personal service, but the category is intended to include business types that are not as easily grouped. These include daycare services and alternative therapy stores in the region. Finally, wholesale refers to

of some businesses in the last couple of years. Although some locations have had a face lift or changed hands, it is clear that the few businesses maintain their locations. The majority of businesses in the square consist of food and beverage establishments, personal service, and human service. The service sector ranges from auto body shops to laundromat.

Figure 4.7 List of Riverside Square business types.

There is a lack of retail services available in Riverside Square. The only retail services available in the square are a liquor store, a bait and tackle store, and a convenience store. Riverside Liquors distributes alcoholic beverages that can be independently purchased by consumers. Archies Bait and Tackle, described as a stable store on Riverside, sells live bait, fishing gear and similar products. Due to the square's location near the water and the popularity that brings, their products are still commonly sold. Bucket's convenience store sells typical convenience items including lottery tickets, cigarettes, household goods, and perishables (Figure 4.9). The newly revised facade of the mixed use building at 275 to 279 Bullocks Point Avenue, and its sister building at 328 Bullocks Point Avenue are currently under development. The properties are being developed as mixed use buildings, but their program and business type have not yet been established. The development company, the Apiary, is making new storefronts that could be adapted into new restaurants and retail stores. Occupying these storefront locations could result in an uptick in economic activity.

4.3 Vacant Lot Survey

Figure 4.8 Riverside Square business types.

manufacturers, discount distributors, and non-retail sales businesses. Many of the staple businesses in Riverside Square have remained open, but there has been turnover

Chapter 4: Economic Development

The following section examines vacant properties found within and surrounding Riverside Square. These sites are opportunities for development that are being underutilized. The team conducted a survey using the ArcGIS online software, Survey123. Two surveys were developed, vacant lot opportunities and vacant buildings. Information collected with these surveys included location, photographs, overall condition, and unique features. The goal of the survey was to document

Title of Map Here Retail Types Riverside, East Providence Riverside Square, in East Providence, RI

LEGEND

2 2

RELIGIOUS

2 4

3 1

1 2 3

CHURCH OF CHRIST IGLESIA de CRISTO RIVERSIDE CONGREG.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

2 2

1 1

3 6 4

4 5 1

DARIBEE ICE CREAM BOREALIS CAFE LEE’S CHINESE STEVIE D’s TAVERN RHODES PIZZA UNION BURRITO

RETAIL 3

ARCHIE’S BAIT/TACKLE BUCKET’S COMMERCIAL 3 RIVERSIDE LIQUOR PERSONAL SERVICE 1 ALI LOMAZZO’S BEAUTY 2 MARY’S MAIDS 3 RIVERSIDE OPTICAL 4 SALTY DOG DAYCARE 5 SANTO CRISTO BEAUTY 1

HUMAN SERVICE 1 MAY’S PLAYSTATION PEACEFUL PERPETUAL 2 HEALING SERVICE 1 BULLOCKS PT LAUNDRY 2 FRED’s SERVICE CENTER JERRY AND SONS AUTO 3 WHOLESALE 1

250

500 Feet

2 3

INSTATRON JOHNSON INSULATION ROMAN TILE, TERRAZ. CO. © OpenStreetMap (and) contributors, CC-BY-SA

Figure 4.9 Map of Riverside Square retail types.

Chapter 4: Economic Development

opportunities for future revitalization and facilitate increased economic activity for the community. Observations showed there was an overall lack of vacant land and high amount of surface lots within Riverside Square and the surrounding area. The locations identified as vacant can be found in Figure 4.10, three vacant buildings and five vacant lots. The buildings available are ready for new economic activity are 275-279 Bullocks Point Ave, 328 Bullocks Point Ave (Figure 4.10, b+c). The small building on Lincoln Ave would need renovation, but may be purposeful (a). Lot opportunities include a small grass triangular lot at the intersection of Monroe Ave and Lincoln Ave (Figure 4.10, 01), and a paved lot on Monroe Ave (Figure 4.10, 02). Underutilized land can be found east of Bullocks Point Ave (Figure 4.10, 03+05). These spaces are currently planned for future residential development. The final location of opportunity that was identified was an overflow parking lot for St. Brendan Church (Figure 4.10, 04).

An important aspect of the survey was the photographic documentation of each site (Figure 4.11). This step provides visual documentation of the site’s conditions, appearance, features, and approximate size. For each of these surveys, the condition of each location was recorded. The data shows that there are a low number of vacant buildings and that those found are in a wellmaintained condition or in a stage of renovation. When compared to the building data there are more open spaces identified as opportunities, but the sites show a decrease in maintenance. Vacant lots found around the square are usually fenced off and vegetatively overgown with little else on the properties.

Concrete Lot near Stevie D’s

Former Vamco jewelry factory

Figure 4.10 Vacant lot and building opportunities.

Chapter 4: Economic Development

Figure 4.11 Building and lot photographic documentation.

4.4 Land Use Investigation

The City of East Providence 2010 - 2015 Comprehensive Plan Update and the Riverside Square Market Analysis were referenced when compiling land use maps for Riverside. A map from the Proposed Riverside Square Mixed Use Overlay District was referenced as a land use plan for future development in Riverside. The map Southern East Providence Generalized Land Use map from the 2010 - 2015 Comprehensive Plan Update is a subsection of the greater East Providence area that had been zoned for land use plans to be implemented by 2015. The map highlights low density residential, medium density residential, and retail in Riverside Square with mixed use space zoned for areas on Bullocks Point Ave.

Figure 4.13 Core Commercial Area.

The Commercial Land Use in Riverside and Vicinity map in the 2017 Riverside Square Market Analysis (Figure 4.12) takes a different approach to graphically represent land use in 2014. The map highlights specifically commercial and industrial spaces, placing dots throughout Riverside and beyond showing land use in surrounding towns such as Seekonk. This land use map shows that commercial spaces are denser in the square than the rest of the town, but also that commercial spaces are minimal compared to the surrounding vicinity such as in Seekonk which contains a great

Figure 4.12 Commercial Land Use in Riverside and Vicinity.

Chapter 4: Economic Development

Figure 4.14 Proposed Riverside Square Mixed Use Overlay District4

deal of commercial spaces along route 114 and US 6. The map also highlights that there are not many industrial spaces within Riverside and no industrial spaces in the square, suggesting that Riverside’s economy relies more on commercial opportunities rather than industrial. When comparing the Core Commercial Area map (Figure 4.13) found in the Riverside Square Market Analysis to the Proposed Riverside Square Mixed Use Overlay District (Figure 4.14) there is a clear relation between the boundaries of the square and the area designated as proposed mixed use zoning.

Figure 4.15 Table of Local Credit Unions.

The Mixed Use Overlay District encapsulates the Riverside Square area which is also the core commercial area (Figure 4.14). The mixed use overlay district emphasizes Bullocks Point Ave properties rather than along the East Bay Bike Path or streets running perpendicular to Bullocks Point Ave such as Lincoln Ave. Figure 4.16 East Providence Financing Programs.

4.5 Survey of Finance Tools

The Riverside Square Market Analysis was referenced when compiling a list of local, regional, and federal finance tools available to businesses in the Riverside area. In addition, Revitalizing Main Street by the National Trust Main Street Center was referenced in studying funding mechanisms for Main Streets and improving commercial dynamics. A local developer in Riverside and the Community Development Coordinator at the City of East Providence were also contacted to provide insight to financial tools that support business activity. As shown in Figure 4.15, local credit unions provide a number of financial tools to support local entrepreneurs in small business training, lending, and assistance. A number of loan programs are available such as the Small Business Administration (SBA loan). The SBA loan is a business loan provided by local banks to start a business; SBA connects business owners with lending partners to provide loans. Using banks as a financial tool is not always ideal as banks typically finance stabilized properties

Chapter 4: Economic Development

Figure 4.17 Table of Local/State Organizations.

and bank notes for twenty years. It is also necessary to refinance with banks every five years, allowing banks the opportunity to opt-out if the business is not successful.

At the local/state level, the City of East Providence offers specific programs to commercial and industrial businesses located in East Providence. As Riverside falls within East Providence’s jurisdiction, businesses in the area are eligible to apply for the City’s Commercial Loan Program and Commercial Microloan Program. These programs provide loans to business owners ranging from under $10,000 to as much as $99,000. This option is beneficial to businesses due to their lower risk opposed to obtaining a loan from a bank (Figure 4.16). Other local and state organizations provide a variety of services to businesses in Riverside, and offer a wide range of loan options. These are great options for businesses that want to partner with organizations with similar missions and philosophies. For instance, the Center for Women & Enterprise in Providence works with women who are interested in starting a business. These local and state organizations provide training, resources, and in some instances, extensive loans to new and existing businesses (Figure 4.17). At the regional level, a few organizations based out of Rhode Island and Massachusetts were identified as having financial tools available to provide loans and educational assistance for entrepreneurs starting a business, in addition to new or redevelopment projects for commercial or mixed-

Figure 4.18 Regional Organizations.

Chapter 4: Economic Development

use purposes. The Social Enterprise Greenhouse works with businesses that have a mission of social advancement, such as supporting education of community youth. ACCION USA New England National Associations for Independent Businesses

Contact Info

American Booksellers Association

"ABA provides education, information dissemination, business products, and Phone: 800-637-0037 Headquarters: White services; creates relevant programs; and Plains, NY https://www.bookweb.org/about- engages in public policy, industry, and local aba first advocacy"

Description

American Independent Business Alliance

Phone: 513-291-2494 Headquarters: Montana https://amiba.net

"Non-profit organization that represents the interests of local independent businesses, helps communities develop strong local economies through nurturing local entrepreneurs, and promotes citizen engagement in local economic development"

American Specialty Toy Retailers' Association

Phone: (312) 222-0984 1 E Erie Street, Suite 525, PMB 4624, Chicago, IL 60611 https://www.astratoy.org

Non-profit association that provides education, networking, product sourcing and discounts, and consumer public relations to grow the specialty toy industry"

The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies

55 Harrison Street, Suite 300 Oakland, CA 94607 United States https://community-wealth. org/content/business-alliance-local-livingeconomies

"BALLE business networks in large cities, small towns, rural areas, and regions of high unemployment have increased their communities' health and economic vitality through a focus on green jobs, sustainable industries, investing locally, and buying local first"

Council of Independent Restaurants of America

Email: info@saverestaurants.com https: //www.saverestaurants.com/mission/

"The IRC's purpose is to build a sustainable future for independent restaurateurs, their employees, and the communities they support"

Independent Community Banks of America

Phone: 202-659-8111 Toll Free: 866-843-4222 1615 L Street, NW Suite 900 Washington, DC 20036 https://www.icba. org

"The Independent Community Bankers of America is the primary trade group for small U.S. banks. It represents approximately 5,000 small and mid-sized financial institutions that are commonly known as 'community banks.'"

National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO)

Phone: +1 202 962 0054 Email: nato@natodc.com Headquarters: 1705 N Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 https://www. natoonline.org

" NATO helps exhibition influence federal policy-making and work with movie distributors on all areas of mutual concern, from new technologies to legislation, marketing, and First Amendment issues"

National Community Pharmacists' Association

Phone: 703-683-8200 Fax: 703-683-3619 100 Daingerfield Road Alexandria, VA 22314 https://ncpa.org

"The National Community Pharmacists Association is the voice for independent pharmacy, representing 21,000 pharmacies and employing more than 250,000 individuals nationwide"

National Cooperative Business Association

Phone: 240-608-6167 1775 I Street NW, 8th Floor Washington, DC 20006 https://ncbaclusa. coop/about-us/mission-and-values/

"Mission is to develop, advance and protect cooperative enterprise"

National Grocers' Association

Phone: (202) 938-2570 601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC 20004 https://www.nationalgrocers.org

"NGA works to ensure ongoing economic advancement and prosperity for America’s independent community and remains the only trade association exclusively focused on representing the independent sector of the food industry"

The National Business Incubator Association

Phone: 215-593-3333 Email: rbendis@bendisig.com 3131 Walnut St. Apt.601 Philadelphia, PA 19104 http://www.innovationamerica.us/contact

"The mission of NBIA is to be a clearinghouse for information on incubator management and development issues and on tools for assisting start-up and fledgling firms"

Figure 4.19 National Associations for Independent Businesses.

Figure 4.20 Federal Organizations.

and the Southeastern Economic Development Corporation both provide small micro-loans along with larger loans allowing for a range of options to small businesses (Figure 4.18). There are also a variety of National Associations for Independent Businesses that exist that are a private option unsupported by the government (Figure 4.19). These independent associations each specialize in types of products from books to specialty toys. These are ideal options for business owners looking for a more personalized program with specific knowledge in their field of expertise. At the federal level, a few options exist to provide business owners with support in existing businesses and start ups. Interise is a non-profit organization available to provide educational support to existing business owners, such as participating in an MBA program. These financial tools at the federal level may have a wider range of resources available and more funds to provide than a financial tool at the local level, but at the same time may not provide as personal of an experience (Figure 4.20).

4.6 Open House Feedback

The Riverside Open House had nearly a hundred attendees that shared their input for revitalizing their community. Most of the attendees were middle aged individuals who agreed on the potential benefit of diversifying Riverside Square. Many spoke about their hopes and concerns about future development in Riverside. In moments where attendees recalled their memories of Riverside Square, several suggested downtown revitalization efforts that support new grocery stores, businesses for personal care, apparel shops, and entertainment. Regarding economic development, attendees were interested in discussing retail opportunities and the potential threat of raising property taxes with new development. Though residents do hope to see Riverside Square become more vibrant and utilized, they do not want to see big name chain stores. The

Chapter 4: Economic Development

following summarizes general comments attendees had during the Open House. Some attendees spoke about their concern of increasing taxes. One attendee explained that she began going door to door to talk to neighbors about their thoughts on the issue. One attendee explained that the increase of taxes is leaving many residents concerned that they will not be able to afford their homes, especially those who are already retired and had not planned for an increase. In discussing hopes for Riverside, an older woman shared her knowledge of a previous movie theater on Maple Avenue, west of Riverside Square. This resident, along with others, offered retail suggestions based on their history of enjoying local businesses in the past. One attendee spoke about her hopes to make the area a place filled with people on the weekend, with families out and about eating, shopping, and walking around the square. Another attendee spoke about her distaste in large developments and hopes that this does not occur in Riverside. Several attendees felt strongly about keeping businesses locally owned so that revenues stay local. Several attendees compared their view of what they would like to see for the square to Barrington as they noted appreciating Barrington's comfortable, small town feel. Hopes for the success of Bullocks Point Ave was discussed with one attendee who was a new commercial renter opening her own clothing store on Bullocks Point Ave. The attendee was pleased to see expenditure on apparel by Riverside residents, as was shown in the Marketing Profile (Figure 4.2). Many attendees took interest in viewing the existing retail types and industry data (figure 4.6). Using the Employment by Occupation and Industry data, attendees understood which industries supply most jobs to residents such as health care, education, retail, and manufacturing. Attendees mentioned that Riverside is a heavily traveled path for employed individuals who are

traveling into and through Riverside Square daily. This suggests there is opportunity to support new businesses in Riverside Square due to the number of residents traveling back and forth and the number of workers who travel in and out of the square for work, all who may stop at the square at the end of a workday. A middle-aged male mentioned how he has biked to work for over a year. We discussed the biking commute data because the data count was zero from ACS 2021. This may be due to the small population size collected by ACS opposed to the more complete Decennial Census. Several individuals agreed with our standing that the bike path is an asset of the community regardless of its usage in transportation to work. In conclusion, the vacant opportunities and existing retail data display the economic opportunities available across Riverside Square. A vibrant community can be supported through the revitalization of the existing spaces for local businesses which will in turn, increase foot traffic, use of public transit, and stabilize the community. Residents of Riverside are open to new ideas and are eager to develop a community they are proud to call home.

4.7 Recommendations

1. Increase outreach efforts to help business owner’s understand available financial tools. Entrepreneurs may have better success in establishing businesses in Riverside with more awareness of financial tools available to them (Figure 4.15-4.20). For example, the city has low interest loans available to businesses in East Providence, up to $100,000, in addition to tax incentives such as a Commercial Tax Stabilization Program. The flyers provided at the Open House (see Appendix) are one way to share financial tools available to Riverside business owners. 2. Develop promotional materials and communication tools for local businesses to share

Chapter 4: Economic Development

information with residents. By keeping residents engaged and up to date with the development of businesses in Riverside, businesses have a better chance of success. The creation of a town website highlighting each business in Riverside along with updates from business owners is a simple and efficient way to keep residents engaged. Additionally, more physical bulletins could be created in communal spaces around town to allow business owners the chance to post job opportunities and community events. 3. Incubate new businesses and sustain existing ones through the co-location of mutually supportive businesses. Allowing businesses to “buddy up” can help businesses grow incrementally by providing business owners a way to mitigate the high overhead costs associated with opening a new venture. Opportunities to mix businesses in a single space can come in a number of forms, such as small food establishments or coffee shops with bookstores or bike repair shops. 4. Encourage street markets, vending, and popup retail to offer commercial services, activate marginal spaces. By creating commercial events that encourage economic growth and bring community members together, residents can participate in selling their own goods and services which in turn keeps money local. Commercial activity like flea markets, craft fairs, food trucks, or farmers markets could occur weekly or monthly. 5. Revitalize and repurpose vacant and underutilized buildings and spaces within and around Riverside Square to align with the Mixed Use Overlay District, and provide opportunities for a more diverse retail landscape, and/or housing options. To achieve these development goals, emphasis should be placed on building partnerships with business owners, current and prospective developers, money lenders, and the city to generate

start-up business types that can take advantage of available financial resources and vacant properties. 6. Expand mixed-use development along the East Bay Bike Path. Riverside businesses may see more success if they actively engage with the Bike Path, in addition to Bullocks Point Ave. Similar to Union Burrito Restaurant, having business entries along the bike path with places to leave your bike, sit, or walk around, visitors passing through may feel more inclined to stop in the square.

4.8 Site Specific Recommendations

328, 330 Bullocks Point Ave; Increase retail opportunities with proximity to the bike path. Retail opportunities may include a bar/tavern, boutique/ specialty shops, health & fitness experiences, and small grocery/butchers.

Figure 4.23 Hope Artiste Village Precedent.

Figure 4.24 Hope & Main, Warren RI Precedent.

Figure 4.21 Lee's Restaurant parking lot current (circa 2021).

Figure 4.22 Lee's Restaurant parking lot proposed usage.

Chapter 4: Economic Development

271, 275, 277, 279 Bullocks Point Ave, The Buckets Building; Develop an initiative to attract prospective businesses. Give its central location in Riverside Square it is critical that this location is occupied. The Apiary construction and real estate company is currently developing the Buckets Building. Retail Opportunities may include a bar/tavern, boutique/ specialty shops, health & fitness experiences, and small grocery/butchers. Lee’s Restaurant and parking lot; Repurpose the parking lot for outdoor markets or events can bring in activity to the square. Lee’s Restaurant is currently up for sale and its redevelopment could bring unique opportunities to Riverside. (Figure 4.21

and 4.22). Community Gathering/Flexible Retail Space may include farmers markets, flea markets, fairs & events, food trucks, and pop-up stores. Seasonal Opportunities may include Christmas tree sales, car shows, and cultural celebrations. Open space & small building at the intersection of Lincoln Ave and Monroe Ave; Improve the visual cohesion and appearance of the open space while also providing seating for residents and a shared library box (Figure 2.9). 640 Bullocks Point Ave, Former Oldham Elementary School; Restore and rehabilitate the building to host events that will generate local economic activity. In the meantime, utilize outdoor parking lot space as a flexible community event location (Figures 4.23, 4.24). Community Gathering/Flexible Retail Space may include farmers markets, flea markets, fairs & events, food trucks, and pop-up stores. Seasonal Opportunities may include Christmas tree sales, car shows, and cultural celebrations.

Chapter 4: Economic Development

Chapter 5: Transportation and Circulation 5.0 Transportation and Circulation ...............................................................................................71 5.1 Community Assets ..........................................................................................................72 5.2 Street Hierarchy ..............................................................................................................72 5.3 Traffic ..............................................................................................................................72 5.4 Bus Routes ......................................................................................................................72 5.5 Bike Path and Foot Trails ................................................................................................72 5.6 Walkability ......................................................................................................................79 5.7 Wayfinding ......................................................................................................................79 5.8 Parking ............................................................................................................................79 5.9 Open House Summary ...................................................................................................79 5.10 Recommendations .......................................................................................................83

Chapter 5: Transportation and Circulation

5.1 Community Assets

There are a variety of community assets in Riverside that are attractive destinations for residents and visitors. The East Bay Bike Path is a central feature in Riverside creating a vegetated strip through the middle of the town. There are larger parks along the coast of Riverside, Sabin Point and Crescent Park, that are a short distance from the square (Figure 5.1). Other assets farther from the square include Willett Pond, Crescent Park, Grassy Plains Park, and the Carousel. The Carousel is located in Crescent Park and it a key feature of the community (Figure 5.1). Churches are scattered throughout the neighborhood catering to the residential districts. More well known local businesses in Riverside Square include Borealis Coffee, the laundry mat, Rhodes Pizza, Stevie D’s bar and restaurant, Lee’s Restaurant, and Union Burrito (Figure 5.1).

5.2 Street Hierarchy

There are several streets and roads that are more heavily used in Riverside. Bullocks Point Ave is the primary street that runs through Riverside Square. Willett Ave is another major street that branches off Bullocks Point Ave (Figure 5.2) and caters to the majority of the population north of the square. The square is accessed via Pawtucket Ave or Bullocks Point Ave. Here, streets are wide and express excess pavement that could be reimagined for improvements (Figure 5.2). Bullocks Point Ave is approximately 50 feet wide where it passes through the square. In the heart of the square, Lincoln Ave intersects with Bullocks Point Ave expanding to 54 feet wide. Sidewalks around the square are typically 6 feet wide. Crescent View and Burnside Ave are main roads running east to west conjoining with Bullocks Point Ave and Willett Ave. The one-way streets of Maple Ave, Burnside Ave, Turner Ave, and Pawtucket Ave connect main roads to each other (Figure 5.2).

5.3 Traffic

In general the area in and around Riverside Square

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does not experience significant amounts of traffic or congestion. The vast majority of traffic can be found along Pawtucket Ave that connects Riverside with the rest of East Providence. Pawtucket Ave provides access to schools, institutions, residential, and commercial areas. In Riverside Square, higher levels of traffic are found where Bullocks Point Ave intersects with the East Bay Bike Path with an average of 12,200 cars passing through every 24 hours (Figure 5.3). Resident insight reveals that vehicles traveling along Bullocks Point and Pawtucket Ave frequently speed. These conditions have made it both unsafe and unattractive for pedestrians and has added significant noise pollution in and around Riverside Square.

5.4 Bus Routes

There are 20 RIPTA bus stops along Bullocks Point Ave serving bus route 33 (Figure. 5.5). Bus route 60 and 61x service Wampanoag Trail. There are np bus routes on secondary roads, limiting bus access throughout the eastern parts of the community. Within Riverside Square there is a northbound stop along Bullocks Point Ave that has a well-maintained bus shelter. The area to the west of the bike path has a median age between 37 and 45 years old (Figure 5.5). Areas to the east of the bike path that have a median age of 45+ and have less access to public transit.

5.5 Bike Path and Foot Trails

The East Bay Bike Path connects to Providence to the north and Barrington, Warren, and Bristol to the south. The path connects many Riverside residents to Riverside Square and is an economic driver for the community. Built upon an old railway corridor, the path has numerous connections both east and west into many of Riverside’s residential areas. Many of these connections are informal (Figure 5.7). Other paths are more formal including some with paved connectors and signage indicating the street name. However, from the street, connections are often elusive, lack proper wayfinding, are obscured

Figure 5.1 Community Asset Map.

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Figure 5.2 Street Hierarchy.

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Figure 5.3 Average traffic counts in 24 hours.

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Figure 5.4 Riverside Bus Routes

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Figure 5.5 Median Age and Transportation.

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Figure 5.6 Riverside Bike and Foot Paths.

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by overgrown vegetation, and are often hidden behind guard rails or trash cans. These paths more or less cater to local traffic, however they present opportunities to expand connections throughout the community. A dedicated bike lane along Crescent Ave connects the East Bay Bike Path with Crescent Park. Wayfinding signage and traffic signals direct pedestrians crossing the road, as well as bicyclists traveling to and from Crescent Park. Another bike lane found along Socony Road connects Bullocks Point Ave to Wampanoag Trail. Many residents report driving to the East Bay Bike Path to then bike along it which suggests improving access along the bike path as well as connections with residential areas will make the path more accessible.

5.6 Walkability

The compact urban form in and around Riverside Square makes the community highly walkable. The square is accessible to most residents within a one mile or 20 minute walk (Figure 5.7). 50% of East Providence residents reported walking to their destination at least once a week while 25% report riding a bike.

5.7 Wayfinding

Wayfinding in and around Riverside Square is limited. Many residents expressed this sentiment suggesting that better signage of community assets like Sabin Point would better connect parts of the community. Traveling north on the bike path, the first sign locates the town line between the City of East Providence (Riverside) and Barrington. Approaching Crescent View Ave, for both north and south bound traffic, two small signs orient pedestrians and cyclists towards Crescent View Park (Figure 5.8). This intersection has added safety infrastructure including a crosswalk, caution signal, and a bike lane.

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Several street signs mark specific access points along the bike path. These signs are visible and clear to understand while on the path, however there is currently no wayfinding when approaching the path from the street. Moving into the square, a East Bay Bike Path sign locates where the bike path crosses the square at Borealis Coffee. Aside from this sign, there is no signage orienting bike path users towards community assets in the immediate area. One sign locates Sabin Point for southbound vehicular traffic along Bullocks Point Ave (Figure 5.8).

5.8 Parking

Within Riverside Square visitor and customer parking is readily available. On-street parking along Bullocks Point Ave is in good condition with 40 parking spaces at 20 feet per space. On the southern portion of Bullocks Point Ave there are 45 spaces of on-street parking at 20 feet a space. Including the side streets, there are over 150-200 parking spaces within and around Riverside Square.

5.9 Open House Feedback

At the Riverside Open House attendees provided feedback about what they would like to see improved or changed. Positive feedback focused on the creation of more connections to the bike path and the surrounding community. Residents were also interested in improving traffic and road safety around the square, more specifically along Bullocks Point and Pawtucket Avenues. Providing more wayfinding was another interest of attendees to more easily locate themselves in relation to other community assets, specifically around the square and the East Bay Bike Path. The connection between assets and the bike path was a priority for attendees. Many found the transportation maps helpful to express what they value. Attendees were nostalgic for the variety of parks spread throughout the community. Improving transportation connections between the community’s assets and parks (Sabin Point Park, Willett Pond, and Crescent Park) emerged

Figure 5.7 Walkability Map.

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Figure 5.8 Riverside Wayfinding Survey.

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as a priority. Many bike and walk to the square, so increasing these connections promotes safety and accessibility. Bullocks Point Ave and Shore Rd were frequently mentioned for bike improvements. The grant proposed for Grassy Plains Park was also mentioned as a way to connect the park to other areas of Riverside via the bike path. Other assets identified at the Open House were the library along Bullocks Point Ave, the school on Pawtucket Ave, churches, and Riverside’s boat launch. Traffic in and around Riverside was a problem frequently stated by the residents. Specifically, Willett Ave and Pawtucket Ave demonstrate heavy traffic and in turn, lead to unsafe streets. People that live close to these areas have noted that the traffic makes it hard for them to reach the center of town by foot. There were suggestions to develop alternative roads that could redirect traffic away from the congested areas. We discovered that some traffic is caused by the coming and going of buses from the Bayside Private School, north of the square. The addition of a bike lane connecting the East Bay Bike Path and Sabin Point Park was raised by the community. Since Shore Road is a busy, narrow street that does not contain sufficient space to put in a protected bike lane, the street could be marked with bike sharrows.

Figure 5.9 Open House Asset Interactive Map.

To reduce traffic speed concerns in the square, curb extensions can be added to the main intersection where there is excess pavement. Talking with the community, any excess pavement could be transformed into pocket parks and pedestrian amenities. Attendees did not seem to rely on the use of the bus, but some community members expressed that they have used it before and cited the bus takes too long and is not reliable. Many expressed that it takes less time to walk than to take the bus to their destinations. Residents agreed with the idea of an additional bus route on Willett Ave to help service a

Chapter 5: Transportation and Circulation

Figure 5.10 Open House overall image.

greater number of people in Riverside. Almost all attendees commented on the lack of signage around Riverside Square and described feeling disoriented occasionally. Residents expressed interest incorporating signs that point to each of the parks coming from the square. Cyclists on the bike path do not know that they are going through Riverside until they get to the square. This could be improved by adding signage along the path to point out different businesses and assets that people would want to visit. Another attendee recommended developing walkability maps to help residents understand their location to the square. If they knew their walking distance to the square, they may be more willing to participate in the ongoing activities.

cobblestone can more clearly designate pedestrian, bike, and vehicle lanes (Figure 5.11). 2. Expand public transportation options and bus routes. Public transportation should promote accessibility to all residents. Encouraging additional route options along other major roads such as Willett Ave can promote local ridership and better service local traffic. A connection between Pawtucket Ave and the Wampanoag Trail can also be utilized for additional routes. The addition of a shuttle to service Riverside Square would also offer more accessibility for the community (Figure 5.11).

5.10 Recommendations These recommendations focus on mobility and transportation within Riverside with the goal to better accommodate all residents. Recommendations promote the diversity of transportation types to strengthen Riverside’s economic potential. Creating pedestrian friendly streets that promote walkability as well as safety and accessibility to Riverside’s assets is a priority.

3. Create a bike path extension to Sabin Point Park and Sabin Pint Park to Rose Larisa Park. Access from the East Bay Bike Path, down Shore Road, and to Sabin Point Park will help bicyclists access the shoreline (Figure 5.12). Formalizing the connection between the bike path and Allen Avenue with proper signage can indicate the direction of the park and vice versa. Shared lane markings or sharrows could indicate the direction of the route. At the intersection of Bullock’s Point Ave and Shore Rd, crosswalk signals would help cyclists and pedestrians cross the road safely. A similar treatment is also plausible along Knowlton Street, connecting the path with the park. These new connections between the bike path and Sabin Point Park could also continue south along Narragansett Ave and White Ave to Crescent Park and connect to the existing bike lane. This connection from Sabin Point Park and Rose Larisa Park would expand bike accessibility and create an additional route that cyclists could use (Figure 5.12).

1. Improve intersection safety at Bullocks Point Ave and Lincoln Ave. Visibility between motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians should be improved in order to ensure the safety of the intersection. This can be accomplished by creating sidewalk extensions and bulb-outs or additional pedestrian spaces around its edges. Diverse paving materials such as brick or

4. Utilize abundant pavement along South Pawtucket Ave. At the intersection of Pawtucket Ave, Bullocks Point Ave, and Turner Ave the street widens to help accommodate turning traffic. There is an abundant amount of pavement that can be used to promote both traffic and pedestrian safety. Existing businesses, such as Rhodes Pizza, could reclaim

The feedback that we received supports our recommendations and strategies to improve accessibility and circulation in Riverside. These begin with improved connectivity of Riverside’s assets in relation to transportation such as the bike path, improved safety of busy streets, and enhancing the signage and informational tools around Riverside.

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Figure 5.11 Transportation and Circulation Recommendation.

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Figure 5.12 Bike Path Extensions.

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portions of the street for outdoor dining. This would effectively narrow the street helping to reduce traffic speeds while simultaneously promoting local business. Inviting food trucks along the western edge of the Pawtucket Ave would reduce traffic speeds and help promote a more complete street where pedestrians have priority. 5. Provide more street trees along Bullocks Point Ave. Besides their environmental benefits, street trees offer a variety of advantages such as helping reduce traffic speeds while simultaneously creating a more pleasurable walking experience. Street trees create a visual edge between the road and sidewalk distinguishing the space as one shared by people and bikes not just automobiles. By shielding pedestrians from cars, but also from the rain or heat, residents would be more inclined to explore the square on foot and thus help boost the local economy. Given the amount of pavement located along Bullocks Point Ave, more trees would help reduce temperatures in the summer months. 6. Improve wayfinding around Riverside Square and the East Bay Bike Path. Signage is limited to street signs indicating the boundaries of the square with similar styled signs found at certain points along the bike path. While these signs are helpful, they do not indicate access to the shoreline or other community assets east of the bike path. Additionally, there is no indication of access points to the path from residential streets which remains local knowledge. Often, access points are largely concealed by vegetation, guardrails, or around waste bins. Improving wayfinding here would better establish and formalize these points. We recommend placing signage along the bike path that points to community assets. Outside of Riverside Square, signage in the neighborhood can be used to graphically display the walking distance and direction to the center of the square (Figure 5.13 and 5.14).

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Figure.5.13 Walking Time Recommendation.

7. Provide more bicycle parking. Adding more bicycle parking is a flexible, low-cost way to encourage bike ridership to promote the community as being bicycle friendly. Bike racks also ensure bicycles are safely out of the way of other riders or pedestrians. While bicycle parking is available at some businesses, there could be more located at parks and businesses further away from the bike path to generate activity. Bike racks can be manufactured locally and may also be sculptural. 8. Activate underutilized on-street parking in Riverside Square for pedestrian uses. In Riverside Square, we recommend adapting underutilized street parking for pedestrian uses. Sidewalks can be widened and improved to accommodate more pedestrian traffic and help

Sabin Point Park

Carousel Park

Riverside Sqaure

Turner Ave.

Riverside is a neighborhood in the city of East Providence in the U.S.state of Rhode Island. Despite not being an incorporated city, Riverside has its own zip code, 02915, and is an acceptable mailing address according to the United States Postal Service. Riverside has a population of approximately 20,000 people.

Figure 5.14 Typical Signage for Wayfinding.

promote more complete streets. This could prove advantageous for local business offering additional outdoor seating or dining options. At the same time, creating more green spaces can improve the pedestrian experience and generate predictable and safe circulation paths.

Chapter 5: Transportation and Circulation

Chapter 6: Streetscapes & Public Amenities 6.0 Public Amenities and Streetscapes .....................................................................................88 6.1 Introduction and Methodology .....................................................................................89 6.2 Block Conditions ............................................................................................................89 6.3 Street Surfaces Conditions ............................................................................................89 6.4 Sidewalk Surfaces Conditions ........................................................................................94 6.5 Curb Surfaces Conditions ..............................................................................................94 6.6 Building Typologies and Conditions ..............................................................................94 6.7 Open House Feedback ..................................................................................................94 6.8 Recommendations .......................................................................................................103

Chapter 6: Streetscapes & Public Amenities

6.1 Introduction and Methodology

Two different surveys were created to assess the quality of the environment; the first focused on the conditions of the streets and public amenities and the second focused on the conditions of buildings (see Appendix for survey forms). A coding system was established to collect data for 60 street segments (Figure 6.1). The street segment numbers were used to organize the surveys and data collection in Survey123 software. Criteria used to analyze conditions were well maintained, adequately maintained, and poorly maintained, and not present. These criteria were based on the physical and visual appearance of conditions. To synthesize the data, a variety of maps were developed. Each block was color coded using three or four criteria: well maintained (green), adequately maintained (yellow), poorly maintained (red), or not present (blue). This type of spatial data representation was used as a visual guide to determine areas of most and least concern. (Figures 6.2, 6.4, 6.6, 6.8, 6.10, 6.12).

6.2 Block Conditions

The overall block conditions show that the majority of blocks are adequately or poorly maintained. This means the majority of blocks need work in order to meet a higher standard. As shown in Figure 6.2, all portions of Bullocks Point Ave within Riverside Square are in adequate condition. Improving the block conditions of Bullocks Point Ave may include the street surface, sidewalks, and street lights. The quality of experience should be considered both during the day and at night.

6.3 Street Surfaces Conditions

The pie chart for street surfaces confirms that 42% of streets are adequately maintained, 16% are poorly maintained, and 42% are well maintained (Figure 6.5). Open House attendees confirmed our findings and related the data to their own personal experiences.

In addition to the maps we captured photographs as a visual representation of existing conditions. This ensures consistency across the data criteria. For the block conditions survey, photos include documentation of the sidewalks, curbs, bus stops, vegetation, debris, street lighting. For the building conditions survey, documentation includes building facades, siding, windows, porches, fences. Bar charts were also used to summarize the data quantitatively. Six elements were chosen from the two surveys to provide an overall picture of physical conditions in Riverside: the overall block assessment, sidewalk conditions, street surfaces, curbs, initial building assessment, and primary building typology. Recorded conditions such as the number of street lights, presence of trees, and presence of benches were considered with the six elements. Figure 6.1 Map of Street Segment and References Codes Used in Data Collection

Chapter 6: Streetscapes & Public Amenities

Overall Block Conditions

Riverside Square, East Providence, RI

250

500 Feet © OpenStreetMap (and) contributors, CC-BY-SA

Figure 6.2 Map of Overall Block Conditions, map created by author

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Figure 6.3 Key and Chart for Overall Block Conditions, created by author

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Figure 6.4 Map of Street Surface Conditions, map created by author

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Figure 6.5 Key and Chart for Street Surface Conditions, created by author

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6.4 Sidewalk Surface Conditions

17% of sidewalks are well maintained, 25% are adequately maintained, 29% are poor, 29% are not present (Figure 6.7). This suggests that nearly 60% of the square and surrounding blocks may need surface improvements.

6.5 Curb Surface Conditions

Curbs affect the quality of the sidewalk conditions (Figure 6.8). Within the square approximately half of the curbs are in less than ideal condition. When comparing overall blocks, street surface surfaces, sidewalks, and curbs, we conclude the blocks within the square don’t need much work in terms of street surfaces and that sidewalks and curbs need most attention.

6.6 Building Typologies and Conditions

The building survey documents the overall physical quality of buildings and identifies the use of buildings on each block. The categories created for building uses are commercial, multi-family, single family, religious, and other. There are far more blocks where the primary building typology is single family homes than other categories. After speaking to community members we learned there are many young families that have recently been moving into Riverside in search of more affordable housing. Within Riverside Square specifically, our analysis found that the building typology consisted primarily of commercial or religious buildings. Riverside’s commercial sector along the southern portion of Bullocks Point Ave has room to grow. There are some open lots and seemingly vacant homes along this stretch of road that can be expanded into commercial buildings. Fortunately, there are opportunities for this growth to occur with the recent implementation of the mixed-use overlay district.

Chapter 6: Streetscapes & Public Amenities

In terms of the building conditions, the vast majority of buildings within the surveyed area are in good shape. They either need no work or only a small amount of work in order to improve their conditions. Over three quarters of the buildings within the surveyed area were deemed to be in adequate condition.

6.7 Open House Feedback

Open House attendees were gracious with their insights. There was a sense of respect and pride for their neighborhood. Some of the attendees’ commentary was personal and directly about their own neighborhood. Our team realized the importance of letting the residents know that our objective of this research was to find the strengths and weaknesses as well as the opportunities for growth and improvement. One handicapped woman talked with our team about her personal struggles to walk throughout Riverside with her walker given the physical conditions of the town. For example, poorly timed streetlights and crosswalk signs do not allow for adequate time for people with disabilities to cross the street. Another concern of attendees was the fragmented sidewalks that make certain blocks impassable. Attendees also noted accessibility to the bike path from the west side of Bullocks Point Ave is difficult due to heavy traffic. They identified areas where sidewalks are fully present, poorly maintained, or are too steep to be usable. These issues lead many residents to walk on the narrow streets. Attendees also identified that they have experienced many streets that are too dark or have broken light bulbs, which prevents them from feeling safe from going out at night. They commented North Street and Shore Road need street light repairs. The Open House was a means for us to share our

Figure 6.6 Map of Sidewalk Conditions, map created by author

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Figure 6.7 Key and Chart for Sidewalk Conditions, created by author

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Curb Conditions

Riverside Square, East Providence, RI

250

500 Feet © OpenStreetMap (and) contributors, CC-BY-SA

Figure 6.8.Map of Curb Conditions, map created by author

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Figure 6.9 Key and Chart for Curb Conditions, created by author

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Figure 6.10 Map of Primary Building Typologies, map created by author

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Figure 6.11 Key and Chart for Primary Building Typologies, created by author

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Building Conditions

Riverside Square, East Providence, RI

250

500 Feet © OpenStreetMap (and) contributors, CC-BY-SA

Figure 6.12.Map of Building Conditions, map created by author

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101

Figure 6.13 Key and Chart for Building Conditions, created by author

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findings with the community, and for them to share their personal experiences with us to broaden our understanding of Riverside. Community members took pride in their neighborhood and were eager to learn.

6.8 Recommendations

These improvements are meant to increase the overall appeal and safety of Riverside Square and the surrounding blocks. Our recommendations focus largely on the quality of the physical blocks. The data and feedback have largely indicated that the physical block conditions need improvement in order to improve the overall quality and safety of the community. While this study focused on Riverside Square, these recommendations are important to consider in areas of Riverside that receive less attention.

a problem when establishing a safe area for pedestrian access and use. A primary role of curbs is to separate vehicular space and pedestrian space. This is a safety tool in areas with high volumes of automobile traffic. Along Bullocks Point Ave many of the curbs are cracked and deteriorating into a state of disrepair. Other portions of the surrounding blocks also need work as well. Similar to sidewalks, curb repairs could focus on Bullocks Point Ave and later encompass other parts of the community.

Poor condition curbs or non-existent curbs are

2. Improve the street conditions with a complete street model and or a road diet. These options would work best where streets are currently wider than needed, such as Bullocks Point Ave, Shore Rd, and Pawtucket Ave. In order to promote pedestrian activity in the square and surrounding areas, the speed and dominant presence of vehicles should be reduced. A road diet would narrow the street lanes and give more space to pedestrians. This recommendation also reduces street parking, which can encourage alternate modes of transportation such as cycling and walking. Including a bike lane in the street would provide a buffer between the shops along the street and the high speed vehicle traffic. Complete Street elements that residents would like to see include bike lanes, more street lighting on side streets,

Figure 6.14 Open House Photo 1, photos taken by author

Figure 6.15 Open House Photo 2, photos taken by author

1. The safety and conditions of sidewalks is a primary area in need of improvement. Currently some sidewalks are inaccessible and limit mobility within the community. The sidewalks that need the most attention are primarily those along Bullocks Point Ave. Other areas of interest include the sidewalks along North Street and Shore Rd.

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street benches, vegetation, and more continuous sidewalks. Some of these suggestions would be more successful applied to the primary mixed-use streets while others are more crucial on the side streets branching off of Bullocks Point Ave (Figure 6.16). 3. Develop pocket parks to provide more opportunity for streetscape amenities and seating. Pedestrian spaces are a vital necessity for a healthy and functioning downtown. Pocket parks would expand the benefits of the existing parks and public spaces. They would further encourage a more active streetscape and could be located in between or around existing structures to draw further attention to shops along the streets (Figure 6.17). Parklets would activate local businesses. Street amenities would allow for more activity to occur specifically in the square and other areas where businesses are located. Not only would this be a safety feature, as a separation from the vehicle and the pedestrian, but it would also have a positive impact on the economy of Riverside (Figure 6.17).

Figure 6.16 Existing Conditions and Road Diet Recommendation, graphic created by author

4. Plant more trees and other vegetation along Bullocks Point Ave, Shore Rd, and Pawtucket Ave. Increased planting along these streets will provide environmental and experiential benefits for residents. Planting could be implemented with proposed pocket parks. 5. Add more street lighting to promote street activity in the square and surrounding areas. While this is not an issue on Bullocks Point Ave, there is an absence of lighting on secondary streets. It is important to implement these strategies where needed for safer connections to the square. 6. Incorporate public art murals to beautify blank walls, activate marginal spaces, and promote street activity. Blank walls throughout the neighborhood are a good way to engage the public through art. Murals are also seen as a great way to expand upon the

Chapter 6: Streetscapes & Public Amenities

Figure 6.17 Develop Parklet and Public Street Amenities Recommendation, graphic created by author

104

overall physical appearance of the neighborhood (Figure 6.18). 7. Develop Wifi and charging amenities in and around the square to assist in pedestrian and cyclist interaction. By implementing these digital amenities it will entice pedestrians and cyclists to spend more time within Riverside. This may increase interaction with the surrounding neighborhood and other public amenities. 8. Promote visual merchandising in the storefront windows along Bullocks Point Ave. This will lead to increased visual engagement with pedestrians and vehicles.

Figure 6.18 Public art mural on blank walls, graphic created by author

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Appendices Appendices ...........................................................................................................................................106 Appendix 1: Cultural Resource Survey Forms ....................................................................107 Appendix 2: Demographic Maps & Market Reports .........................................................262 Appendix 3: References .....................................................................................................303 Appendix 4: List of Figures Citations .................................................................................304 Appendix 5: Mixed Use Overlay Map ................................................................................306 Appendix 6: Financial Tools for Businesses Flyer ..............................................................307 Appendix 7: Block and Building Conditions Survey Forms ................................................308

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Appendix 1: Cultural Resource Survey Forms Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

Riverside

VILLAGE

233 Bullocks Point Ave

ADDRESS

DATABASE ID#

PLAT/LOT 312/07/008

NAME(s) Bld

PROPERTY TYPE

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Priv

OWNERSHIP Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT USES:

Photo ID

EAPR_233Bullockspointave_W

Select terms from National Register table

Domestic/Mult. Dwelling

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

1.5

MATERIALS:

ROOF(s)

12,196.8

LOT SIZE

sq ft

(1) End Gable

Select terms from National Register table

Asphalt

ROOF

Domestic/Mult. Dwelling

HISTORIC

Concrete

FOUNDATION

Synthetics/Vinyl

WALL OTHER

Photo ID

EAPR_233Bullockspointave_ NE

(1) one over one double hung sash vinyl, (2) casement sash

WINDOWS ALTERATIONS:

PORCH

WINDOWS

TRIM

OVERALL

Material

(1) Mod

(1) Maj

Configuration

(1) Min

(1) Maj

Excellent

INTEGRITY

PROPERTY COMPONENTS:

Fair

Poor

Destroyed

List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1.

Component Type

(1)

Good Code

Count

B-C

Commercial building

Component Type

Code

(4)

(2)

(5)

(3)

(6)

EVENT

DATE

SOURCE

NAME (person/firm/organization)

ROLE

Original Construction

Ca. 1882

Map

G.M. Hopkins

Surveyor

ARCHITECTURE:

If more than one, list & number in order of importance

TYPE SURVEYOR

Count

STYLE(s) Brianna Jordan

DATE

No Style

12/2021

REVIEWER

DATE

107

Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

Form version 200702rev161101

HISTORIC NARRATIVE AND CONTEXT The first half of the nineteenth century designated Riverside as a destination for wealthy travelers who sought relaxation away from city life.1 By the latter half of the nineteenth century Riverside developed into a busy resort area populated mostly with small summer vacation cottages and luxury resort and hotels.2 By the late 1890s Riverside is said to have had the largest concentration of summer residences on Narragansett Bay.3 There were a multitude of amusement parks, like Crescent Park and Boyden Heights.4 The middle class’s expansion into Riverside was aided with by the establishment of the Providence and Bristol Company Railroad constructed in the mid-1850s.5 The railroad aided the ease of access in and out of Riverside. By the turn of the twentieth century Riverside began to transition into a year-round suburban neighborhood, with both construction of new houses and changing the summer cottages to permanent use.6 Riverside’s new commercial, civic, and institutional activity centered around the Riverside Square and the Riverside Passenger depot.7 Historically, Riverside square was a dense commercial sector that built up to accommodate the needs of vacationers and then eventually, suburban residents. Small, free -standing businesses like groceries, barbershops, auto shops, leisure sites and bakeries were present at the beginning and middle of the twentieth century catering to the needs of the expanding neighborhood populace.8 233-241 Bullocks Point Avenue contains a dwelling, built circa 1882 and a commercial building built circa 1943, adjacent from the Riverside railroad Depot (figure 1). 9 The house, number 233, sits on the entrance to Monroe Avenue from Bullocks Point. The footprint of the building indicates very little change to the location or layout of the foundation from its indication on a map from 1882.10 Over the years, the house number has changed. The House was listed as 239 Bullocks Point Ave up until 1949 when it changed to 277 Bullocks Point Ave.11 233 BULLOCKS POINT AVENUE IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY AS A DOMESTIC DWELLING The dwelling at 233 Bullocks Point Avenue has served as a domestic dwelling for over one hundred years. In 1910, Augustus Miner and his wife Florence are listed at 239 Bullocks Point Ave.12 Augustus Miner was born in 1885 and immigrated to the United States when he was just 9 years old from Castelfranco in Miscano, a municipality in southern Italy. 13 Augustus Miner would go on to own a fair swath of buildings inside the Riverside Square area as well as his own barber shop in the current 241 Bullocks Point Ave building located on the property. Augustus Miner, his wife and three boys would live in the house for the next sixty-five years. Mr. Miner would go on to live until the age of 91, passing away in 1974, having watched and contributed to the expansion of the neighborhood. 14

Richard Longstreth, East Providence, Rhode Island Statewide Preservation Report (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, 1976), 34. 2 Longstreth, East Providence Preservation report, 34-36. 3 Longstreth, East Providence Preservation report, 38. 4 Longstreth, East Providence Preservation report, 39-40. 5 Bruce Remick, Rhode Island: Living in Riverside first 80 years, 1870 to 1950 (Rhode Island: n.p., 2021), 50. 6 Longstreth, East Providence Preservation report, 38. 7 Ibid. 8 See Sanborn Map Company, "Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps", East Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, 1920, New York: Sanborn Map Company, 1921. https://digitalsanbornmaps-proquestcom.rwulib.idm.oclc.org/browse_maps/40/8075/39395/41291/561517?accountid=25133. 9 G.M. Hopkins, “Atlas of the City of Providence R.I. and Environs. From Official Records, Private Plans and Actual Surveys” 1882, David Rumsey Map Collection. https://www.davidrumsey.com. 10 Ibid. 11 Sanborn Map Company, "Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps", East Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, 1950-51, New York: Sanborn Map Company, 1921. https://digitalsanbornmaps-proquestcom.rwulib.idm.oclc.org/browse_maps/40/8075/39396/41297/562069?accountid=25133 12 “World War I Draft Registration Card for Augustus Miner”, Serial no. 3144, no. 2435, Local Draft Board 5, City of East Providence, RI, 1917. Ancestry.com 13 “Augustus Miner”, grave marker, Glenwood Cemetery, East Greenwich, Kent County, RI, digital. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/199614278/augustus-miner. 14 “Obituaries: Augustus Miner”, The Providence Journal, (Providence, R.I.), Dec. 9, 1974. 1

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Augustus’ story of immigrating to the United States was not dissimilar to many new citizens of the time. From the late ninetieth century to the start of World War I, an estimated 4 million Italian immigrants arrived in the United States.15 Most came in the first fifteen years of the twentieth century with a majority coming from southern Italy and Sicily.16 “In the United States, Rhode Island’s proportion of Italians—nearly twenty percent— is the largest in the country.”17 The heaviest concentration of Italian Immigration to Rhode Island was the Providence Metropolitan area, Westerly and Bristol County, with East Providence in between.18

Figure 1. Map of Riverside, 1882, showing original footprint of building.

15 “How the Italian Immigrants came to New England”, New England Historical Society, Updated 2021. . https://www.newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/how-the-italian-immigrants-came-to-new-england/ 16 Ibid. 17 Carmela Santoro, The Italians in Rhode Island: The Age of Exploration to the Present, 1524 to 1989 (Providence: RIHC & The Rhode Island Publications Society, 1990), 6. file:///Users/briannajordan/Desktop/italian.pdf 18 Ibid.

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Figure 2. Panoramic Map of Riverside, 1894, building is number 19.

Figure 3. Close up of 233 Bullocks Point Avenue footprint, 1895. 110

Figure 4. Early 1900s showing 233 Bullocks Point Avenue.

111

showing footprint of 233 Bullocks Point Avenue.

Figure 5. 1920-21 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map

Figure 6. 1950-51 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showing footprint of 233 Bullocks Point Avenue and additions.

112

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 233-241 BULLOCKS POINT AVENUE Context 233-241 Bullocks Point Avenue is a building and structure located on one property lot in the Riverside neighborhood of East Providence, Rhode Island. The building is a 1 and 1/2 story end gable house with no particular architectural style. The structure is a one-part commercial block. The building, 233 Bullocks Point Avenue, is associated with the early development of Riverside as a permanent year-round community in the latter half of the nineteenth and early twenty-century. The property is on the edge of Lysander Flagg’s Cedar Grove Villa platted lots which were one of the first major housing development in the area. This housing development was urged on by the existing 1850’s railway, the Providence, Warren, and Bristol railroad, that carried passengers from Providence to the East Bay. Further, the building is associated as an example of Southern Italian American migration to Bristol County during the last decade of the nineteenth century and into the start of the twentieth century. Criteria Evaluation Criterion A 233 Bullocks Point Avenue does not appear to be individually eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A. It is associated with the development of the Riverside neighborhood as a yearround permanent community as it expanded from its earlier established shore-resort beginning. A building like 233 Bullocks Point Avenue is an example of the increase desire for private suburban homes on the picturesque East Bay. 233 Bullocks Point Avenue is also associated with broad patterns of immigration in the late nineteenth century to Rhode Island, and its specific association with migration of Southern Italian immigrants into the Bristol County area. Local immigration patterns into Bristol County and Riverside can be linked with the growth of the neighborhood as a dense, single family residential neighborhood for middle class workers. However, this property is not significantly associated with these contexts. Criterion B 233 Bullocks Point Avenue does not appear to be eligible for listing in the National Register under Criterion B as having any association with individuals who have contributed to local or national history. While the building has undergone a historic evaluation, there is nothing to suggest that any significant individual can be identified with the property as to illustrate that individual’s important achievement in history. Criterion C 233 Bullocks Point Avenue does not appear to be eligible for listing in the National Register under Criterion C has having any association with a (1) distinctive characteristic of a type, period, or method of construction, or (2) the work of a master, or (3) possess high artistic value. 233 Bullocks Point Avenue is a plain end-gable construction with no stylistic theme. While the orientation of the gable may indicate a particular New England style of architecture, there are far more ornate and significant examples to pick from already on the register. Lastly, there are no indications that 233 Bullocks Point Avenue was constructed by any significant architect or artistic master.

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Criterion D Criterion D, which is linked to important information potential that must have had information to contribute to the understanding of human history or pre-history does not apply to 233 Bullocks Point Avenue. Aspects of Integrity 233 Bullocks Point Avenue has retained integrity of location, design, and setting. The location of the building has not changed. The building is on the same plat of land as indicated in a variety of century nineteenth maps. Moreover, the footprint of 233 Bullocks Point Avenue is very unlikely to have changed, if at all, from its original construction as the footprint is steadily consistent throughout the historic research conducted. The setting, the northern section of Riverside Square and the area surrounding 233 Bullocks Point Avenue, has remained constant within the building’s historic context period of 1880-1950. 233 Bullocks Point Avenue has not retained its integrity of workmanship, material, feeling or association. Unfortunately, 233 Bullocks Point Avenue has had unsympathetic changes made to its material integrity which often happens to workhorse buildings relied on by a community. The addition of vinyl siding on the exterior and windows of the house has affected the workmanship, feeling and association of the building in its historic context. It is the opinion of this statement that although 233 Bullocks Point Avenue is situated on Riverside Square and are likely to be significant within Criterion A, 233 Bullocks Point Avenue has lost its historic integrity. Due to a lack of integrity, the building cannot display its significance within its respective historic context and therefore are unlikely eligible for the National Register. Finally, it should be noted that if there was restoration of 233 Bullocks Point Avenue with the original intended material this would likely rehabilitate its integrity.

BIBLIOGRAPHY “Augustus Miner”, grave marker, Glenwood Cemetery, East Greenwich, Kent County, RI, digital. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/199614278/augustus-miner. Hopkins, G.M. “Atlas of the City of Providence R.I. and Environs. From Official Records, Private Plans and Actual Surveys” 1882, David Rumsey Map Collection. https://www.davidrumsey.com. “How the Italian Immigrants came to New England”, New England Historical Society, Updated 2021. https://www.newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/how-the-italian-immigrants-came-to-new-england/ “Obituaries: Augustus Miner”. The Providence Journal. (Providence, R.I.), Dec. 9, 1974. Remick, Bruce. Rhode Island: Living in Riverside first 80 years, 1870 to 1950. (Rhode Island: n.p., 2021). Richard Longstreth. East Providence, Rhode Island Statewide Preservation Report. (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, 1976). Sanborn Map Company, "Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps". East Providence. Providence County. Rhode Island. New York: Sanborn Map Company. 1921. Santoro, Carmela. The Italians in Rhode Island: The Age of Exploration to the Present, 1524 to 1989. (Providence: RIHC & The Rhode Island Publications Society, 1990). “World War I Draft Registration Card for Augustus Miner”, Serial no. 3144, no. 2435, Local Draft Board 5. City of East Providence. RI. 1917. Ancestry.com.

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Figures Figure 1. Map of Riverside, 1882, showing original footprint of building. Hopkins, G.M. “Atlas of the City of Providence R.I. and Environs. From Official Records, Private Plans and Actual Surveys” 1882, David Rumsey Map Collection. https://www.davidrumsey.com. Figure 2. Panoramic Map of Riverside, 1894, building is number 19. “Panoramic View of Riverside, East Providence”. 1894. J. Rafferty Collection. Figure 3. Close up of 233 Bullocks Point Avenue footprint, 1895. Everts & Richards. “East Providence Town”. 1895. Historic Map Works. Figure 4. Early 1900s showing 233 Bullocks Point Avenue. Courtesy of the East Providence Planning Dept. Figure 5. 1920-21 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showing footprint of 233 Bullocks Point Avenue. "Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps". East Providence. Providence County. Rhode Island. 1920-21. New York. Sandborn Map Company.1921. Figure 6. 1950-51 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showing footprint of 233 Bullocks Point Avenue and additions. “Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps". East Providence. Providence County. Rhode Island. 1950-51. New York. Sanborn Map Company.1921.

115

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM TOWN

East Providence

Riverside

VILLAGE

240 Bullocks Point Ave

ADDRESS

DATABASE ID#

PLAT/LOT 312.-09-001.00

Silva, Joseph, Rosalie, Small Business

NAME(s)

Bld Str Obj Site

PROPERTY TYPE

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Priv Loc St Fed

OWNERSHIP

Indiv Dist

C NC Photo ID EAPR_BullocksPtAve_E

NR DISTRICT USES: Select terms from National Register table Business

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

Business

HISTORIC

3049

LOT SIZE

sq ft

Shed

ROOF(s)

MATERIALS: Select terms from National Register table ROOF

Concrete

FOUNDATION

Concrete Block

WALL

Rubber

Photo ID EAPR_BullocksPtAve_E

OTHER

1. vinyl 1/1 double hung, 2. vinyl fixed casement

WINDOWS

PORCH

ALTERATIONS

WINDOWS

TRIM

OVERALL

Material

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Configuration

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Excellent

INTEGRITY

Good

Fair

Poor

Destroyed

PROPERTY COMPONENTS: List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1. Component Type

Code

(1) Building

Count

B-C

Component Type

Code

Count

(4)

(2)

(5)

(3)

(6)

EVENT

DATE

SOURCE

NAME (person/firm/organization)

Original Construction

1960

Vision

East Providence Data Assessor's Office

ROLE

ARCHITECTURE: If more than one, list & number in order of importance STYLE(s)

TYPE SURVEYOR

Tayla Burns

DATE

Googie

11/2021

Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

REVIEWER

DATE Form version 200702rev161101

116

Notes for alterations from observations: • • • •

By looking at the building, it seems to have no additions added to the building The detail work in the building’s facade seems to show older ornamentation and detail There are a few variations of size windows- not symmetrical The 1/1 double hung windows have small panels above them that might of been filled in with a panel when the vinyl windows were installed and made the window opening smaller than original • Looking at older historic photographs, the window configurations look to be the same as seen today as of 2021

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Context Narrative The Dari-Bee is a local ice cream shop located in Riverside, a neighborhood in the city of East Providence, Rhode Island. The one-story Googie-style building was constructed in 1960, by Russell Gardner, a Riverside resident.1 It is located on a parcel along the main road in the neighborhood, Bullocks Point Avenue. The surrounding area is known as Riverside Square, a section of commercial activity surrounded by residential dwellings. Historical Narrative The Dari-Bee is located just north of the Riverside Square, a commercial district that developed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The opening of the Providence, Warren, and Bristol Railroad in 1855, a train stop was in Riverside.2 At the arrival of the Providence, Warren, and Bristol Railroad and the development of multiple amusement parks in the southern portion of the area, sparked growth in this neighborhood.3 This growth was centered around the Providence, Warren, and Bristol Railroad depot, which is just south of Dari-Bee on Bullocks Point Avenue. The area surrounding the depot became a bustling commercial area. One of the main summer attractions was Crescent Park, an amusement park that opened in 1886. The park was opened by Geroge B. Boyden and it attracted many tourists and families to the area. This increased development and commercial demand for Riverside.4 Over time, Riverside grew into a resort area, filled with summer cottages. In the late 1890s, Riverside had one the largest population spikes during the summer months.5 During the 1920s and 30s, there was a decline in Riverside due to The Depression, and the 1938 Hurricane that wiped out many buildings.6 After World War II, economic prosperity contributed to a nationwide surge in suburban house construction. East Providence became a prime area for this development. The neighborhood of Riverside began to shift into year-round residences and many of the amusement parks began to close. The community began to move from a summer community to a year-round suburban population. Between 1945 to 1970 were East Providence’s greatest years of growth, this growth contributed to many local businesses being built in Riverside.7 The abundance of residential property built during these years demanded Riverside’s commercial businesses to grow as well. World War II initially slowed down the production and consumption of ice cream. Around 1941, the U.S. government classified ice cream as a non-esstneial food, creating a decrease in the product nationally.8 Finally, after World War II, the national obsession with ice cream continued.9 Throughout the 1940s till the 1970s, ice cream production and businesses were constant in the U.S. As prepackaged ice cream was sold in the supermarkets, these small businesses began to disappear.10 King, D. M. (n.d.). Dari-Bee is a Riverside Tradition. East Providence. Year: 1940; Census Place: East Providence, Providence, Rhode Island; Roll: m-t0627-03765; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 4-121. 2 East Bay Bike Path History. TrailLink. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.traillink.com/trail-history/east-bay-bike-path/. 3 “Crescent Park | Artinruins,” September 11, 2020. https://artinruins.com/property/crescent-park/. 4 Longstreth, Rhode Island Historical Preservation, 38. 5 Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, and Richard W Longstreth. East Providence, Rhode Island. Statewide Preservation Report, P-Ep-1. Providence: Commission, 1976, 38. 6 Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, and Richard W Longstreth, 1976. 7 Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, and Richard W Longstreth, 1976. 8 GEI Consultants, Inc. and Mead & Hunt. 2017. MidCentury Modern in the City of Sacramento Historic Context Statement and Survey Results. Prepared for City of Sacramento. 9 Hengranes, Emily. “World War II and America’s Sweet Tooth.” Naval History Blog, July 25, 2019. https://www.navalhistory.org/2019/07/25/we-all-scream-for-ice-cream-world-war-ii-and-americas-sweet-tooth 10 “The History of Ice Cream.” IDFA, July 12, 2021. https://www.idfa.org/the-history-of-ice-cream. 1

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During the economic boom in the late 1950s and the national ice cream crave, a resident of Riverside, William R. Hevey loaned money to his son-in-law, John A. Tait. The money was loaned to John Tait so he could build an ice cream shop north of the Providence, Warren, and Bristol Railroad Depot, located on 250 Bullocks Point Avenue. In 1960 the 1-story concrete building was constructed by Russel Gardner, who was a resident and in building construction.11 John Tait and his wife, Carolyn Tait opened the “Dari-Bee'' in 1960.12 The Tait family also owned the Beehive gift shop that was directly next door from the ice cream shop (see Figure 1). However, the gift shop closed around 1970.13 Although Riverside has been in a state of a slow decline and its population decreasing, due to surrounding towns and highways being built past Riverside. The Dari-Bee has remained open since 1960 and has been a place for the local neighborhood. Statement of Significance 240 Bullocks Point Avenue appears to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A for its association with the growth and development of Riverside’s population increase from post-World War II in the economic expansion.14 After World War II, economic prosperity contributed to a nationwide surge in suburban house construction. East Providence became a prime area for this development. The neighborhood of Riverside began to shift from a tourist destination into year-round residence. Between 1945 to 1970 were East Providence’s greatest years of growth, this growth contributed to many local businesses being built in Riverside.15 As the population increased in Riverside, along the main road, an area of commercial activity began to grow and is considered “Riverside Square”. Post World War II, ice cream was very popular around the nation, as America celebrated its victory with ice cream.16 Smaller ice cream businesses began to be built nationally during these popular years.17 In the 1960s, the Dari-Bee ice cream shop opened on Bullocks Point Avenue which is close to the commercial Riverside Square. Dari-Bee quickly became a neighborhood attraction. This growth transformed the locally built environment into a larger suburban area and commercial activity for Riverside. Dari-Bee was part of the development and growth of the neighborhood. 240 Bullocks Point Avenue appears not to be eligible for listing in the National Register under Criterion B. This is due to the lack of persons who could be considered “significant in our past”. The original owners of the building were part of the Tait family, a local family in the neighborhood. The Tait family also owned and operated another business next to 240 Bullocks Point Avenue, although that business and building no longer exist. The business was called “Beehive Gift Shop”. The current owners of the Dari-Bee are the Silva family, who bought the property around the year 2000. The Silva family is another

11 Year: 1940; Census Place: East Providence, Providence, Rhode Island; Roll: m-t0627-03765; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 4-121 12 King, Dale M. “Dari-Bee is a Riverside Tradition.” East Providence Newspaper, n.d. 13 King, Dari-Bee is a Riverside Tradition. 14 Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, and Richard W Longstreth. East Providence, Rhode Island. Statewide Preservation Report, P-Ep-1. Providence: Commission, 1976. 15 Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, Robert O. Jones Jr., Providence, Rhode Island, 1980. 16 GEI Consultants, Inc. and Mead & Hunt. 2017. MidCentury Modern in the City of Sacramento Historic Context Statement and Survey Results. Prepared for City of Sacramento. 17 GEI Consultants, MidCentury Modern in the City of Sacramento Historic Context Statement and Survey Results.

119

local family who lives in the neighborhood. Although the current owners of the building have been in the neighborhood for quite some years, they are not considered historically significant. 240 Bullocks Point Avenue appears to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C in the area of Architecture as a representative of an increasingly rare surviving expression of Modern architecture. This building can be considered to be Googie-style, popular during the 1950s and late 1960s.18 The Googie style became popular mainly during post-World War II, the futuristic style was a reference to the beginning of a new era.19 Americans embraced this modern design with new products and technologies and thinking of the future. Air and space technology and television were among the new technologies in postwar restaurant architecture. Around the 1960s ended the Googie era, and buildings of this style have been demolished, this makes the surviving buildings with integrity more significant. The Googie style is a representation of American history that led to a new design of buildings, inspired by television, and our different technology accomplishments. The building retains its historic physical integrity on its exterior. One of the important features of this building is the roof sloping at an upward angle. This is one particular element in which the architects were creating a unique structure. The sloping roof is one of the important features of the Googie-style. The sloping roof often reflected new engineering techniques, a common feature of Googie-style.20 The other common feature was signage, and being large to grab attention to the building. The signage on Dari-Bee is on the roof, the other key feature. By reviewing historic photographs it may be very well the same signage from the original construction of the building (see Figure 2). The architect and construction of the building were done by Russell Gardner. Gardner grew up in Riverside and worked in building construction. His father, George H. Gardner was a house building contractor according to the 1930 Federal Census. Although the Gardner’s were local builders of the neighborhood, they are not considered historically significant.21 240 Bullocks Point Avenue appears not to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion D.

18 Novak, Matt. “Googie: Architecture of the Space Age.” Smithsonian.com. Smithsonian Institution, June 15, 2012. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/googie-architecture-of-the-space-age-122837470/. 19 Novak, “Googie: Architecture of the Space Age.” 20 Budds, Diana. “The Ultimate Guide to Googie.” Curbed, July 25, 2019. https://archive.curbed.com/2019/7/24/18647602/the-ultimate-guide-to-googie#coda. 21 1930; Census Place: East Providence, Providence, Rhode Island; Page: 19B; Enumeration District: 0219; FHL microfilm: 2341906. 22 “Jones Pond and Other Archaeological Sites Reveal Early History of Settlement in Sowams.” Sowams Heritage Area, December 22, 2018. http://sowamsheritagearea.org/wp/jones-pond-and-other-archaeological-sites-in-sowams-reveal-early-history/.

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240 Bullocks Point Avenue holds excellent evidence of integrity. The location and the setting of the building are very important to the past since it is very close to Riverside Square. It holds a close relationship to the former depot building, which could be considered the center of the square. The building has not moved from its original site. The design of the building is a rare surviving example of a small-scale Googie-style building in the surrounding towns. This style is not particularly known in this area, since it is mainly known to be on the west coast of the United States. The form of the building has been consistent and shows no signs of additions. The materiality of the building is simple concrete blocks and wood ornamentation on the front facade. The windows have been replaced with vinyl windows. The workmanship of the front facade is in great detail for the simplicity of the building. It is also important to note that the sloping roof at the time of construction could be considered a small-scale engineering accomplishment. The feeling of the building shows its historical character and still serves ice cream just as it did in 1960. The building does not have any association with a significant person. It does have an association with the growth and development of Riverside post-WWII. The quick expansions from a small neighborhood to a metropolitan area. Bibliography and/or References East Bay Bike Path History. TrailLink. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.traillink.com/trail-history/east-bay-bike-path/. King, Dale M. “Dari-Bee is a Riverside Tradition.” East Providence Newspaper, n.d. Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, and Richard W Longstreth. East Providence, Rhode Island. Statewide Preservation Report, P-Ep-1. Providence: Commission, 1976, 38. Year: 1940; Census Place: East Providence, Providence, Rhode Island; Roll: m-t0627-03765; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 4-121 1930; Census Place: East Providence, Providence, Rhode Island; Page: 19B; Enumeration District: 0219; FHL microfilm: 2341906. Budds, Diana. “The Ultimate Guide to Googie.” Curbed, July 25, 2019. https://archive.curbed.com/2019/7/24/18647602/the-ultimate-guide-to-googie#coda. Budds, Diana. “The Ultimate Guide to Googie.” Curbed, July 25, 2019. https://archive.curbed.com/2019/7/24/18647602/the-ultimate-guide-to-googie#coda. GEI Consultants, Inc. and Mead & Hunt. 2017. MidCentury Modern in the City of Sacramento Historic Context Statement and Survey Results. Prepared for the City of Sacramento. Hegranes, Emily. “World War II and America's Sweet Tooth.” Naval History Blog, July 25, 2019. https://www.navalhistory.org/2019/07/25/we-all-scream-for-ice-cream-world-war-ii-and-americas-s weet-tooth. “The History of Ice Cream.” IDFA, July 12, 2021. https://www.idfa.org/the-history-of-ice-cream.

121

“Jones Pond and Other Archaeological Sites Reveal Early History of Settlement in Sowams.” Sowams Heritage Area, December 22, 2018. http://sowamsheritagearea.org/wp/jones-pond-and-other-archaeological-sites-in-sowams-reveal-earl y-history/. King, D. M. (n.d.). Dari-Bee is a Riverside Tradition. East Providence. Year: 1940; Census Place: East Providence, Providence, Rhode Island; Roll: m-t0627-03765; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 4-121. Novak, Matt. “Googie: Architecture of the Space Age.” Smithsonian.com. Smithsonian Institution, June 15, 2012. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/googie-architecture-of-the-space-age-122837470/. Robert O. Jones Jr., Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, 1980. Providence, Rhode Island, 6.

122

240 Bullocks Point Avenue, front (west elevation)

123

Side (north) elevation, facing south

Side (south) elevation, facing north

124

Map of 1921 Source: Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island. Sanborn Map Company, to 1921Vol.6, 1921. Map. https://www.loc.gov/item/sanborn08099_012/.

Map of 1951

125

Source: Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island. Sanborn Map Company, - Mar 1951Vol.6, 1950. Map. https://www.loc.gov/item/sanborn08099_018/.

Photo of Bullocks Point Avenue, showing the depot, Bee-Hive gift shop, and Dari-Bee, Date is unknown. Source: From the East Providence City Hall Picture Records

Photo of Bullocks Point Avenue, showing the depot, the demolished Bee-Hive gift shop, and Dari-Bee, Date is unknown. Source: From the East Providence City Hall Picture Records

126

Figure 1: Riverside Square, taken around 1960, shows the train depot, Bee-Hive gift shop, and Dari-Bee from left to right Source: Remick, Bruce. “Riverside Square in the 1960’s” Facebook, August 15, 2019. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10157455548992246&set=gm.2418273838240976

Figure 2: Dari-Bee signage, date unknown Source: From the East Providence City Hall Picture Records

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Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

Riverside

VILLAGE

241 Bullocks Point Ave

ADDRESS

PLAT/LOT 312/07/008

Callegaro News

NAME(s)

Bld

PROPERTY TYPE

Priv

OWNERSHIP

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT USES:

DATABASE ID#

Photo ID

EAPR_241Bullockspointave_NE

Select terms from National Register table

Commerce/Trade: Business

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

MATERIALS:

ft ROOF(s)

12196.8

LOT SIZE

sq ft

Side Gable

Select terms from National Register table

Asphalt

ROOF

Commerce/Trade: Business

HISTORIC

Synthetics/Vinyl

WALL

FOUNDATION

Concrete

WINDOWS

(1) Two light, fixed sash

ALTERATIONS:

OTHER

Photo ID

EAPR_241Bullockspointave_ NW

PORCH

WINDOWS

TRIM

OVERALL

Material

None

Maj

Configuration

None

Maj

Mod

Excellent

INTEGRITY

PROPERTY COMPONENTS:

Fair

Poor

Destroyed

List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1.

Component Type

(1)

Good

Dwelling

Code

Count

B-C

Component Type

(5)

(3)

(6)

EVENT

DATE

SOURCE

NAME (person/firm/organization)

Original Construction

Ca. 1943

Map

Sanborn Fire Insurance

TYPE

ROLE

If more than one, list & number in order of importance

One-part commercial block

SURVEYOR

Count

(4)

(2)

ARCHITECTURE:

Code

Brianna Jordan

STYLE(s) DATE

No Style

12/2021

REVIEWER

DATE

128

Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

Form version 200702rev161101

HISTORIC NARRATIVE AND CONTEXT The first half of the nineteenth century designated Riverside as a destination for wealthy travelers who sought relaxation away from city life.1 By the latter half of the nineteenth century Riverside developed into a busy resort area populated mostly with small summer vacation cottages and luxury resort and hotels.2 By the late 1890s Riverside is said to have had the largest concentration of summer residences on Narragansett Bay.3 There were a multitude of amusement parks, like Crescent Park and Boyden Heights.4 The middle class’s expansion into Riverside was aided with by the establishment of the Providence and Bristol Company Railroad constructed in the mid-1850s.5 The railroad aided the ease of access in and out of Riverside. By the turn of the twentieth century Riverside began to transition into a year-round suburban neighborhood, with both construction of new houses and changing the summer cottages to permanent use.6 Riverside’s new commercial, civic, and institutional activity centered around the Riverside Square and the Riverside Passenger depot.7 Historically, Riverside square was a dense commercial sector that built up to accommodate the needs of vacationers and then eventually, suburban residents. Small, free -standing businesses like groceries, barbershops, auto shops, leisure sites and bakeries were present at the beginning and middle of the twentieth century catering to the needs of the expanding neighborhood populace.8 RIVERSIDE SQUARE BUSINESS IN 244 BULLOCKS POINT AVENUE 241 Bullocks Point Avenue has operated as a business space since its inception, circa 1943.9 The building’s address changed a few times over the decades as well as its assumed configuration.10. This seemingly suggested that the building was once was a space for two tenants. The address eventually changed back to 241 Bullocks Point Avenue, hosting only one tenant. 241 Bullocks Point Avenue has served a variety of businesses. The most prominent was Augusts Miner’s barber shop, where he would eventually employ his oldest son Augustus William Miner.11 241 was also the site of the Riverside Hardware store which was located at 243 Bullocks Point Avenue in 1943.12 Louis “Red” Callegaro relocated to Riverside about 1953 and acquired Augustus Miner’s Riverside Hardware Store building in 1955 where he opened his own popular corner news and magazine Store.13 Callegaro News and Magazines which was affectionally known as “Red’s” sold most of the magazines, comic books and penny candy in Riverside during the 1950’s and 1960’s (Figure 1).14 During the post-World War II boom, much like the rest of the United States, Riverside saw an explosion in population and prosperity. Within a twenty-five year period East Providence saw its greatest era of growth.15 Both population and economic expansion allowed for Riverside Square to flourish and self-sustain in the way of local services. However, the construction of Interstate 195 in 1960 increasingly made the core commercial area of historic Riverside Square unfavorable with more attractive shopping options in Seekonk in

1 Richard Longstreth, East Providence, Rhode Island Statewide Preservation Report (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, 1976), 34. 2 Longstreth, East Providence Preservation report, 34-36. 3 Longstreth, East Providence Preservation report, 38. 4 Longstreth, East Providence Preservation report, 39-40. 5 Bruce Remick, Rhode Island: Living in Riverside first 80 years, 1870 to 1950 (Rhode Island: n.p., 2021), 50. 6 Longstreth, East Providence Preservation report, 38. 7 Ibid. 8 See Sanborn Map Company, "Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps", East Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, 1920, New York: Sanborn Map Company, 1921. https://digitalsanbornmaps-proquestcom.rwulib.idm.oclc.org/browse_maps/40/8075/39395/41291/561517?accountid=25133. 9 East Providence, R.I., City Directory, (R.L. Polk and Co., 1943). 10 The building number changed from 241 and 243 to 281 & 283. 11 1940 United States Census, East Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, digital image s.v. "Augustus Miner," Ancestry.com. 12 East Providence, R.I., City Directory, (R.L. Polk and Co., 1943). 13 Remick, Living in Riverside, 51. 14 Remick, Living in Riverside, 51. 15 Longstreth, East Providence Preservation report, 48.

129

the later part of the century.16 Callegaro News is last listed in 1975, seemingly a victim of this economic change.17

Figure 1. 1920/1950 Overlay Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showing 241 Bullocks Point Avenue.

Figure 2. Bullocks Point Avenue Looking South, 241 Bullocks Point Avenue is on the right.

16 17

Longstreth, East Providence Preservation report, 50. East Providence, R.I., City Directory, (R.L. Polk and Co., 1975).

130

Figure 3. Bullocks Point Avenue looking West, 241 Bullocks Point Avenue is shown.

Figure 4. Callegro’s News. 131

Figure 5. Current Photo of 241 Bullocks Point Avenue. C

Criteria Evaluation Criterion A 244 Bullocks Point Avenue appears to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A for its association with the development of the Riverside Square commercial district. The structure has been used commercially since the 1930’s. 241 Bullocks Point Avenue has hosted a variety of businesses most notably Callegaro News which was a neighborhood luminary to the children that lived around the square. Noted for the penny candy it once supplied, 244 Bullocks Point Avenue is an example of the once burgeoning commercial district inside Riverside Square and its growth in population and commerce. Criterion B 244 Bullocks Point Avenue does not appear to be eligible for listing in the Rhode Island Register under Criterion B as having an association with individuals who may have contributed to local or national history. The property is associated with Augustus Miner who had a large commercial spread in Riverside Square. While this is noteworthy and interesting to the possible ramifications to the overall commercial development of Riverside Square, his property ownership does not rise to the level of specific contributions to the local past. Moreover, the property has been associated with individuals throughout its commercial life there is no one individual with achievement arising to the level of significant that 244 Bullocks Point Avenue can illuminate. Criterion C 241 Bullocks Point Avenue does not appear to be eligible for listing in the Rhode Island Register under Criterion C has having any association with a (1) distinctive characteristic of a type, period, or method of construction, or (2) the work of a master, or (3) possess high artistic value. 241 Bullocks Point Avenue is an unadorned one-part commercial block structure that sits on the beginning of Riverside Square. 241 Bullocks Point Avenue is not indicative of a distinctive character with no integration of a type of design, a period of design or a method of construction. There was no indication within the historic research done on the structure that points to a particularly significant builder or architect that designed or built the structure. Finally, 241 does not possess a high artistic value in its character features nor its design.

132

Criterion D Criterion D, which is linked to important information potential that must have had information to contribute to the understanding of human history or pre-history does not apply to 241 Bullocks Point Avenue. Aspects of Integrity 241 Bullocks Point Avenue has retained integrity of location, design, workmanship and, setting. The commercial structure shows no indication of change in its location. The design of the structure has remained relatively the same. Although it is used as one commercial space, this was not always the case. 241 Bullocks Point Avenue in its history has been used to contain two commercial businesses. This is also indicated by the building’s layout with two entrances. This has changed over time but has not negatively affected the structures integrity as an original commercial space. 241 Bullocks Point Avenue appears to have kept some workmanship integrity as the unique corner entrances are indicative of commercial use with the main entrance directly on the sidewalk and the bulk of the buildings display siding facing parallel to the once running railroad. Finally, the setting of 241 Bullocks Point Avenue has remained the same throughout the structure’s existence within Riverside Square. Again, regrettably, the material integrity of the structure is not intact as there is no historic fabric visible. The material alterations have effect 241 Bullocks Point Avenue’s integrity of feeling and association. It is the opinion of this statement that although 241 Bullocks Point Avenue is situated on Riverside Square and are likely to be significant within Criterion A, 241 Bullocks Point Avenue has lost its historic integrity. Due to a lack of integrity, the building cannot display its significance within its respective historic context and therefore are unlikely eligible for the National Register. Finally, it should be noted that if there was restoration of 241 Bullocks Point Avenue with the original intended material this would likely rehabilitate its integrity. BIBLIOGRAPHY East Providence, R.I., City Directory. (R.L. Polk and Co. 1921). Remick, Bruce. Rhode Island: Living in Riverside first 80 years, 1870 to 1950. (Rhode Island: n.p., 2021). Richard Longstreth. East Providence, Rhode Island Statewide Preservation Report. (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, 1976). Sanborn Map Company. "Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps". East Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island. New York: Sanborn Map Company. 1921. 1940 United States Census, East Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, digital image s.v. "Augustus Miner," Ancestry.com.

133

Figures Figure 1. 1920/1950 Overlay Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showing 241 Bullocks Point Avenue. "Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps". East Providence. Providence County. Rhode Island. 1920/1950. New York. Sanborn Map Company.1921. Figure 2. Bullocks Point Avenue Looking South, 241 Bullocks Point Avenue is on the right. Picture is courtesy of the East Providence Planning Department. Figure 3. Bullocks Point Avenue looking West, 241 Bullocks Point Avenue is shown. Picture is courtesy of the East Providence Planning Department. Figure 4. Callegro’s News. Remick, Bruce. Rhode Island: Living in Riverside first 80 years, 1870 to 1950. (Rhode Island: n.p., 2021).50. Figure 5. Current Photo of 241 Bullocks Point Avenue. Photography by author.

134

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

DATABASE ID#

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

Riverside

VILLAGE

PLAT/LOT 312/09/002

250 Bullocks Pt. Ave.

ADDRESS

Riverside Station/ Riverside Depot/ Borealis Coffee

NAME(s)

Bld√ Str Obj Site

PROPERTY TYPE

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Priv√ Loc St Fed

OWNERSHIP

Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT USES:

Photo ID

EAPR_BullocksPtAve250_E

Photo ID

EAPR_BullocksPtAve250_S

Select terms from National Register table

commerce/restaurant

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

MATERIALS:

ft ROOF(s)

4356

LOT SIZE

sq ft

Gable on hip

Select terms from National Register table

stone/ slate

ROOF

Transportation/railrelated

HISTORIC

brick

WALL

FOUNDATION

Not visible

WINDOWS

Aluminum fixed sash, 2/2 double-hung wood sash with leaded glazed top sash

ALTERATIONS:

OTHER

PORCH

WINDOWS

TRIM

OVERALL

Material

Maj

Mod

Min

None√

Maj

Mod√ Min

None

Maj

Mod√ Min

None

Maj

Mod√ Min

None

Configuration

Maj

Mod

Min

None√

Maj

Mod√ Min

None

Maj

Mod√ Min

None

Maj

Mod√ Min

None

Excellent

INTEGRITY

PROPERTY COMPONENTS:

Good

√

Fair

Poor

List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1.

Component Type

Code

Count

Component Type

(1) building

B-C

(4)

(2)

(5)

(3)

(6) NAME (person/firm/organization)

EVENT

DATE

SOURCE

Original Construction South extension Chimney addition Window replacement

Ca. 1860 Ca. 1965 Ca. 1920 Unknown

Longstreth Longstreth Sanborn map

ARCHITECTURE:

Code

Count

ROLE

If more than one, list & number in order of importance

TYPE SURVEYOR

Destroyed

STYLE(s) Xuanzi Li

DATE

Other

12/2021

Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

REVIEWER

DATE Form version 200702rev161101

135

Architectural Description 250 Bullocks Pt. Ave is a one-story, gable-on-hip roofed building, built with brick. The roof is covered with slate shingles. The southwest elevation contains a two-panel door, with three rectangular glass panels on the top. There are two ribbon casement windows on each side of the door on southwest elevation, with metal trims. The upside of the southwest elevation has a ribbon of ornament. The southeast has the main entrance. The door is double door, with two bottom panels and three rectangular glass panels on the middle and the top. Above the double door, there is a transom light consists of four glass panes. There two two-over-two double-hung windows on each side of the double door, with wood trims and wood sashes. The northeast elevation has one panel door at east, with three middle and bottom panels and three rectangular glass panels on the top. In the middle of the northwest elevation, there is a door that has been blocked up with wood panel. There are two one-by-one fixed windows on each side of the blocked door, with wood trim and sashes. The lower two panes have been blocked up with wood panel. There is a brick chimney on the north corner of the property. On the northwest elevation, the west corner has a cutoff. There is one glass door on the northwest elevation, facing to the northwest. The other door on the northwest elevation is a four-panel door, facing to the west. Between the two doors, there is a window has been blocked off with wood panel, and a small ventilation on the top corner. The foundation of the building is invisible. Historic Narrative The United States has a great railroad network which has played an important role in the economic and social development of the United States. New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroads Co. was a The United States has a great railroad network which has played an important role in the economic and social development of the United States. In the 1840s, the whaling and shipbuilding industries in Warren and Bristol spurred development of a line from Providence to Warren and Bristol, which passed through East Providence.1 In 1855, the Boston and Providence Railroad constructed a line through Providence, Warren, and Bristol, which was responsible for passenger and cargo transportation.2 In 1893, the line operator became the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Company. The Riverside Depot was built in the 1860s to serve this line. In the late 1920s, with the promotion of private vehicles, the national railway system began to gradually be replaced by cars and highways. All passenger trains services ended in Riverside in 1937.3 In 1950, the New York New Haven and Hartford Railroad Co. sold the former Riverside Station to Eddie M Callegaro and Helen R Callegaro, husband and wife. They ran Eddie's Food Mart in the property until 1959. From the mid-1960s to the early 1980s, the building contained a coin laundry. In the 1980s, the depot contained a deli. The building is now owned by Coffee Pathway LLC, operating as Borealis Coffee. Evaluation of Significance Criterion A: Area of Significance: o Commerce Heppner, Railroads of Rhode Island. p.101 Heppner, Railroads of Rhode Island. p.101 3 Karr, Ronald Dale. The Rail Lines of Southern New England : A Handbook of Railroad History. p.144 1 2

136



o Community Planning and Development o Social History o Transportation Period of Significance o 1855- 1938

250 Bullocks Point Ave is locally significant under Criterion A for its association with the community development and commerce in Riverside, East Providence. 250 Bullocks Point Ave. served as a railroad depot from 1855 to 1937. Located in the center of Riverside Square, the formerly depot was the anchor for the local business district and seasonal and permanent residential development. It is not only the only remaining building associated with this period and context, but also the first step in urban development in Riverside. 

Integrity o Location o Design o Setting o Materials o Workmanships

250 Bullocks Point Ave has sufficient integrity to convey its significance. It is in the same location where it was constructed. The design of the property has also remained generally consistent over time. The depot has lost some integrity of setting with the removal of the adjacent rail lines, but the East Bay Bike Path on the former railbed allows for some continuity of setting. The depot has sufficient integrity of materials and workmanship, though some integrity has been lost on the west elevation. 250 Bullocks Point Ave. has lost some integrity of feeling and association with conversion to commercial use. Sources Heppner, Frank. Railroads of Rhode Island: Shaping the Ocean State’s Railways. Charleston: The History Press, 2012 Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, and Richard W Longstreth. East Providence, Rhode Island. Statewide Preservation Report, P-Ep-1. Providence: Commission, 1976. Karr, Ronald Dale. The Rail Lines of Southern New England : A Handbook of Railroad History. New England Rail Heritage Series. Pepperell, Mass.: Branch Line Press, 1995. Rhode Island Development Council, and Tippetts-Abbett-McCarthy-Stratton. Port of Providence: An Economic Survey. Providence, 1955. Remick, Bruce. Rhode Island: Living in Riverside, First 80 Years, 1870 to 1950. Self-published, 2020 Sanborn Maps Co. Insurance Maps of Providence, Rhode Island 1920-Mar. 1951. Sanborn Maps Co. Insurance Maps of Providence, Rhode Island 1921.

137

Figure 1: Remick, Bruce. Rhode Island: Living in Riverside, First 80 Years, 1870 to 1950. p.53

138

Figure 2: Sanborn Maps Co., Insurance Maps of Providence, Rhode Island 1921, vol.6, 1921

139

Figure 3: Sanborn Maps Co, Insurance Maps of Providence, Rhode Island 1920-Mar. 1951 vl.6, 1921-June 1950, vol.6, 1921

140

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

NAME(s)

Riverside

VILLAGE

PLAT/LOT 312/08/005

255 Bullocks Point Ave

ADDRESS

DATABASE ID#

Jerry & Son Bld Str Obj Site

PROPERTY TYPE

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Priv Loc St Fed

OWNERSHIP

Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT USES:

Photo ID

Select terms from National Register table

Business

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

MATERIALS:

Business

HISTORIC 48

ROOF(s)

8,712

LOT SIZE

sq ft

Flat

Select terms from National Register table

Asphalt

ROOF

Concrete

WINDOWS

Undivided fixed wood sash

ALTERATIONS: Material Configuration

Brick

WALL

FOUNDATION

OTHER

PORCH

Photo ID

WINDOWS

TRIM

OVERALL

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Excellent

PROPERTY COMPONENTS:

Good

Fair

Poor

Code

Count

Component Type

(1) Building

B-C

(4)

(2) Light stands

S-C

(5)

(3) Gas pumps

S-C

EVENT Original Construction

Destroyed

List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1.

Component Type

ARCHITECTURE:

EAPR_BullocksPointAve_SW

Maj

INTEGRITY

TYPE

EAPR_BullocksPointAve255_S

DATE

SOURCE

Ca. 1963

1963 EP Directory

Code

Count

(6) NAME (person/firm/organization)

ROLE

If more than one, list & number in order of importance

STYLE(s)

None

DATE 9/2021 SURVEYOR Kayla Hansen Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

REVIEWER

DATE Form version 200702rev161101

141

Historical Narrative: The building that currently houses Jerry and Son, or Jerry’s Chevron, at 255 Bullocks Point Ave. was constructed in 1963 (East Providence Directory, 1963). The use of the building as a gas station has not changed over the years. When the gas station opened in 1963 it was called Steve & Rocco's Gulf. Around 1976 the business changed ownership and became Jerry’s Amoco. Around 1993 the business changed its name to Jerry’s Chevron. Although the site still appears to be a gas station the pumps are not functioning, and its use aligns more with a sales lot for used cars and other equipment. Evaluation of Signicance: Jerry and Son does not have significance under Criterion A as it does not have any association with events considered important in the history of Riverside or East Providence. This filling station was not the earliest, nor was it the only station local residents had access to. Today the old station functions as an office space. Jerry and Son does not have significance under Criterion B as it has no association with individuals whose specific contributions to history can be identified and documented. The property also does not have significance under Criterion C as the building does not embody distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction nor does it represent the work of a master or possess high artistic value. Lastly Jerry’s and Son does not have significance under criterion D as the site and building itself do not have any potential to contribute to a better understanding of the history of Riverside. Jerry and Son retains integrity of location because the building has remained at this location since its built date. The property retains integrity of design due to the preservation of the original gas pumps, light stands, and garage doors all which remain in their original locations and clearly illustrate the original function of the property as a gas station. These elements reflect the historic function and technologies of the property. The property retains integrity of setting because the character of surrounding area has stayed the same. The property does express integrity in terms of materials because the exterior brick has only had minor chances such as the removal of the white paint that used to cover the bricks. The property retains the key materials dating from the time it was built which is confirmed by pictures. The property’s integrity is expressed in terms of workmanship as its physical characteristics and construction resemble its built date in 1963. The property retains integrity of feeling because it is able to express the aesthetic and historical sense of the 1960s due to the lack of major modifications made to the property. Lastly the property retains some integrity of association because it remains related to automotive uses. 142

Sources: East Providence Directory. 1998.East Providence Directory. 1963. Remick, Bruce. Rhode Island: Living in Riverside, First 80 Years 1870‐1950. Self‐published,2020. “Riverside Congregational UCC ‐ East Providence, RI: United Church of Christ Church near Me.” Churches near me. Accessed November 30, 2021. https://www.joinmychurch.com/churches/Riverside‐Congregational‐UCC‐East‐Providence‐ Rhode‐Island‐United‐States/327654.

Image from 1984 facing southeast showing Bullocks Point Ave. Jerry and Son can be observed outlined in red. Collection of the East Providence Planning Department.

143

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

NAME(s)

Riverside

VILLAGE

PLAT/LOT 312/08/004

257 Bullocks Point Ave

ADDRESS

Bullocks Point Laundromat Bld Str Obj Site

PROPERTY TYPE

OWNERSHIP

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Priv Loc St Fed

Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT USES:

DATABASE ID#

EAPR_BullocksPointAve257_NW

Photo ID

Select terms from National Register table

Business

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

MATERIALS:

HISTORIC 3

ft ROOF(s)

sq ft

Flat

Select terms from National Register table

Rubber

ROOF

7,840

LOT SIZE

Concrete

FOUNDATION WINDOWS

Concrete block, stucco

WALL OTHER

Photo ID

Fixed aluminum

ALTERATIONS:

WINDOWS

PORCH

TRIM

OVERALL

Material

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Configuration

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

INTEGRITY

Excellent

PROPERTY COMPONENTS:

Good

Fair

Poor

List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1.

Component Type

Code

Count

Component Type

(1) Building

B-NC

(4)

(2)

(5)

(3)

(6)

EVENT

DATE

SOURCE

Original Construction

1998

EP Directory

ARCHITECTURE: TYPE

Destroyed

NAME (person/firm/organization)

Code

Count

ROLE

If more than one, list & number in order of importance

One-part commercial

STYLE(s)

None

DATE 9/2021 SURVEYOR Kayla Hansen Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

REVIEWER

DATE Form version 200702rev161101

144

Context: The Bullocks Point Laundromat was built in 1998 and has been a laundromat since that time. The attributed built date in East Providence building records of 1960 is incorrect. The Bullocks Point Laundromat does not have a long history, however the site itself has an extensive history. The site is an anchor in Riverside Square, the historic business district of Riverside. In the 1870s and 1880s, the area was known as Lewis’ Station, Railroad Square, and finally Riverside Square (Remick 2020, 47). The square was composed of various commercial blocks built in the 1880s and named after local business owners. Beginning in 1882, this site contained a pharmacy owned by Luce and Duffy. In 1886 the building block was called Grube’s Block (Figure 1). From 1889 to 1904, Amasa Eugene Remington, a pharmacist, ran the corner pharmacy. The building was briefly renamed Meehan’s Block while the building was occupied by Meehan Liquors. From 1904 until 1944, James Goodall Johnson, a Pawtucket pharmacist, owned and operated the pharmacy. At this time the building was called Johnson’s Block. In 1940 King Drug Co. took over, retaining James Goodall Johnson as pharmacist (Figure 2). Beginning in the early 1970s and through the end of the 1980s, Quick Stop Deli occupied the building. The building and site were reconfigured and rebuilt in the early twentieth century because of the 1906 ordinance to widen Bullocks Point Avenue, probably to allow for streetcar service. In 1993, the original building was demolished (Figure 3); the current building was constructed in 1998 (East Providence Directory, 1998). Evaluation of Signicance: The Bullocks Point Laundromat does not meet the 50‐year age requirement for eligibility for the National Register of Historic places and does not meet the requirements of Criteria Consideration G for properties less than 50 years old. The property is not exceptionally significant. Sources: East Providence Directory. 1998. East Providence Directory. 1963. Remick, Bruce. Rhode Island: Living in Riverside, First 80 Years 1870‐1950. Self‐published, 2020.

145

Figure 1. Remick, The heart of Riverside Square in winter, 47. Image from 1886 of Riverside Square showing the major commercial buildings. Grube’s Block can be seen towards the right side of the frame. Grube’s Block is the present‐day site of the Bullocks Point Laundromat.

Figure 2. Remick, King’s corner drugstore in the center of Riverside Square circa 1940’s, 50 Image from the 1940’s showing Riverside Square with the focal point being King’s corner drugstore,present day site of Bullocks Point Laundromat.

146

Figure 4. Sanborn map of Riverside in East Providence Rhode Island from 1956 showing the corner of Bullock’s Point Avenue and Lincoln Avenue. Source: Digital Sanborn Maps of Rhode Island, 1956

147

148

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

DATABASE ID#

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

PLAT/LOT 312/13/001

273-279 Bullocks Point Ave

ADDRESS NAME(s)

Riverside

VILLAGE

Winchester Block Bld Str Obj Site

PROPERTY TYPE

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Priv Loc St Fed

OWNERSHIP

Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT USES:

EAPR_Bullocksptave_W

Photo ID

EAPR_Bullockspointave_E

Select terms from National Register table

Multiple dwelling, business

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

MATERIALS:

0 ROOF(s)

Multiple dwelling, business

HISTORIC ft

9,583

LOT SIZE

sq ft

Hipped

Select terms from National Register table

Asphalt shingle

ROOF

WINDOWS

Clapboard, brick

WALL

Brick

FOUNDATION

OTHER

Undivided storefront windows, double-hung vinyl sash, three-part windows with side casement sash

ALTERATIONS: Material Configuration

PORCH

WINDOWS

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Fair

Excellent

PROPERTY COMPONENTS:

Good

Poor

Destroyed

List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1.

Component Type

Code

Count

Component Type

(1) Building

B-C

(4)

(2)

(5)

(3)

(6)

EVENT

DATE

SOURCE

Original Construction

Ca. 1880

EP Assessor

ARCHITECTURE:

OVERALL

TRIM

Maj

INTEGRITY

TYPE

Photo ID

NAME (person/firm/organization)

Code

Count

ROLE

If more than one, list & number in order of importance

Two-part commercial

STYLE(s)

None

DATE 9/2021 SURVEYOR Avery Corcoran Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

REVIEWER

DATE Form version 200702rev161101

149

Context: 273‐279 Bullocks Point Avenue is a two‐story mixed‐use commercial building in a colonial revival style typical of commercial buildings of the late 19th century. The building built in 1880 has a generally large rectangular footprint, that comes in just under 9,000 square feet of useable space despite the south and north elevations being on slight diagonals. It is located at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Bullocks Point Avenue, with the Eastern facade facing the main road of Bullocks Point Ave towards Riverside Square. Historically this large building was known as the Winchester Block and was one of four principal commercial buildings that framed and brought customers to the square in downtown Riverside. The ground oor commercial space in this building has always been home to grocers, services, and restaurants, making it one of the essential stops for any resident to get their basic needs met. Additionally, on the second oor is where there were typically rooms or apartments for rent, and during several periods there were gathering spaces as well, such as a dance hall. The Winchester Block helps anchor Riverside Square and has been a contributing commercial building for over one hundred years. Historical Narrative: Much of the fame and industry that made Riverside a tourist destination in the Victorian era was due to the rise of Crescent Park and the seasonal business that was drawn from it in the warmer months of the year. But, besides this Riverside had a bustling square in the center of town where the train depot (now Borealis Coffee) and the streetcars used to run up and down Bullocks Point Avenue. As Longstreth talks about all of this transportation coming together as a hub in Riverside Square was made possible in 1830 when the Boston and Providence Railroads organized and eventually formed the Providence and Bristol Company in 1850. This company laid down countless tracks running along the water, which would shape the landscape for years to come, making Riverside a more accessible place to resort to in the summer with readily available transportation.1 Over time as Riverside began to fade out as one of the most popular summer resort spots at the end of the 19th century, the population slowly was growing to a crowd of year‐round residents, who were turning the summer cottages into liveable residences in the winter months as well. Longstreth goes on to explain that despite the transition of Riverside from a tourist destination to a more permanent suburb radiating from the Square and the previous tourism at Crescent Park, this was made possible by planning and development of connecting places through transportation projects. The road construction projects of the turn of the century around 1903 allowed for commercial development and a boom of transportation by vehicle throughout the next two decades. After the rst world war, this road and highway program was expanded to impact many main roads in East Providence including Pawtucket, Newport, Willett Avenues, and many others creating a network across the entire town.2 This network and transportation made Riverside Square a bustling center in East Providence, with many commercial storefronts where you could do all of your shopping, dining, and entertainment activities all in one place. Despite being a cornerstone of Riverside Square, and such a 150

large building that many businesses came and went in the commercial rst oor spaces and still do to this day. During the turn of the century in this building, there was a plumbing and gastting business that doubled as a hardware store owned and operated by John P Brownell.3 This building continued to house more hardware stores, grocers, barbershops, and dry cleaners over the years, ebbing and owing with the growth of the square. A long‐time staple business in this building was the Cape Cod Stores Inc 5 cents to 1 dollar store which was in this storefront location on Bullocks Point Avenue for more than twenty years spanning the mid‐1930’s to the 1950s. Simultaneously, in this commercial space the Riverside Grille was located, previously known as Riverside Fish & Chips this was a cornerstone to get hotdogs but especially socialize.4 Many residents have informed me that the Riverside Grille was the “weenie joint” and the best place to meet friends to eat the 3 for 25 cents weenies. The Riverside Grille was open and running in this location until the last several years or so when there was just not enough foot trafc to keep open. Evaluation of Signicance: Criterion (A): 273‐279 Bullocks Point Avenue does appears eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A due to its direct association with major historical patterns or events in the East Providence neighborhood of Riverside, primarily with the commercial development in the Square. 273‐279 Bullocks Point Ave comprises a prominent two‐part commercial building that frames Riverside Square, and has historically been home to a multitude of retail stores and services directly associated with the development of the area as a streetcar suburb. Criterion (B): The property does not appear eligible under Criterion B as it lacks association with any persons identified as significant in the history of the city or region. Criterion (C): 273‐279 Bullocks Point Avenue could potentially be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C due to its type as a two‐part commercial block associated with a period of intense commercial development at the beginning of the twentieth century. While 273‐279 Bullocks Point Avenue is not a work of a master, does not possess high artistic value particularly after recent renovations have signicantly altered the building, and the building is of simple colonial revival style typical of the period. Criterion (D): 273‐279 Bullocks Point Avenue does not appear eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion D due to it not meeting the two requirements of Criterion D including having information to contribute to our understanding of human or pre‐human history, as well as the information, must be considered important to potentially ll research gaps, and create or challenge theories. While 273‐279 Bullocks Point Avenue served and continues to serve as a two‐part commercial building, provided housing as well as space for businesses, the only trend or information that it could provide to research might be along the lines of the 151

transient, typically renting residents of Riverside. Integrity: 273‐279 Bullocks Point Avenue retains the integrity of location and design. There have been alterations to the building resulting in a lack of integrity in the aspects of materials, workmanship, and associations. As previously mentioned with the recent renovations in the past several years all windows have been replaced, window arrangements altered as well as overall material and style moderately to majorly changed. There is still feeling, as the massing is nearly identical to its historic presence, and it frames the square. Sources: Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census. Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census. Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census. Ancestry.com. 1930 United States Federal Census. Ancestry.com. 1940 United States Federal Census. Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, and Richard W Longstreth. East Providence, Rhode Island. Statewide Preservation Report, P‐Ep‐1. Providence: Commission, 1976. The City of East Providence Directory 1937‐38, R. L. Polk & Co. The City of East Providence Directory 1944, R. L. Polk & Co. The City of East Providence Directory 1949, R. L. Polk & Co. The City of East Providence Directory 1955, R. L. Polk & Co

152

Detail of Providence Sanborn Map showing a variety of businesses, 1909, sheet 192, Library of Congress.

153

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

DATABASE ID#

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

Riverside

VILLAGE

PLAT/LOT 312/13/013

285-289 Bullocks Point Ave

ADDRESS NAME(s)

Bld Str Obj Site

PROPERTY TYPE

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Priv Loc St Fed

OWNERSHIP

Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT USES:

Photo ID

EAPR_Bullocksptave_W

Photo ID

EAPR_Bullcokspointave_E

Select terms from National Register table

Business

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

MATERIALS:

ft ROOF(s)

7,405

LOT SIZE

sq ft

Flat, gable

Select terms from National Register table

Asphalt shingle, rolled asphalt

ROOF

Multiple dwelling, business

HISTORIC

Permastone, stucco, wood shingle, vinyl, T1-11

WALL

FOUNDATION

Concrete

WINDOWS

Vinyl 1/1 Double Hung, Large Single Pane Storefront Windows, 2/2 Large Store Front Windows, 3 light fixed sash

ALTERATIONS: Material Configuration

OTHER

PORCH

WINDOWS

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Excellent

INTEGRITY

PROPERTY COMPONENTS:

Good

Fair

Poor

Code

Count

Component Type

(1) Building

B-C

(4)

(2)

(5)

(3)

(6)

EVENT

DATE

SOURCE

Original Construction

Ca. 1850

EP Assessor

Commercial addition

Ca. 1930

Sanborn map

TYPE

Destroyed

List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1.

Component Type

ARCHITECTURE:

OVERALL

TRIM

Maj

NAME (person/firm/organization)

Code

Count

ROLE

If more than one, list & number in order of importance

Two-part commercial

STYLE(s)

None

DATE 9/2021 SURVEYOR Avery Corcoran Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

REVIEWER

DATE Form version 200702rev161101

154

Context: 285‐289 Bullocks Point Avenue is a two‐story mixed‐use commercial building with no real style due to the high level of alterations. The earliest portion of the building is the rear ell, which was constructed ca. 1850 as a small one‐and‐a‐half‐story Victorian dwelling with an end gable roof. It is noted that it was for the time a very nice example of a Riverside summer cottage that was chastely decorated with a two‐sided porch built by the Riverside Land Company.1 Over time the building was expanded into the commercial building present today. The building has a generally rectangular footprint, despite the rambling nature of the additions over time. It is located at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Bullocks Point Avenue, with the eastern facade facing the main road of Bullocks Point Ave. whilst composed, of permastone, and stucco on the front and rear facades on the ground oor, with vinyl cladding on the second story. The building has a gable asphalt shingle roof on the main and secondary roofs. The main facade is street‐facing and has three main storefront sections, the foundation is concrete and only visible on the rear and side facades where there is not permastone covering surrounding the groupings of 3 single pane storefronts windows, each accompanied by a door per storefront. The second story is clad in vinyl siding and features evenly spaced one over one double‐hung vinyl windows that are all replacements. The south side elevation is on the corner of Maple Avenue with the rear ells abutting to a parking lot. The rear additions feature a mix of all of the previous cladding materials, with one addition appearing to previously have been a garage. Historical Narrative: 285‐289 Bullocks Point Avenue is a large commercial building along the main avenue heading into Riverside Square. It is an evolution of a building with many additions over time. The original part of the building (the current ell) was a one‐and‐a‐half‐story dwelling with an end gable roof built ca. 1850. Another, larger residence occupied the corner until sometime after 1910, when the north portion of the building was constructed. The dwelling and commercial building were then joined sometime between 1920 and 1950 into the current configuration. This two‐part commercial building has consistently served as rental residential space on the second oor above the commercial ground oor since the second story was completed.2 For more than a decade at the beginning of the twentieth century, the Spellman family rented living quarters in 285 Bullocks Point Ave whilst the Buckingham family, later on, but also started renting in 287 Bullocks Point Ave.3 This building was almost exclusively rented during the rst half of the 20th century reecting the adjustment period of permanent residents in Riverside. Over time this building typically housed retail establishments with the occasional service of a beautician or barber, which complemented the grocers and restaurants in the next‐ Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, and Richard W Longstreth. East Providence, Rhode Island. Statewide Preservation Report, P-Ep-1. Providence: Commission, 1976. 2 The City of East Providence Directory 1905, R. L. Polk & Co. 1937-38, 1944, 1949, 1955. 3 Ancestry.com. 1900 and 1910 United States Federal Census 1

155

door building of 273‐279 Bullocks Point Avenue. A cornerstone of the building and a well‐known shop in Riverside was Franciso Bucci’s or Bucci’s, which was a clothing store as well as a tailor from the 1920s throughout the 1980s in this storefront.4 Francisco Bucci’s Tailor Shop and Clothier help establish the trend of Riverside Square being a destination for buying all of your goods in a localized spot. This building that served as commercial space also as previously mentioned rented second‐oor residential space, many of those who were being rented to were business owners or employees in the square, if not working for the streetcar/railroad. Evaluation of Signicance: Criteria (A): 285‐289 Bullocks Point Avenue does not appear eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A due to its lack of association with major historical patterns or events in the East Providence neighborhood of Riverside. While 285‐289 Bullocks Point Ave is known locally for housing Bucci Francisco Tailor’s since the 1920s, it is not directly associated with larger historical trends of Riverside and its development. Criteria (B): 285‐289 Bullocks Point Avenue does not appear eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under This structure also lacks association with a prominent gure or group. This commercial building served many different families and businesses, but not a particular group or gure that had an impactful and well‐ documented history in Riverside. The only business that may come to mind as signicant over a long period in this building is Bucci Francisco’s Tailor Shop which was in this building for upwards of 75 years, although I have not found any specic information on the owner(s) to indicate that they were individually signicant within a historic context. As stated in the National Register Criteria a property is not eligible if its only justication for signicance is that it was owned or used by a person who is a member of an identiable profession (tailor in this case), class, or social or ethnic group. Criteria (C): 285‐289 Bullocks Point Avenue does not appear eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C due to its lack of signicant physical design or construction. 285‐289 Bullocks Point Avenue is not a work of a master, does not possess high artistic value, particularly after many alterations over time that has signicantly changed the building hence the building is considered to be in the no style category. As previously mentioned the alterations and many additions of varying periods and constructions make the level of integrity poor. All windows have been replaced, window arrangements altered, overall material and style moderately to majorly changed. Criteria (D): 285‐289 Bullocks Point Avenue does not appear eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion D due to it not meeting the two The City of East Providence Directory 1980, R. L. Polk & Co. 6 Ancestry.com. 1900 and 1910 United States Federal Census 4

156

requirements of Criterion D including having information to contribute to our understanding of human or pre‐human history, as well as the information, must be considered important to potentially ll research gaps, and create or challenge theories. Integrity: 285‐289 Bullocks Point Avenue retains the integrity of location yet no other aspects due to the high level of alterations and additions to the original core of the building. Sources: Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census. Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census. Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census. Ancestry.com. 1930 United States Federal Census. Ancestry.com. 1940 United States Federal Census. Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, and Richard W Longstreth. East Providence, Rhode Island. Statewide Preservation Report, P‐Ep‐1. Providence: Commission, 1976. The City of East Providence Directory 1937‐38, R. L. Polk & Co. The City of East Providence Directory 1944, R. L. Polk & Co. The City of East Providence Directory 1949, R. L. Polk & Co. The City of East Providence Directory 1955, R. L. Polk & Co.

157

285-289 Bullocks Point Avenue in the late twentieth century, Collection of the East Providence Planning Department.

Detail of Providence Sanborn map showing site of 285-289 Bullocks Point Ave in 1909. The small house on the left remains as the rear ell of the current building. (Sheet 192, Library of Congress).

158

Detail of Providence Sanborn map showing site of 285-289 Bullocks Point Ave in 1920. The north portion of the building has been constructed and the dwelling altered.

Detail of East Providence Sanborn Map, 1950 showing current configuration of the building.

159

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

Riverside

VILLAGE

290-292 Bullock’s Point Ave.

ADDRESS

DATABASE ID#

PLAT/LOT 312/12/019/00

Archie’s Bait & Tackle, Salty Dog Daycare

NAME(s)

Bld Str Obj Site

PROPERTY TYPE

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Priv Loc St Fed

OWNERSHIP

Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT

Photo ID

EAPR_BullocksPtAve290292_E

USES: Select terms from National Register table business

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

HISTORIC >10 ROOF(s)

3049

LOT SIZE

sq ft

Skirt (front), flat

MATERIALS: Select terms from National Register table Wood, rubber

ROOF

WALL

Stucco, vinyl

OTHER

wood

FOUNDATION

cement

WINDOWS

Lg. fixed light storefront, wood frame

ALTERATIONS:

PORCH

Material

Maj

Mod Min

None

Configuration

Maj

Mod Min

None

INTEGRITY

Excellent

Photo ID

WINDOWS

TRIM

EAPR_BullocksPtAve290292_S

OVERALL

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod

None

Maj

Mod

Min None

Good

Fair

Poor

Min

None

Destroyed

PROPERTY COMPONENTS: List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1. Component Type

Code

Count

Component Type

(1) building

B-C

(4)

(2)

(5)

(3)

(6)

EVENT Original Construction

DATE

SOURCE

c. 1940

Sanborn map 1921,1956

NAME (person/firm/organization)

Code

Count

ROLE

ARCHITECTURE: If more than one, list & number in order of importance TYPE

One-level commercial

STYLE(s)

modern

160

SURVEYOR

Christina Sewall

DATE

12/16/2021

Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

REVIEWER

DATE Form version 200702rev161101

161

Historical Narrative 290-292 Bullocks Point Ave is a 1-story commercial building with two storefronts (Fig 1). It has a flat roof and a skirt with asphalt shingles. It is clad in stucco. Each business has one large plate glass window; another small sliding side-by-side window is set up in the wall to the right of the entrance on the larger storefront. This larger storefront to the north is set close to Bullock’s Point Ave., while the smaller storefront to the south is set slightly further back. The sidewalk runs in front of both. A narrow alley separates this building from the one to the north. To the south is a driveway and a vacant lot. The building sits on a lot that faces Bullock’s Point Ave to the west (Fig. 2) Behind it is the East Bay Bike Path. Development began on this site during the late 1800s when two dwellings were constructed. By the 1920s the northernmost parcel, a triangle bounded by Bullock’s Point Ave. and the railway line, had two shops and two warehouse areas in a large building. The dwellings remained to the south. Between 1921 and 1956, the shops to the north remained, and a new 1story shop was constructed at 334 Bullocks Point Ave.; later it was renumbered 290-292 (Fig. 3). 290-292 Bullocks Point Ave. has been occupied by a variety of small businesses. In the 1940s, Richard. A. Hobson, plumber, is listed as an occupant of 290. By 1953, Miele’s Restaurant was located here. Vincent Miele is listed as a cook in the East Providence Directory for that year. In 1959, Riverside Shoe occupied the building. It is not clear whether 290 refers to the entire building at this point or just one side. In 1965, Tyler’s Eat Shoppe is listed at 292. Riverside Aquarium is listed at 290 in 1970. In 1975, Del’s Restaurant occupied 290-292. In 1980, the two occupants were Mrs. Delores Hansen, retired, at 290a (which means, presumably, that this part of the building had been made into two separate areas), and Greg’s NY System at 292. By 1982, the building was vacant. The following year Rusty’s Restaurant opened, but it did not last long. In 1985, the only occupant was Jason J. Madden, living at 290a. The site was vacant from 19861990. That is when Archie’s Bait and Tackle moved to 292 from next door at 334. It has remained to the present, the longest tenure of any business in the building. Between 1990 and the present, 290 has been occupied by Harborview Candle, Kennedy Law Offices, and The Wanderer’s Boutique, which sold crystals, incense, and gifts. It is currently Salty Dog Daycare. The fluctuations in occupancy and types of businesses operating here reflect the changes occurring in Riverside during the post-WWI period to the present. Most notably, the rapid changes in ownership and frequent vacancies during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s parallel the economic downturn that affected the community as a whole. The one business that has succeeded, Archie’s Bait and Tackle, was established in that block, first across the street, then next door, and finally at 292. The clientele are generally not Riverside residents, but people from East Providence who travel past on Bullock’s Point Ave. on their way to go fishing. The Salty Dog Daycare appears to be successful, and at present the building is well-kept and both businesses are contributing to the new growth in that part of Riverside.

162

Statement of Significance 290-292 Bullock’s Point Ave. does not appear eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A. It is not associated with a specific event, a pattern of events, or a historic trend that made a significant contribution to the development of Riverside. 290-292 Bullock’s Point Ave. does not appear eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria B, since it was not associated with any individual who made a specific contribution to history. 290-292 Bullock’s Point Ave. does not appear eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria C. It is a one-story commercial block with two storefronts. There have been modifications to the cladding on the sides and rear, now vinyl, also the roof, windows, and window trim. The entrances have also likely been altered with the doors having been replaced. There is nothing of high artistic value, nor are there distinctive characteristics of this type, period, and method of construction. It is ordinary, unremarkable, and common in type and style. 290-292 Bullock’s Point Ave. does not appear eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria D. It does not have the potential to yield information that will contribute to our understanding of human history.

Hopkins, G. M. "Plate 23. Part of East Providence, Providence Co. 1882." David Rumsey Map Collection., accessed Dec. 6, 2021, https://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/detail/RUMSEY~8~1~266849~90041404:Plate23--Part-of-East-Providence,?sort=Pub_List_No_InitialSort%2CPub_Date%2CPub_List_No%2CSeries_No&qvq=w4s:/ where%2FEast%2BProvidence%2B%252528R.I.%252529;q:east%20providence;sort:Pub_ List_No_InitialSort%2CPub_Date%2CPub_List_No%2CSeries_No;lc:RUMSEY~8~1&mi =10&trs=14. Longstreth, Richard. 2000. The Buildings of Maine Street: A Guide to American Commercial Architecture. New York: AltaMira Press. McAlester, Virginia Savage, and Lee McAlester. 2015. A Field Guide to American Houses (Revised). New York: Knopf. Remick Bruce. 2020. Living in Riverside : First 80 Years, 1870 to 1950 Self-published. Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, and Richard W. Longstreth. 1976. East Providence, Rhode Island. Statewide Preservation Report, P-Ep-1. Providence: Commission. Richard's Map Company. "Plate 013 from Providence Metropolitan District 1917 Vo. 2 - Ten Miles from Providence, Rhode Island." Historic Map Works., accessed Dec. 6, 2021, http://www.historicmapworks.com/Map/US/28995/Plate+013/Providence+Metropolitan+Di strict+1917+Vol.+2+-+Ten+Miles+from+Providence/Rhode+Island/. Rodericks, Bob. "Jan 2014 East Providence Reporter by Dick Georgia - Issuu.", accessed Nov 15, 2021, https://issuu.com/reportertoday/docs/current__ep_2a22b789d41c38.

164

Figures

Fig. 1

290-292 Bullocks Point Ave

Fig. 2 290-292 Bullocks Point Ave 165

Fig. 3

Sanborn Maps 1921 & 1956

166

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

NAME(s)

Riverside

VILLAGE

PLAT/LOT 312/23/001

295 Bullocks Point Ave/15 Oak Ave

ADDRESS

Riverside Congregational Church Bld Str Obj Site

PROPERTY TYPE

Priv Loc St Fed

OWNERSHIP

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT USES:

Photo ID

EAPR_BullocksPointAve295_W

Photo ID

EAPR_BullocksPointAve295_ NW

Select terms from National Register table

Religious structure

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

MATERIALS:

ROOF(s)

Religious structure

HISTORIC

12,632

LOT SIZE

sq ft

Gable

Select terms from National Register table

Asphalt

ROOF

Brick

WALL

FOUNDATION

Concrete

WINDOWS

Vinyl double-hung and awning sash

ALTERATIONS: Material Configuration

OTHER

PORCH

WINDOWS

TRIM

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Excellent

PROPERTY COMPONENTS:

Good

Fair

Poor

Code

Count

Component Type

(1) Building

B-C

(4)

(2) Light stands

S-C

(5)

(3) Gas pumps

S-C

EVENT Original Construction

Destroyed

List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1.

Component Type

ARCHITECTURE:

OVERALL

Maj

INTEGRITY

TYPE

DATABASE ID#

DATE

SOURCE

1960

Remick, Bruce

Code

Count

(6) NAME (person/firm/organization)

ROLE

If more than one, list & number in order of importance

STYLE(s)

None

DATE 9/2021 SURVEYOR Kayla Hansen Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

REVIEWER

DATE Form version 200702rev161101

167

Historical Narrative: The site of present‐day Riverside Congregational Church has been owned and occupied by the Congregational Church since 1881. The Riverside Congregational Church was established February 11th, 1881. An earlier interdenominational Union Chapel was sold to the Congregational Society and served as the Riverside Congregational Church until the summer of 1903 The church was organized with an original membership of eight people: Edward P. Adams, Elizabeth A. Manning, Eliza J. Adams, George A. Paull, Mary A. H. Brigham, Flora F. Paull, Adeline P. Knowlton, and Ebenezer Plummer (Riverside Congregational UCC). The Union Chapel building was built and designed by General Lysander Flagg. It was 30’ by 60’ and had a capacity of 300 people (Remick 2020, 24). The Congregational Church renovated the building over a period of 8 months, beginning the summer of 1903. It was raised 8 feet, an addition was added at the north side, the front porch and main entrance were removed, four new windows were installed, and a new bell tower and steeple were erected (Figure 1). The new width of the building doubled the original seating capacity (Remick 2020, 24). This building was demolished in 1960 and replaced with the current building (Figure 2). With the new church the congregational society had additional space for Sunday school and the various societies connected to the church. Riverside started as a series of summer colonies in the 1860s and by 1881 roughly 100 families resided in Riverside. The establishment of the Riverside Congregational Church was a result of growing summer tourism in Riverside as well as the development of Riverside in general. Remick (2020) states “by 1872 the increasing number of new summer residents at Cedar Grove created a religious need so satisfied by the erection of a new chapel building on Bullock’s Point Avenue at Oak Avenue, and it was given the name Union Chapel” (24). Union Chapel was located at the site of present‐day Riverside Congregational Church (Figure 3). By 1874 Union Chapel was holding Sunday services year‐round instead of just during the summer months. The hope was that the chapel would “eliminate the religious void in the community until separate denominational churches could be established” (Remick 2020, 24). The Congregational Church was a result of the growing development and establishment of Riverside as a community. The church had a direct relationship with the economical, commercial, social, and religious developments occurring in Riverside. In additional to the Congregational Church representing the growth of the population in Riverside, it also marked the beginning of the trend of the erection of new churches in the community. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Turner Avenue was founded the same year. Following the establishment of the Riverside Congregational Church in 1881, St. Brendan Parish was established in 1889. A few years later the parish’s Mission Chapel was erected in 1892. In 1905, a larger church for St. Brendan Parish was built on Turner Avenue.

Evaluation of Signicance: The Riverside Congregational Church does not appear eligible under Criterion A. The establishment of the church was directly related to Riverside’s growth and development in the early 1870s, but no historic resources survive on site from that period. The current property is not associated with these historic contexts and is not associated with any other identified events or patterns of events significant

168

in the history of the area. The Riverside Congregational Church does not have significance under Criterion B as it has no association to individuals whose specific contributions to history can be identified and documented. The Riverside Congregational Church does not have significance under Criterion C as the building does not embody distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction nor does it represent the work of a master or possess high artistic value. The church has characteristics of mid‐ century Modern church architecture but it is an undistinguished example. The Riverside Congregational Church does not have significance under criterion D. Although the site itself has a long and important history, as it developed from the original Union Chapel to the first renovation for the Congregational Church and finally to the current building, the site and building itself do not have any potential to contribute information to our understanding of its history. The history of the site is only contained in documentation not in physical remains on the site. The Riverside Congregational Church’s retains integrity of location because the property has never been moved. The site has had a religious function since 1872 when Union Chapel was built. The property retains integrity of design and setting because the overall form shape and massing have not changed since its built date and the surroundings are consistent with what was present in the late twentieth century. The character of the building and property and the physical conditions have remained the same. The property retains integrity of materials because there have been very few alterations to the building since its built date in 1960. The property’s integrity is expressed in terms of workmanship as its physical characteristics and type of construction resemble its built date in 1963. The property retains integrity of feeling because the property expresses an aesthetic and historical sense of a 1960’s church. Lastly the property retains integrity of association as its current function as a church is the same as the original function at its built date in 1960.

Sources: East Providence Directory. 1998. East Providence Directory. 1963. Remick, Bruce. Rhode Island: Living in Riverside, First 80 Years 1870‐1950. Self‐published, 2020. “Riverside Congregational UCC ‐ East Providence, RI: United Church of Christ Church near Me.” Churches near me. Accessed November 30, 2021. https://www.joinmychurch.com/churches/Riverside‐ Congregational‐UCC‐East‐Providence‐ Rhode‐Island‐United‐States/327654.

169

Figure 1. Remick, Riverside Congregational Church, 26 Image of the Riverside Congregational Church in 1904 after its renovation in 1903.

Figure 2. Image by author, Riverside Congregational Church, 2021 Image of present‐day Riverside Congregational Church on Bullocks Point Avenue.

170

Figure 3. Remick, Riverside Congregational Church, 24. Image of the Riverside Congregational Church in 1894, previously Union Chapel, after its purchases by theCongregational Society. Source: J. Rafferty, Panoramic Map of Riverside, Pleasant Bluff, Camp White, and Crescent Park, R.I., 1894.

Sanborn map of Riverside in East Providence Rhode Island from 1920 This map shows the Riverside Congregational Church. Source: Digital Sanborn Maps of Rhode Island, 1920.

171

Sanborn map of Riverside in East Providence Rhode Island from 1956. Source: Digital Sanborn Maps of Rhode Island, 1956

J. Rafferty, 1894 Panoramic map of Riverside with the Riverside Congregational Church outlined in red. Source: R.CEvaluation Heaton, Library of Congress, 1894. of Significance Kayla Hansen

172

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

Riverside

VILLAGE

329 Bullocks Point Ave

ADDRESS

DATABASE ID#

PLAT/LOT 312/52/007/00

East Providence Fire Station 2

NAME(s)

Building

PROPERTY TYPE

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Local

OWNERSHIP Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT

Photo ID

EAPR_BullocksPoint329_SW

Photo ID

EAPR_BullocksPoint_NW

USES: Select terms from National Register table Government/fire station

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

ROOF(s)

Government/fire station

HISTORIC

23,086

LOT SIZE

sq ft

Flat

MATERIALS: Select terms from National Register table Rubber

ROOF

WALL

Brick

OTHER

Aluminum

FOUNDATION

Concrete

WINDOWS

Aluminum double-hung (1 over 1)

ALTERATIONS:

PORCH

WINDOWS

TRIM

OVERALL

Material

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Configuration

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

INTEGRITY

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Destroyed

PROPERTY COMPONENTS: List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1. Component Type

Code

Count

Component Type

(1) station and garage

B-C

(4)

(2) WWI Memorial

O-C

(5)

(3)

Code

Count

(6)

EVENT Original Construction

DATE

SOURCE

NAME (person/firm/organization)

ROLE

1976

RIHPHC 1975 Survey

Town of East Providence

Owner

ARCHITECTURE: If more than one, list & number in order of importance STYLE(s) Modern

TYPE SURVEYOR

Malcolm Wells

DATE

9/23

REVIEWER

DATE

173

Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

Form version 200702rev161101

HISTORICAL NARRATIVE

The first building on this site was also a fire station but also housed the police department while it was standing (Sanborn Map 1956). Built in 1908, the original 329 Bullocks Point Avenue station was a simple, nearly square two-story brick building with two garage doors leading directly onto the street. At this time, the fire department in Riverside was the Narragansett Engine Company No. 2 and before they built this new station, they operated out of the building at 9 Turner Avenue (East Providence City Directory 1892). The 1908 station at 329 Bullocks Point Ave served as the home of the police and fire department until 1975 when it was replaced by the larger, modern building that exists today (RIHPHC Survey Forms 1975). While the current station is larger, it only houses the fire department as police and fire units grew larger over time. Along with the new station being built, the fire department in Riverside got its current name, East Providence Fire Station 2 (East Providence City Directory 1976). As the current building is larger, it also has an additional, third garage bay, which allows for the East Providence ambulance rescue crew number 2 to operate alongside the fire department. The current building has been acting successfully as the Riverside fire station since it was built.

HISTORICAL IMAGES AND MAPS

A historic image of the 1908 fire station, later demolished in 1975 and replaced in 1976. Although this building housed both the engine company and police for Riverside, the station is clearly smaller with what seems to be most of the first floor dedicated to garage space. The building is also not set back from the street, a result of its 1908 built date. Source: RIHPHC 1975 Survey Forms.

174

Sanborn map from 1956 showing the nearly square footprint of the old station which was demolished in 1975. The map shows the inclusion of the police department which no longer operates from this site. Source: 1956 Sanborn Fire Insurance map of East Providence (based on vol. 6 of the 1921 edition).

This Google Earth image shows the J-shaped footprint of the current fire station and its increased setback from the street for a driveway and parking lot. Source: Google Earth.

EVALUATION OF SIGNIFICANCE

While the current fire department at 329 Bullocks Point Avenue is a good example of a 1970s modern station, the building is not eligible for nomination to the National Historic Register as it was only built forty-six years ago, in 1975. While the previous 1908 station on the site would be eligible for nomination because of its connection to the automotive development and population growth during the early twentieth century, it was torn down for the current building. Although it is not yet eligible, the current station has retained its original integrity and form and has a historical connection to the modernization taking place around America during the time period.

175

REFERENCES

“East Providence City Directories.” East Providence Town Library, Town of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1892 and 1976, Sampson & Murdock Co. and R.L. Polk and Co. “Rhode Island Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps.” Digital Sanborn Maps, 1956, https://digitalsanbornmaps.proquest.com/login?accountid=3915. “Rhode Island Statewide Survey Form 329 Bullocks Point Avenue.” RIHPHC, 1975. “Digital Sanborn Maps 1867-1970.” ProQuest, Sanborn Map Company, https://search-proquestcom.rwulib.idm.oclc.org/eebo/advanced?accountid=25133. Remick, Bruce. Living in Riverside: First 80 Years, 1870 to 1950. N.p, n.p. Google Earth, Google, earth.google.com/web/.

176

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

NAME(s)

Riverside

VILLAGE

PLAT/LOT 312/52/007/00/

329 Bullocks Point Ave

ADDRESS

Riverside World War I Memorial Bld Str Obj Site

PROPERTY TYPE

Priv Loc St Fed

OWNERSHIP

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT USES:

DATABASE ID#

Photo ID

EARP_BullocksPointAve329_SW

Select terms from National Register table

Memorial

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES MATERIALS:

Memorial

HISTORIC 7.2

LOT SIZE

23086.8

sq ft

ROOF(s) Select terms from National Register table

ROOF

WALL

FOUNDATION

OTHER

Brass, Stone

Photo ID

EARP_BullocksPointAve329_W

WINDOWS ALTERATIONS:

PORCH

WINDOWS

OVERALL

TRIM

Material

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Configuration

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

INTEGRITY

Excellent

PROPERTY COMPONENTS:

Good

Fair

Destroyed

List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1.

Component Type

Code

Count

(1) Memorial

O-C

(2) Fire Station

B-NC

Component Type

Code

Count

(5)

(3)

(6)

EVENT

DATE

Original Construction

Ca. 1920

ARCHITECTURE:

SOURCE

NAME (person/firm/organization)

ROLE

If more than one, list & number in order of importance

TYPE SURVEYOR

Poor

STYLE(s) Alyssa Bailey

DATE

9/23/21

Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

REVIEWER

DATE Form version 200702rev161101

177

Historical Narrative The World War I Memorial located at 329 Bullocks Point Ave. was erected ca. 1920 by the citizens of Riverside. The memorial lists 180 US Army and US Navy service members that were sent to fight during the five‐year war. During World War I, a total of 804 East Providence residents were drafted or volunteered before a declaration of war was announced.1 When the war ended in 1918, those who survived were welcomed home with large ceremonies including ceremonies held in East Providence. Of the 804 that were drafted from East Providence, twenty‐three of those soldiers would lose their lives and never return home.2 Often times war memorials will signify those who did not survive with symbols such as stars. The small memorial located in front of the fire station has six notated with stars to most likely signify Riverside residents who gave their life during war. Evaluation of Significance The World War One memorial at 329 Bullocks Point Avenue does not appear eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A. It is associated with responses to World War I in Riverside and East Providence, but is not significantly associated with war efforts or recovery. The memorial does not appear eligible under Criterion B as it is not associated with a person or persons who made individually important contributions to the history of Riverside or the war effort. The memorial does not appear eligible under Criterion C as the design of the memorial is not the work of a master and does not display high artistic value. The World War One memorial at 329 Bullocks Point Avenue does not appear eligible under Criterion D. While it does have information to contribute to the understanding of human history, information it possesses is widely available elsewhere. The World War One memorial at 329 Bullocks Point Avenue does not appear to meet Criteria Consideration F for commemorative properties.3This memorial is not eligible under this criterion as it does not possess significance based of its own value, and instead possesses significance due to the value of the event being memorialized. Sources Conforti, Joseph. “Our Heritage: A History of East Providence.” White Plains: Monarch, 1976.

Joseph Conforti. “Our Heritage: A History of East Providence.” White Plains: Monarch, 1976. Pg. 136. Ibid 1. 136. 3 “National Register Bulletin 15: How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation,” National Park Service, 1990. Pg. 39. 1 2

178

“East Providence 1956.” ProQuest, Digital Sanborn Maps, 1867‐1970. https://digitalsanbornmaps‐ proquest‐ com.rwulib.idm.oclc.org/browse_maps/40/8059/39330/41214/558685?accountid=25133 “National Register Bulletin 15: How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation,” National Park Service, 1990. https://bridges.rwu.edu/access/content/group/3fda2df5‐280c‐4e16‐a144‐ 593a5ac95147/Week%2012%20‐ %20Identifying%20and%20Developing%20Historic%20Contexts/https%3A__www.nps.go20200 825174930.URL

Figure 1: 1956 Sanborn map with noted section of where the World War I memorial would be located. Source:: East Providence 1956. ProQuest, Digital Sanborn Maps, 1867‐1970. Pg. 60.

179

Figure 2: Bronze place on face of memorial with listed names of Army and Navy servicemen from Riverside. Taken by Alyssa Bailey.

180

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

Riverside

VILLAGE

332 Bullock’s Point Ave.

ADDRESS

DATABASE ID#

PLAT/LOT 312/12/018/00

Miller, Rauri /Apiary LLC

NAME(s)

Bld Str Obj Site

PROPERTY TYPE

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Priv Loc St Fed

OWNERSHIP

Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT

Photo ID

EAPR_332BullocksPtAve_SE

USES: Select terms from National Register table Multiple dwelling, business

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

>10 ROOF(s)

HISTORIC ft

2614

LOT SIZE

sq ft

flat

MATERIALS: Select terms from National Register table Wood, rubber

ROOF

Wood shingle, clapboard

WALL

FOUNDATION

concrete

WINDOWS

Large single pane fixed storefront, double-hung 1/1 (2nd story),

OTHER

Photo ID

EAPR_332BullocksPtAve_NE

PORCH

WINDOWS

TRIM

OVERALL

Material

Maj Mod Min None

Configuration

Maj Mod Min None

Maj Mod Min

Maj Mod Min None

ALTERATIONS:

INTEGRITY

Excellent

Good

None

Fair

Poor

Destroyed

PROPERTY COMPONENTS: List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1. Component Type

Code

Count

Component Type

(1) building

B-C

(4)

(2)

(5)

(3)

(6)

EVENT

DATE

SOURCE

NAME (person/firm/organization)

Original Construction

c. 1900

Plat map 1892, Sanborn map 1900, 1921

North section removed, Story added

c. 1940

Sanborn map, 1956

Code

Count

ROLE

ARCHITECTURE: If more than one, list & number in order of importance TYPE

Two-level mixed-use, commercial/residential

SURVEYOR

Christina Sewall

STYLE(s) DATE

Classical Revival

12/16/2021

REVIEWER

DATE

181

Historic Narrative 332 Bullocks Point Ave is a two-level commercial building located just south of Riverside Square (Fig. 1). There is a small one-story building to the north, and a larger one-story commercial building with two businesses to the south. The East Bay Bike Path runs along the eastern edge of the property. The building currently houses apartments on the upper level and one business, Union Burrito, in the southern part of the lower level (Fig. 2). It is clad with clapboards on the northern lower level and shingled on the second story. The lower southern section is clad in natural wood. Four entrances face Bullock’s Point Ave – three are for the businesses, and one is an entrance for the apartments above. To the north of the building is a small patio area with seating. Between the building and the bike path is additional outdoor seating. Two doors exit to this area from the first story. Another door exits from the southern rear of the building to a ramp that provides handicapped access. The land on which the building sits was part of an addition to Riverside Plat recorded in May of 1872 (Fig. 3). The land was sold three times before 1895 when it became the property of Tobias Burke. He owned it until 1946. At some point between1900 and 1921 this building was constructed (Fig. 4). During the early decades of the twentieth century it was known as the Burke Block because the owner, Tobias Burke, operated a dry goods business located there. It changed ownership in 1946 and again in1947 when it was bought by Thomas H and Jennie C. McCuskar. They owned it until 1966, when it was sold to Andre and Josephine Manuel. After 11 years Dennis and Lucinda Brown bought it. It remained in the Brown family, passing to Michael and Donna in 2006. In 2016, it was sold to Apiary LLC, the current owner. The occupation of 332 Bullocks Point Ave. reflects the ebb and flow of Riverside’s social and economic prosperity. When the building was first constructed, the neighborhood was in the midst of a period of growth. Riverside was a resort area, and the businesses that made their home in the building reflect this. Tobias Burke operated a dry goods store here from the early 1900s until the 1930s.The other anchor business was Riverside Hay and Grain which lasted from 1920-30, reflecting the continued agricultural uses just outside the village square. During the 1940s businesses reflected the growing suburban character of the area with an optometrist, a dentist, and a barber in the building. By the 1950s, a beauty salon had taken over part of the space, and Paquet’s Photo Shop occupied the middle part of the building (Fig. 5). The rest was vacant in 1955. The 1960s and 70s saw several businesses come and go, including Riverside Discount Variety Store, the Appliance Hospital (repairs), and Ethel’s Pizza (1970). The apartments above continued to be occupied by locals including people in the State Maintenance Department and the Providence School Department. In 1980, Stay-N-Style Hair Fashions set up shop and remained until the early 1990s. A consignment shop for baby furniture and clothes came and went in 1982. The next significant occupant was JMart, which occupied the northern portion of the building in 2015. The southern portion was home to TribalOne Women’s Wellness Center. In 2016 the building was bought by Apiary LLC. Proud Mary’s Donuts occupied the southern portion of the building for a short time before it was replaced with Union Burrito. This building reflects the early growth of Riverside around 1900. It was still a vibrant neighborhood in the early 1900s when Tobias Burke owned the building and Riverside Hay and Grain was an important business. The next several decades saw a decline, and small business

182

owners like dentists and hairdressers were occupants. There was never another period of prosperity for Riverside, and although the building was never vacant, occupancy was never consistent or of a type of business that would become a serious anchor in the community. The exception may have been Stay-N-Style Hair Fashions that was a fixture in the 1990s.

Statement of Significance 332 Bullock’s Point Ave. appears eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A. The original building was associated with the rise of commercial development in Riverside between 1880-1920. During the 1920s it was an anchor commercial property in the emerging streetcar suburban hub near the train depot, before automobiles became commonplace and their use decentralized this area and commerce moved to the outskirts of town. The community was still small-scale, and locals walked to nearby stores such as Riverside Hay and Grain, located in this building. A dry goods store, owned by Tobias Burke, was also located here. Upstairs apartments also contributed to the early prosperity of downtown Riverside; a dentist, construction worker, hairdresser, and optometrist lived here at various points before WWII. 332 Bullock’s Point Ave. does not appear eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria B. Although during the 1930s, 40s, and 50s it was known as the Burke Block, named for owner Tobias Burke, he was not a person of historical significance. 332 Bullock’s Point Ave. appears eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria C. It is one of only two surviving block buildings that were at the center of Riverside Square, along with the Winchester Block. Major alterations to form and materials occurred during the 1940s. However, it is an example of a two-story commercial block typical of those built during the first half of the twentieth century. The series of doors, most of the windows on the first floor, all the windows on the second floor, and the bay window on the upper north side were part of the 1940s renovation. The roof and cornice have also retained their shape and style from that time. 332 Bullock’s Point Ave. does not appear eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria D. It is unlikely that new information will be gained from this building. This building retains integrity of location, association, and setting. There was one significant change made to the building’s form sometime between when it was constructed and the 1940s. The northernmost section of the building, 284, was removed. A second story was added to the remaining sections of the building to make it one uniform height. Exterior changes to the windows, window trim, and cladding on the southernmost storefront entrance, altered several times since the 1970s or 80s, also call the integrity of design, workmanship, and materials into question. However, the overall feeling of an early twentieth century building remains; the windows remain in the same location on the second story and on most of the first story as well. The series of four entrances remains intact. The bay window on the northern second story and the cornice are other details that contribute to this feeling. For these reasons, the overall integrity 183

of 332 Bullocks Point Ave. can be said to be strong enough to convey significance and to support the building being listed on the National Register under Criteria A and C.

Bibliography and/or References East Providence City Directory 2013. Boston: R.W. Polk & Co. The East Providence Directory 1913. Providence, R.I.: Sampson & Murdock Company. "Providence Historical Aerial Maps." Providence Historical Aerial Viewer., accessed Nov. 10, 2021, https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=b1b3a4a4c66847a8b767cde262 64246e. Everts and Richards. "Everts and Richards Map of East Providence, 1985." Historic Map Works., accessed Dec. 6, 2021, http://www.historicmapworks.com/Map/US/10145/Pages%20144%20and%20145%20%20 %20East%20Providence%20Town/Providence%20County%201895/Rhode%20Island/. Hopkins, G. M. "Plate 23. Part of East Providence, Providence Co. 1882." David Rumsey Map Collection., accessed Dec. 6, 2021, https://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/detail/RUMSEY~8~1~266849~90041404:Plate23--Part-of-East-Providence,?sort=Pub_List_No_InitialSort%2CPub_Date%2CPub_List_No%2CSeries_No&qvq=w4s:/ where%2FEast%2BProvidence%2B%252528R.I.%252529;q:east%20providence;sort:Pub_ List_No_InitialSort%2CPub_Date%2CPub_List_No%2CSeries_No;lc:RUMSEY~8~1&mi =10&trs=14. Longstreth, Richard. 2000. The Buildings of Maine Street: A Guide to American Commercial Architecture. New York: AltaMira Press. McAlester, Virginia Savage, and Lee McAlester. 2015. A Field Guide to American Houses (Revised). New York: Knopf. Remick Bruce. 2020. Living in Riverside : First 80 Years, 1870 to 1950 Self-published. Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, and Richard W. Longstreth. 1976. East Providence, Rhode Island. Statewide Preservation Report, P-Ep-1. Providence: Commission. 184

Richard's Map Company. "Plate 013 from Providence Metropolitan District 1917 Vo. 2 - Ten Miles from Providence, Rhode Island." Historic Map Works., accessed Dec. 6, 2021, http://www.historicmapworks.com/Map/US/28995/Plate+013/Providence+Metropolitan+Di strict+1917+Vol.+2+-+Ten+Miles+from+Providence/Rhode+Island/. Rodericks, Bob. "Jan 2014 East Providence Reporter by Dick Georgia - Issuu.", accessed Nov. 15, 2021, https://issuu.com/reportertoday/docs/current__ep_2a22b789d41c38.

Figures

Fig. 1

185

Fig. 2

332 Bullock’s Point Ave, 2021

Fig. 3

Plat map, 1872 186

Fig. 4 Sanborn Map, 1900 &1920

Fig. 5

Sanborn map 1956

187

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

Riverside

VILLAGE

376 Bullocks Point Ave.

ADDRESS

/DATABASE ID#

PLAT/LOT 312/12/029/20

Lee’s Restaurant

NAME(s)

Bld Str Obj Site

PROPERTY TYPE

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Priv Loc St Fed

OWNERSHIP

Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT

Photo ID

EAPR_376BullocksPtAve_NE

Photo ID

EAPR_376BullocksPtAve_S W

USES: Select terms from National Register table restaurant

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

HISTORIC 40 +/ROOF(s)

24,829

LOT SIZE

sq ft

Gable/hip with gabled dormer

MATERIALS: Select terms from National Register table asphalt

ROOF

WALL

Vinyl, concrete, cinder block

OTHER

metal

FOUNDATION

concrete

WINDOWS

Double- hung 1/1, sliding, large single pane fixed

ALTERATIONS:

PORCH

Material

Maj

Mod Min

None

Configuration

Maj

Mod Min

None

INTEGRITY

Excellent

WINDOWS

OVERALL

TRIM

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Good

Fair

Poor

Min

Destroyed

PROPERTY COMPONENTS: List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1. Component Type

Code

Count

Component Type

(1) building

B-C

(4)

(2)

(5)

(3)

(6)

EVENT

Original Construction

NAME (person/firm/organization)

DATE

SOURCE

c. 1950

Aerial photos, Sanborn map 1921,1956

Code

Count

ROLE

ARCHITECTURE: If more than one, list & number in order of importance TYPE

Commercial

STYLE(s)

modern

188

SURVEYOR

Christina Sewall

DATE

12/16//2021

REVIEWER

DATE

189

Historical Narrative Lee’s Restaurant, located at 376 Bullocks Point Ave. in the Riverside neighborhood of East Providence, RI, sits on the corner of Bullocks Point Ave. and Allen Ave. about three blocks south of Riverside’s central square (Fig. 1). It is a modern 1-story commercial building set back from the street with a large adjacent parking lot (Fig. 2) Across the street to the west is the East Providence Fire Station #2. Lee’s is surrounded by residential buildings to the north, south, and east. The East Bay Bike Path lies slightly further east. The restaurant is located on the north end of the lot; the paved parking lot takes up the remainder. It has spaces for 36 +/- vehicles. This commercial building was constructed sometime after 1939 during the post-war boom in Riverside. Sanborn maps from 1900 and 1921 show that a house existed previously on the site, immediately abutting Allen Ave. (Fig. 3). Aerial photos from that year confirm there is a structure on the lot that appears to be a dwelling (Fig. 4). By 1950, both aerial photos and Sanborn maps show the commercial building, but no parking lot (Fig. 5). The parking lot appears to have been paved and lined between 1962-1972 based on aerial photos (Fig. 6). The style of the building is typical of 1-story family restaurants built during the post-WWII period. It has a gable/hip roof with a cross gable over the front entrance facing Bullock’s Point Ave. A smaller entrance in a bump-out from the side ell to the south allows access from the parking lot. The first record of a restaurant at this location is found in 1957 (East Providence Directory, 71). It lists DiMaio’s Restaurant at 376 Bullock’s Point Ave. The 1955 East Providence City Directory does not list a business at this location. By 1963 the restaurant at this site was called Giovanni’s, and it remained so until 1975. In 1980 it was briefly Casa Mia, and in 1982 it was the Black Stallion. The restaurant remained vacant until 1990 when it became the Chin Ping Restaurant. In 1995 it was sold again and became Lee’s Restaurant. Before becoming a tourist destination in the later nineteenth century, this part of East Providence was an area of rural farmland with a small cluster of residents along the shore who made a living from fishing and digging clams, quahogs, and oysters (Rodericks, 15). During the1860s summer colonies were built in the lower part of town, known as Riverside, along the Narragansett River. Located on the rail line from Providence to Bristol, visitors came to enjoy the natural beauty of the coast and spend time at amusement parks such as Crescent Park, built in 1876. Between 1870-1890, Riverside became a major resort town with more than ten hotels (RI Pres. Comm. Report, 38). By the turn of the century, it had become more suburban as summer homes were converted to year-round use (RI Pres. Comm. Report, 4). Between 1903 and 1920 more roads were built, allowing for expansion outward from Riverside’s center (RI Comm. Report, 40). Bullock’s Point Ave was one of two main roads with commercial development, and as the use of automobiles became more widespread, this development increased. The 1920s saw the beginning of a decline in Riverside; two of three amusement parks had closed, the hotels were becoming run-down, and after Standard Oil built a storage facility and refinery on the river at the north end of the neighborhood the character of the area changed. The Depression and Hurricane of 1938 caused further decline. A post-WWII housing boom, largely spurred by development in 190

Riverside by the Ferland Construction Co, added many new single-family homes for middle class residents. By the 1960s, more apartments were being constructed compared to homes, and commercial development migrated to new shopping centers on the outskirts of Riverside (RI Pres. Comm. Report, 38-50). This began a period of economic decline that has continued to the present. When 376 Bullock’s Point Ave. was first opened as DiMaio’s, and soon after as Giovanni’s, it was during the post-war boom. The decline of travel by rail and the popularization of the automobile created the need for more parking (Longstreth, loc. 658). Giovanni’s added a parking area to the south of the restaurant in the late 1960s. Since then, the configuration of the site has not changed. At this time, the urban core shifted as automobiles allowed for building on larger lots away from the town center with space for parking (Longstreth, loc. 658). This also reflects a change in spatial order as large parking lots were constructed on 3 or 4 sides of a building. The restaurant became secondary, and the parking was visibly dominant (Longstreth, loc. 677). The building itself has remained largely unchanged. Windows were replaced in 2007, and possibly at least once before then. The major transition in ownership from an Italian family to one of Chinese ancestry in the 1990s reflects demographic changes occurring in many urban and suburban neighborhoods in the later twentieth century, as different ethnic groups moved into the area and established commercial interests. There was a section of downtown Providence known as Chinatown, and several restaurants were owned by Chinese residents including Mee Hong, operated by the Chin family from 1938-1979; it was possibly one of the earliest in Providence (Nathanson). Today, Lee’s Restaurant was well-known and liked; it was able to stay open through the COVID pandemic. It is currently listed for sale at $1,490.000.

Statement of Significance 376 Bullock’s Point Ave. does not appear eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A. It is not associated with an event, a series of events or activities, or patterns of this area’s development or in the broad pattern of history. There is some slight association with the context of Ethnic Identities and Experiences because of the ownership of this building primarily as an Italian restaurant in the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s, and then as a Chinese restaurant from the 1990’s onwards. However, it is not part of a larger ethnic context within Riverside of either Italian or Chinese-owned businesses or other organizations. 376 Bullock’s Point Ave. does not appear eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria B. It is not associated with the life of any significant person. 376 Bullock’s Point Ave. does not appear eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria C. It not a distinctive form characteristic of a type, period, or method of construction. It does not represent the work of a master, and it lacks high artistic value. It does not represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. It is an unremarkable single story family restaurant with a large parking lot, common and typical across the country from the 1950’s onwards. 191

376 Bullock’s Point Ave. does not appear eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria D. It is unlikely to yield information important in prehistory or history. The property lacks sufficient integrity to convey significance. While it is in the original location, modifications, and alterations, especially to windows and to the rear of the building, have changed the character of the building. There is nothing significant about the design or workmanship, and it has no association with any important events or people.

Bibliography and/or References "Clock Top." East Providence Historical Society., accessed Oct 25, 2021, https://ephist.org/showcase/clock-top/. The East Providence Directory 1913. Providence, R.I.: Sampson & Murdock Company. "Providence Historical Aerial Maps." Providence Historical Aerial Viewer., accessed Nov. 10, 2021, https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=b1b3a4a4c66847a8b767cde262 64246e. Everts and Richards. "Everts and Richards Map of East Providence, 1985." Historic Map Works., accessed Dec. 6, 2021, http://www.historicmapworks.com/Map/US/10145/Pages%20144%20and%20145%20%20 %20East%20Providence%20Town/Providence%20County%201895/Rhode%20Island/. Hopkins, G. M. "Plate 23. Part of East Providence, Providence Co. 1882." David Rumsey Map Collection., accessed Dec. 6, 2021, https://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/detail/RUMSEY~8~1~266849~90041404:Plate23--Part-of-East-Providence,?sort=Pub_List_No_InitialSort%2CPub_Date%2CPub_List_No%2CSeries_No&qvq=w4s:/ where%2FEast%2BProvidence%2B%252528R.I.%252529;q:east%20providence;sort:Pub_ List_No_InitialSort%2CPub_Date%2CPub_List_No%2CSeries_No;lc:RUMSEY~8~1&mi =10&trs=14. Longstreth, Richard. 2000. The Buildings of Maine Street: A Guide to American Commercial Architecture. New York: AltaMira Press. McAlester, Virginia Savage, and Lee McAlester. 2015. A Field Guide to American Houses (Revised). New York: Knopf. Nathanson, Morris. "Chinese Restaurants of the Past." Art in Ruins., accessed Dec. 12, 2021, https://artinruins.com/property/chinese-restaurants/. Remick Bruce. 2020. Living in Riverside : First 80 Years, 1870 to 1950. Self-published. 192

Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, and Richard W. Longstreth. 1976. East Providence, Rhode Island. Statewide Preservation Report, P-Ep-1. Providence: Commission. Richard's Map Company. "Plate 013 from Providence Metropolitan District 1917 Vo. 2 - Ten Miles from Providence, Rhode Island." Historic Map Works., accessed Dec. 6, 2021, http://www.historicmapworks.com/Map/US/28995/Plate+013/Providence+Metropolitan+Di strict+1917+Vol.+2+-+Ten+Miles+from+Providence/Rhode+Island/. Rodericks, Bob. "Jan 2014 East Providence Reporter by Dick Georgia - Issuu.", accessed Nov 15, 2021, https://issuu.com/reportertoday/docs/current__ep_2a22b789d41c38.

Figures

Fig. 1

193

Fig. 2 Lee’s Restaurant, 2021

Fig. 3 Sanborn Map, 1920-21 194

Fig. 4

Aerial photo, 1939

Fig. 5 Sanborn map, 1956

Fig. 6 Aerial photo, 1962

195

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

Riverside

VILLAGE

PLAT/LOT 312/ 11/ 002/ 00/2

27 Burnside Ave

ADDRESS

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Rectory

NAME(s)

Bld Str Obj Site

PROPERTY TYPE

Priv Loc St Fed

OWNERSHIP

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT USES:

EARP_BurnsideAve27_SE

Photo ID

Select terms from National Register table

Single dwelling

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

1.5

MATERIALS:

Single dwelling

HISTORIC

18.10

ROOF(s)

7405.4

LOT SIZE

sq ft

Gable

Select terms from National Register table

Asphalt Shingle

ROOF

Vinyl Siding

WALL

FOUNDATION

Brick

WINDOWS

6/1 double hung sash, 1/1 double hung sash, Vinyl replacements

OTHER

ALTERATIONS:

PORCH

Material

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Configuration

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Excellent

INTEGRITY

PROPERTY COMPONENTS:

Photo ID

WINDOWS Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Good

Fair

Poor

Destroyed

List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1.

Count

Building – dwelling

B-NC

Building – church

B-C

EVENT

DATE

SOURCE

Original Construction

Ca. 1900

Sanborn map

Porch removal

Unknown

Sanborn map

Component Type

NAME (person/firm/organization)

Code

Count

ROLE

If more than one, list & number in order of importance

Residential

SURVEYOR

OVERALL

Mod

Code

ARCHITECTURE:

TRIM

EARP_BurnsideAve27_S

Maj

Component Type

TYPE

DATABASE ID#

Alyssa Bailey

STYLE(s) DATE

No Style

9/23/21

Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

REVIEWER

DATE Form version 200702rev161101

196

Historical Narrative 27 Burnside Avenue is a residential property on the south side of Burnside Avenue between Pawtucket Avenue and Smith Street. In the early twentieth century 27 Burnside Ave was occupied by a series of owners who worked as housekeepers, plumbers and railroad clerks.1 In 1965, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church purchased the property for use as a pastoral residence.

Evaluation of Significance 27 Burnside Avenue does not appear eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A as it is not associate with any significant events or patterns of events in Riverside or East Providence. 27 Burnside is not significant under Criterion B as it is not associated with any person significant in the history of Riverside or East Providence. The property does appear eligible under Criterion C. Sidehall dwellings such as this are common architectural types in the area, but this property has been substantially altered with porch removal, additions, and materials replacement. The property does not appear eligible under Criterion D, as there is no indication it has the potential to yield important information about history or prehistory. The property retains integrity of location but the setting around the building has changed with surrounding structures being renovated or entirely demolished in the past thirty years. Along with this, the character of the home is no longer relative to the original building as the design, materials, and workmanship are not indicative of a turn of twentieth century residential property. Lastly the feeling of this building does not reflect any historical connections to the property itself or the surrounding area.

Sources “Historic Resources of East Providence, Rhode Island: Partial Inventory, Historic and Architectural Resources.” National Register of Historic Places Inventory‐Nomination Form. East Providence 1956. ProQuest, Digital Sanborn Maps, 1867‐1970. https://digitalsanbornmaps‐ proquest‐ com.rwulib.idm.oclc.org/browse_maps/40/8059/39330/41214/558685?accountid=25133 Providence, 1920‐1921 Vol. 6, 1921. ProQuest, Digital Sanborn Maps, 1867‐1970. Pg. 57. https://digitalsanbornmaps‐proquest‐ com.rwulib.idm.oclc.org/browse_maps/40/8075/39395/41291/561518?accountid=25133.

US Census, 1900‐1940; East Providence City Directories 1900‐1940.

197

Figure 1: 1900 Sanborn Map showing 27 Burnside Avenue. Map From: Providence, 1920‐191889‐1900, Vol 2, 1900. Sheet 192. Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/resource/g3774pm.g3774pm_g08099190002/?sp=105&r=‐0.098,‐ 0.08,1.581,0.539,0.

Figure 2: 1921 Sanborn Map showing 27 Burnside Avenue. Map From: Providence, 1920‐1921 Vol. 6, 1921. ProQuest, Digital Sanborn Maps, 1867‐1970. Pg. 57. 198

Figure 3: 1956 Sanborn map showing the 27 Burnside Residence, northeast of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Map From: East Providence 1956. ProQuest, Digital Sanborn Maps, 1867‐1970. Pg. 57.

199

DATABASE ID#

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

Riverside

VILLAGE

ADDRESS

10 Lincoln Avenue

NAME(s)

Old Riverside Post Office

PLAT/LOT 312/13/002

Bld

PROPERTY TYPE

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Priv

OWNERSHIP Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT USES:

Photo ID

EAPR_LincolnAve010_SW

Photo ID

EAPR_LincolnAve010_SE

Select terms from National Register table

Business

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

MATERIALS:

ft ROOF(s)

3050

LOT SIZE

sq ft

Flat

Select terms from National Register table

Other

ROOF

Post Office

HISTORIC

Brick

WALL

FOUNDATION

Not visible

WINDOWS

(1) Two-light fixed sash vinyl (2) One-over-one double hung sash vinyl

ALTERATIONS:

OTHER

PORCH

WINDOWS

TRIM

OVERALL

Material

None

Mod

None

Min

Configuration

None

Mod

None

Min

INTEGRITY

Excellent

PROPERTY COMPONENTS:

Good

Fair

Poor

Destroyed

List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1.

Component Type

Code

Count

Component Type

(1) Building

B-C

(4)

(2)

(5)

(3)

(6)

Code

EVENT

DATE

SOURCE

NAME (person/firm/organization)

ROLE

Original Construction

1909 ca

Book

F.E. Crumb

Postmaster

Purchase

1951 ca

Book

Silver Service Co.

Owner

ARCHITECTURE: TYPE

If more than one, list & number in order of importance

One Part Commercial

SURVEYOR

Count

Jon Stark-Sachs

STYLE(s) DATE

None

9/28/21

Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

REVIEWER

DATE Form version 200702rev161101

200

HISTORIC NARRATIVE The Post Office at 10 Lincoln Avenue is the first dedicated post office building constructed in the village of Riverside in East Providence, Rhode Island. From the mid-nineteenth century into the first decade of the twentieth, Riverside was primarily a recreation destination for urban dwellers in southern New England.1 During this period a variety of resorts, hotels, and eventually amusement parks were built and frequented by visitors.2 Although some year-round residences were built after the area was platted beginning in the 1870’s, most smallscale development consisted of summer vacation cottages.3 In the latter part of the century and into the next more permanent residential dwellings were constructed and many of the cottages were winterized for year-round use.4 In the first decade of the twentieth century Riverside reached the high-water mark in its period as a resort destination, with the three major amusement parks of Crescent Park, Boyden Heights, and Vanity Fair all operating.5 With the closure of Vanity Fair in 1909 and the physical and moral decay of Riverside’s numerous hotels and resorts in the following decades, the village began a new trajectory to become a solidly residential neighborhood.6 10 Lincoln Avenue was constructed circa 1909 in response to pressures from responding to the rise in mail service during the peak summer months.7 Previously, the post office had been housed in the nearby grocery store of F.E. Crumb, who also served as the postmaster.8 The lack of a dedicated postmaster and the increasing demand to service mail to the various hotels and resorts populating Riverside at this time meant that it was “impossible to handle the mails [sic] at rush times in the proper manner.”9 The first decade of the twentieth century corresponded with the crest in popularity of the hotels, resorts, and amusement parks built in Riverside throughout the late nineteenth century, and the need for mail service reflected the bustling vacation economy. The Riverside Post office became a branch of the larger Providence post office in 1908 and pay raises were promised to the postmaster and his clerks, with Crumb appearing to dedicate his full attention to the role.10 The design and construction of post offices during the period from 1900-1915 was overseen by the Supervising Architect of the U.S. Treasury Department.11 Rather than having certain design guidelines, the Treasury Department treated each building as a singular design, but often employing the “Beaux-Arts and NeoClassical traditions.”12 This period saw the use of fine materials and lasting buildings even if they were relatively modest due to sometimes less prominent locales13 After 1915, post office buildings, particularly for small towns, were fitted into more rigid building formulas that utilized only minimal stylistic flair and largely utilized uniform floorplans14 The “Class D” building for the smallest qualifying communities would use mostly brick and little stone.15 The modest, one-story brick building built at 10 Lincoln Ave. was of markedly different construction than the one- and two-story wood framed buildings surrounding it, but this material was likely attractive after the devastating fire that had consumed the buildings on the block in 1905.16 Crumb’s store and the post office

1 Richard Longstreth, East Providence, Rhode Island Statewide Preservation Report P-EP-1 (Providence, R.I.: Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, 1976), 34–36. 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. at 36. 4 Ibid. at 38. 5 Ibid. at 40. 6 Ibid. 7 Bruce Remick, Living in Riverside: First 80 Years, 1870 to 1950 (n.p. 2021), 42–43. 8 “Expect Better Mail Service,” Providence Journal, Aug. 15, 1907, 11. 9 Ibid. 10 “Wages Raised at Post Office,” Providence Journal, July 14, 1908, 7. 11 United States Post Office, History of Post Office Construction 1900-1940 (1982). 12 Ibid. at 5. 13 Ibid. 14 Ibid. at 8–10. 15 Ibid. at 10. 16 “Blaze at Riverside Burned $25,000 Worth of Property,” July 2, 1905, 1.

201

housed inside were some of the worst affected by the blaze.17 While many of the commercial buildings were rebuilt, it appears that the building formerly on the site, a bakery owned by John Cook that was only damaged by the water used to douse the flames,18 was demolished to make room for the post office building.19 The design of the post office was near the shift in post office construction around 1915 but could be justified under either framework. The building is modest and made of brick with only stone sills and lintels, but its orientation was also unique to its placement on the curve of Lincoln Avenue as it approaches Bullock’s Point from the west. The post office at 10 Lincoln Avenue continued to serve the community until a new post office was constructed in 1946 across Riverside Square at 3708 Pawtucket Avenue.20 The building sat vacant for a time21 until it was occupied by the Silver Service Company, a business specializing in jewelry manufacturing and repair, by 1955.22 The new use of the building reflected the change in Riverside’s economic and social base away from the resorts and hotels from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to a more light industry focused district. The Silver Service Co. continued to occupy the building until the 1980s when the building was once again vacant. The building currently houses the Vicmir & Sons HVAC company. BIBLIOGRAPHY Conforti, Joseph. Our Heritage: A History of East Providence. White Plains, NY: Monarch Publishing, 1976. East Providence City Directories, 1901-1930. Boston: Sampson, Murdock & Co. East Providence City Directories, 1956-75. Boston: R.L. Polk & Co. “Expect Better Mail Service.” Providence Journal, Aug. 15, 1907, 11. Longstreth, Richard. East Providence, Rhode Island Statewide Preservation Report P-EP-1. Providence, R.I.: Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, 1976. Remick, Bruce. Living in Riverside First 80 Years 1870 to 1950. n.p., 2021. “Wages Raised at Post Office.” Providence Journal, July 14, 1908, 7. United States Post Office. History of Post Office Construction 1900-1940. 1982.

Ibid. Ibid. 19 Compare Sanborn Map Company, Providence, Rhode Island (New York: Sanborn-Perris Map Co., 1900), Vol. 2, 192, with, Sanborn Map Company, Providence, Rhode Island (New York: Sanborn-Perris Map Co., 1921), Vol. 6, 56. 20 Remick, Living in Riverside, 43. 21 1951 East Providence Directory (Boston: R.L. Polk & Co., 1950), 371. 22 1980 East Providence Directory (Boston: R.L. Polk & Co., 1980). 18

202

FIGURES

1. Panoramic map from 1894 showing the façade of the north-facing buildings along Lincoln Avenue prior to the construction of the post office at 10 Lincoln Avenue. One of the buildings, likely the one with the “A” inscribed atop, is the bakery that stood on the site prior to the post office’s construction. Riverside, Pleasant Bluff, Camp White & Crescent Park, R.I., (Boston: O.H. Bailey & Co. & Lithograph & Publishing, 1894.

2. 1901 Sanborn map showing 8 and 10 Lincoln Ave prior to the construction of the old post office showing the building as two-story wood frame building housing a bakery. Sanborn Map Company, Providence, Rhode Island (New York: Sanborn-Perris Map Co., 1900), Vol. 2, 192.

203

3. 1921 Sanborn showing the old post office in as a one-story brick structure in the configuration that we see today. The address was not included here. Sanborn Map Company, Providence, Rhode Island (New York: Sanborn-

Perris Map Co., 1921), Vol. 6, 56.

204

4. Western portion of the façade of the old post office at 10 Lincoln Ave, circa 1920. Bruce Remick, Living in Riverside: First 80 Years 1870 to 1950 (n.p., 2021), 43.

205

5. 1956 Sanborn shows that the building is now “Electro Plating.” Sanborn Map Company, Providence, Rhode Island (New York: Sanborn-Perris Map Co., 1956) Vol. 6, 56.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The post office building at 10 Lincoln Avenue likely qualifies under Criterion A for its association with the key period of Riverside’s development into its current residential composition from its early resort history, with connections to both eras. 10 Lincoln Avenue is the first dedicated post office building constructed in the village of Riverside in East Providence, Rhode Island. The modest, single-story brick building was built circa 1909 in response to the influx of post that overwhelmed the previously part-time Riverside postmaster. The post office building coincides with the zenith of Riverside’s resort era and the subsequent shift of the village into a year-round residential community into the early part of the twentieth century. Indeed, no other extant resource demonstrates a connection to this period of Riverside’s development to the same level, most other public buildings surrounding Riverside square from this period or prior have undergone significant alteration of their materials and corresponding integrity. The period of significance for this building is between 1909 and 1947, when the building ceased service as the Riverside branch of the post office. The post office retains sufficient integrity to convey its significance. The building exhibits integrity of materials, workmanship, location, and design. Two noticeable alterations may interfere with these physical aspects of the building: the replacement of the windows on one of the primary facades to vinyl sliding windows and a small brick addition at the back of the structure. The addition, however, is only noticeable on close inspection due to a slight difference in brick color and the use of brick lintels and sills on the windows, rather than stone, but these are not easily visible from the public way. Overall, these physical changes do not diminish from the building’s ability to convey its significance as an early public building. Indeed, the lintel above the door still displays the words “Post Office.” The importance of the location at a curve in Lincoln Avenue to the building’s design remains clear due to the unique, bifurcated façade.

206

The overall feeling of the building is that of a modest, early public structure and it maintains its local association to that history. The setting is somewhat problematic, as the adjacent lot to the east has been cleared for a parking lot, no longer reflecting the historic density of the area, and the surrounding buildings are either infill or sport non-historic material alternations. Nonetheless, the post office’s other aspects of integrity are sufficient to effectively convey its historic significance.

207

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

Riverside

VILLAGE

24 Monroe Ave

ADDRESS

PLAT/LOT 312/08/006

The Lincoln Bar

NAME(s)

Bld

PROPERTY TYPE

Priv

OWNERSHIP

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT USES:

DATABASE ID#

Photo ID

EAPR_24Moneroeave_S

Photo ID

EAPR_24Moneroeave_SE

Select terms from National Register table

Commerce/Trade:Restaurant

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

MATERIALS:

3049.2

LOT SIZE

sq ft

Gable

ROOF(s)

Select terms from National Register table

Asphalt

ROOF

Commerce/Trade: Restaurant

HISTORIC

Brick

WALL

FOUNDATION

Not visible

WINDOWS

(1) metal-framed fixed windows

ALTERATIONS:

OTHER

PORCH

WINDOWS

TRIM

OVERALL

Material

None

Mod

Min

Mod

Configuration

None

Mod

Min

Mod

Excellent

INTEGRITY

PROPERTY COMPONENTS:

Good

Fair

Poor

Destroyed

List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1.

Component Type

Code

Count

Component Type

(1)

(4)

(2)

(5)

(3)

(6)

EVENT

DATE

SOURCE

NAME (person/firm/organization)

Original Construction

Ca. 1943

Map

Sandborn Map Company

Alteration; extension

1974

News Paper

Providence Journal

ARCHITECTURE: TYPE

Count

ROLE

If more than one, list & number in order of importance

1-part commercial block

SURVEYOR

Code

Brianna Jordan

STYLE(s) DATE

None

12/2021

REVIEWER

DATE

208

Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

Form version 200702rev161101

HISTORIC NARRATIVE AND CONTEXT The first half of the nineteenth century designated Riverside as a destination for wealthy travelers who sought relaxation away from city life.1 By the latter half of the nineteenth century Riverside developed into a busy resort area populated mostly with small summer vacation cottages and luxury resort and hotels.2 By the late 1890s Riverside is said to have had the largest concentration of summer residences on Narragansett Bay.3 There were a multitude of amusement parks, like Crescent Park and Boyden Heights.4 The middle class’s expansion into Riverside was aided with by the establishment of the Providence and Bristol Company Railroad constructed in the mid-1850s.5 The railroad aided the ease of access in and out of Riverside. By the turn of the twentieth century Riverside began to transition into a year-round suburban neighborhood, with both construction of new houses and changing the summer cottages to permanent use.6 Riverside’s new commercial, civic, and institutional activity centered around the Riverside Square and the Riverside Passenger depot.7 Historically, Riverside square was a dense commercial sector that built up to accommodate the needs of vacationers and then eventually, suburban residents. Small, free -standing businesses like groceries, barbershops, auto shops, leisure sites and bakeries were present at the beginning and middle of the twentieth century catering to the needs of the expanding neighborhood populace.8 24 Monroe Ave is an irregular one-story brick commercial building on the corner of Monroe Avenue. There seems to have been a possible house on the same location between 1929 and 1937. Julia F. Hicks is listed at this address between 1930 and 19339, then to a Joseph E. Fournier from 1937 to 1943.10 However, there is no building shown on the 1920 Sanborn Map of Riverside. When the building does appear on the 1950 Sanborn map, it is listed as a “shop” (figure 2). The building has a build circa date of 1949, when it was listed as “Walter A. Dewolfe Liquors.”11 The Lincoln Bar was incorporated in 1955.12 The bar was granted a license to sell liquor shortly thereafter.13 There were very few established taverns in the Riverside square area when viewing the 1920/1950 overlay Sandborn map (figure 2). It is very likely that 24 Monroe Avenue is one of the only neighborhood establishments that exclusively sold liquor as its main business model. In 1970, Walter B. Norton and his wife, Apolonia are listed as the owners of the bar. Walter would go on to own the bar for a total period of twenty-nine years before his death in 1984.16 The Norton’s seemed to have applied for variances in 1974 to extend the structure, which is noticeable on the back of the building, indicating a

Richard Longstreth, East Providence, Rhode Island Statewide Preservation Report (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, 1976), 34. 2 Longstreth, East Providence Preservation report, 34-36. 3 Longstreth, East Providence Preservation report, 38. 4 Longstreth, East Providence Preservation report, 39-40. 5 Bruce Remick, Rhode Island: Living in Riverside first 80 years, 1870 to 1950 (Rhode Island: n.p., 2021), 50. 6 Longstreth, East Providence Preservation report, 38. 7 Ibid. 8 See Sanborn Map Company, "Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps", East Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, 1920, New York: Sanborn Map Company, 1921. https://digitalsanbornmaps-proquestcom.rwulib.idm.oclc.org/browse_maps/40/8075/39395/41291/561517?accountid=25133. 9 East Providence, R.I., City Directory, (R.L. Polk and Co., 1929); East Providence, R.I., City Directory, (R.L. Polk and Co.,1933). 10 Ibid. at 1937); East Providence, R.I., City Directory, (R.L. Polk and Co., 1943). 11 Ibid. at 1949. 12 Rhode Island Department of State, “The Lincoln Bar and Grille Inc., 1955”, accessed on Dec 12, 2021. https://business.sos.ri.gov/CorpWeb/CorpSearch/CorpSummary.aspx?FEIN=000022532&SEARCH_TYPE=1 13 “Dewolfe Transfer to Lincoln Bar Inc”, The Providence Journal, July 2, 1955. 14 “East Bay Bike Path History”, Trail Link by Rails to Trails Conservancy, accessed on Dec. 12, 2021. https://www.traillink.com/trail-history/east-bay-bike-path/ 15 Longstreth, East Providence Preservation report, 50. 16 “Bar Owner Found Dead in His Car”, The Providence Journal, March 15, 1984. 1

209

change (figure 8).17 Around 1975 the Lincoln Bar changed its name to the Lincoln Men’s Tavern. The name change never seemed to alter its reputation. There is very little secondary source information for some of the local lore. However, a news article from 1977 seems to paint the bar as a working-class establishment that highlighted Riverside’s ongoing economic struggle. “Unemployment has been cruel to Riverside, a predominantly lower-middle class section of East Providence.”18 The Lincoln Bar seemed to provide a space, “to get away from the wife and the kids and the problems that lurk outside the door.”19 The complexity of the workingman’s bar should not be overlooked. The twentieth century saw the commercial and consumer revolution as all classes of people quested for leisure time.20 It was (and still is) a social touch point that played a large part of in the social, political, and economic aspects of life.21 The Lincoln bar’s long history as a neighborhood tavern shows the need for such a space.

Figure 1: 1899 Sanborn Map showing 24 Monroe Avenue lot.

Figure 2: 1920/1950 overlay Sanborn Map showing 24 Monroe Avenue. “Lincoln Bar building variance”, The Providence Journal, Sept. 13, 1974. Bill Reynolds, “Hanging in at the old hangout”, The Providence Sunday Journal, Feb. 6, 1977, 195. 19 Ibid, 20 Howard P. Chudacoff, The Age of the Bacchelor: Creating an American Subculture (New Jersey: Prinston University Press, 1999), 107. 21 Jon M. Kingsdale, “The ‘Poor Man’s Club’: Social Functions of the Urban Working-Class Saloon”, American Quarterly, 25, No. 4 (Oct. 1973), 476. 17 18

210

Figure 3: 1956 Sanborn Map showing 24 Monroe Avenue.

Figure 4. Current footprint of 24 Monroe Avenue.

211

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Context 24 Monroe Avenue is a brick, one story, one-part commercial block with an asymmetrical roof line. It is a structure is associated with the working-class nature of Riverside, East Providence in the mid to late twentieth century. 24 Monroe Avenue is linked to the decline in economic and social flourish of the early twentieth century. Like many other neighborhoods, the automobile, loss of the railroad line and suburban development efforts hurt the once vibrant historic core, particularly the Riverside Square area which it faces. The building is not associated with any events or broad patterns of events significant in the history of the Riverside area or East Providence. Criteria Evaluation Criterion A 24 Monroe Avenue does not appear to be eligible for listing in the National Register under Criterion A for its association with the wane of Post-World War II boom and the distress of urban renewal and loss of transportation. The working-class lineage of the neighborhood can be traced through the bar but there is no striking quality which would make 24 Monroe Avenue an important illustration of these trends. Criterion B 24 Monroe Avenue does not appear to be eligible for listing in the National Register under Criterion B as having any association with individuals who have contributed to local or national history. 24 Monroe Avenue is not associated with any significant individual which can be identified with the property and there is nothing to illustrate that was an important achievement in history made at 24 Monroe. Criterion C 24 Monroe Avenue does not appear to be eligible for listing in the National Register under Criterion C has having any association with a (1) distinctive characteristic of a type, period, or method of construction, or (2) the work of a master, or (3) possess high artistic value. 24 Monroe Avenue is a brick, one-part commercial block that does not show any noteworthy characteristics that would display a definitive type, period or particular method of construction. The parapet roof feature is not significant. There is no trace that 24 Monroe Avenue had a specific architect that designed or artisan who constructed it. Lastly, 24 Monroe Avenue has very little artistic value in its visual characteristics and does not possess high artistic value. Criterion D 24 Monroe Avenue does not appear to possess important information potential that must have had information to contribute to the understanding of human history or pre-history and does not apply to 24 Monroe Avenue. Aspects of Integrity 24 Monroe Avenue has high integrity of location, design, setting, workmanship, material, feeling and, association. The location of the structure has not changed since its approximate build date. The design of the structure seems to have been altered but this change did not affect the structure’s ability within its commercial function. The setting of 24 Monroe Avenue has changed very little as Riverside Square and the area around 24 Monroe has not been alter in a significant way since the mid-twentieth century. The workmanship of the brick does not appear to be altered. The material of 24 Monroe Avenue, by all indications, has not changed from its period of construction. 24 Monroe Avenue has integrity of material thus the feeling and association of the structure has also remained intact.

212

It is the opinion of this statement of significance that 24 Monroe Avenue has its integrity intact to display its context in wider historical trends but the structure itself is not significant enough to merit its inclusion on the National Register.

BIBLIOGRAPHY “Bar Owner Found Dead in His Car”. The Providence Journal, March 15, 1984. Chudacoff, Howard P. The Age of the Bachelor: Creating an American Subculture (New Jersey: Prinston University Press, 1999). “Dewolfe Transfer to Lincoln Bar Inc”. The Providence Journal. July 2, 1955. “East Bay Bike Path History”. Trail Link by Rails to Trails Conservancy. accessed on Dec. 12, 2021. https://www.traillink.com/trail-history/east-bay-bike-path/ East Providence, R.I., City Directory. (R.L. Polk and Co. 1921). Kingsdale, Jon M. “The ‘Poor Man’s Club’: Social Functions of the Urban Working-Class Saloon”. American Quarterly, 25, No. 4 (Oct. 1973), 476. “Lincoln Bar building Variance”. The Providence Journal, Sept. 13, 1974. Reynolds, Bill. “Hanging in at the old hangout”. The Providence Sunday Journal, Feb. 6, 1977. Rhode Island Department of State. “The Lincoln Bar and Grille Inc., 1955”. Accessed on Dec 12, 2021. https://business.sos.ri.gov/CorpWeb/CorpSearch/CorpSummary.aspx?FEIN=000022532&SEARCH_TY PE=1 Richard Longstreth. East Providence, Rhode Island Statewide Preservation Report. (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, 1976). FIGURES Figure 1: 1899 Sanborn Map showing 24 Monroe Avenue lot. Sanborn Map Company. "Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps". East Providence. Providence County. Rhode Island. 1899-1900. New York. Sandborn Map Company.1921. Figure 2: 1920/1950 Overlay Sanborn Map showing 24 Monroe Avenue. Sanborn Map Company. "Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps". East Providence. Providence County. Rhode Island. 1920/1950. New York. Sanborn Map Company.1921. Figure 3: 1956 Sanborn map showing 24 Monroe Avenue. Sanborn Map Company. "Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps". East Providence. Providence County. Rhode Island. 1920/1950. New York. Sanborn Map Company.1921. Figure 4: Current footprint of 24 Monroe Avenue. “Birdseye view of 24 Monroe Ave”. Microsoft Bing Maps. (Accessed October 25, 2021).

213

DATABASE ID#

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

Riverside

VILLAGE

3708 Pawtucket Avenue

ADDRESS

PLAT/LOT 312/10/001

Second Riverside Branch Post Office

NAME(s)

Bld

PROPERTY TYPE

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Priv

OWNERSHIP Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT USES:

Photo ID

EAPR_PawtucketAve3708_SE

Photo ID

EAPR_PawtucketAve3708_E

Select terms from National Register table

Business

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

MATERIALS:

ft ROOF(s)

15246

LOT SIZE

sq ft

Flat

Select terms from National Register table

Rubber

ROOF

Post Office

HISTORIC

Brick

WALL

FOUNDATION

Concrete

WINDOWS

(1) Six by five fixed sash windows (2) Four by five fixed sash aluminum window

OTHER

ALTERATIONS:

PORCH

WINDOWS

Material

None

Mod

None

Min

Configuration

None

Min

None

Min

INTEGRITY

Excellent

PROPERTY COMPONENTS:

Good

TRIM

Fair

Poor

OVERALL

Destroyed

List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1.

Component Type

Code

Count

Component Type

(1) Building

B-NC

(4)

(2)

(5)

(3)

(6)

EVENT

DATE

SOURCE

NAME (person/firm/organization)

Original Construction

1946

Book

Riverside Branch Post Office

Purchase

1967

Book

Roman Tile Co./ Stanley P. MacPhail

ARCHITECTURE: TYPE

Count

ROLE

Owner

If more than one, list & number in order of importance

One Part Commercial

SURVEYOR

Code

Jonathan Stark-Sachs

STYLE(s) DATE

None

9/28/21

Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

REVIEWER

DATE Form version 200702rev161101

214

HISTORIC NARRATIVE 3708 Pawtucket Avenue is the second building constructed to house the Riverside branch of the post office after closure of the post office at 10 Lincoln Avenue in 1946.1The first dedicated post office building at 10 Lincoln Avenue corresponded with the zenith of Riverside’s resort era and residential boom that followed. As the community grew so did the need for mail service. The demand eventually outgrew the modest post office building and necessitated a larger structure. By the 1940s the construction of post office buildings in small towns was largely standardized.2 The design, however, did fit within a small but noticeable pattern of development in the late 1940s and early 50s along Pawtucket Avenue including the Riverside Square Building. This was a period of growth in Riverside and East Providence generally following the relative stagnant 1930s and war years.3 Constructed of concrete cinderblock and fronted with brick, the new post office building afforded the Riverside branch more space and room for a parking lot in the automobile era. This building served as the Riverside post office until 1967 when the current post office opened on Willet Avenue.4 Soon after the closure of the post office, Roman Tile & Terrazzo Company purchased and occupied the building.5 The Roman Tile Company occupies to building still today. BIBLIOGRAPHY “Council Rebuffs Zoning Shift,” Providence Journal, Nov. 9, 1968, 44. Richard Longstreth, East Providence, Rhode Island Statewide Preservation Report P-EP-1 (Providence, R.I.: Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, 1976), 48. Remick, Bruce. Living in Riverside First 80 Years 1870 to 1950. n.p., 2021. United States Post Office. History of Post Office Construction 1900-1940. 1982.

Bruce Remick, Living in Riverside: First 80 Years, 1870 to 1950 (n.p. 2021), 44. United States Post Office, History of Post Office Construction 1900-1940 (1982), 25. 3 Richard Longstreth, East Providence, Rhode Island Statewide Preservation Report P-EP-1 (Providence, R.I.: Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, 1976), 48. 4 Remick, Living in Riverside, 44. 5 “Council Rebuffs Zoning Shift,” Providence Journal, Nov. 9, 1968, 44. 1 2

215

FIGURES

1951 Sanborn showing the new construction of the second post office as a one story, brick-faced cinder block building. Lists the address as 3704 Pawtucket Avenue. Sanborn Map Company, Providence, Rhode Island (New

York: Sanborn-Perris Map Co., 1951) Vol. 6, 56

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 3708 Pawtucket Avenue is the second building to house the Riverside post office after the closure of the original post office building at 10 Lincoln Avenue, across Riverside square. The building, constructed in 1947, is of concrete block construction with a brick façade. The building is representative of a period where Riverside Square and the larger village were becoming increasingly more automobile centric. The building’s tenure as the Riverside post office was relatively brief, lasting only until 1967 when the current post office was built on Willet Avenue. While there were some significant developments happening in Riverside during this period, notably the buildup of various rental apartments in the area, there is no significant connection with the post office. There is no argument for significance for association with a pattern of events under Criterion A. There are also no significant persons that are associated with the property that qualify under Criterion B, even at the local level. Neither does the building itself reveal any significant design aspects that qualify it under Criterion C: the structure is almost entirely pragmatic outside of some small decorative elements on the brick façade. There is no indication of information potential under Criterion D. In summary, the building is unlikely to be eligible for the National Register. Despite the lack of distinction, the building maintains its integrity. It is in the same location, the same workmanship, is in the same setting, maintains the same design, feeling, materials, and association. There is no indication of any noticeable alterations to the physical makeup of the building or its place in the neighborhood.

216

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

Riverside

VILLAGE

3734 Pawtucket Avenue

ADDRESS

PLAT/LOT 312/11/001

Riverside Square Building

NAME(s)

Bld

PROPERTY TYPE

Priv

OWNERSHIP

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT USES:

DATABASE ID#

Photo ID

EAPR_PawtucketAve3734_SE

Photo ID

EAPR_PawtucketAve3734_E

Select terms from National Register table

Business

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

MATERIALS:

ft ROOF(s)

9150

LOT SIZE

sq ft

Flat

Select terms from National Register table

Rubber

ROOF

Business

HISTORIC

(1) Brick (2) Formstone

WALL

FOUNDATION

Not Visible

WINDOWS

(1) Two-light fixed sash aluminum strorefront windows (2) One-light fixed sash aluminum storefront window

ALTERATIONS:

OTHER

PORCH

WINDOWS

TRIM

OVERALL

Material

N/A

Min

Mod

Configuration

N/A

Min

Excellent

INTEGRITY

PROPERTY COMPONENTS:

Good

Fair

Poor

List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1.

Component Type

Code

Count

Component Type

(1) Building

B-NC

(4)

(2)

(5)

(3)

(6)

EVENT

DATE

SOURCE

Original Construction

1956 ca

Map

ARCHITECTURE: TYPE

NAME (person/firm/organization)

Code

Count

ROLE

If more than one, list & number in order of importance

One Part Commercial

SURVEYOR

Destroyed

Jonathan Stark-Sachs

STYLE(s) DATE

None

9/28/21

Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

REVIEWER

DATE Form version 200702rev161101

217

HISTORIC NARRATIVE The building Riverside Square Building at 3734 Pawtucket Avenue was built circa 1956.1 The property itself, however, had already been a longstanding part of Riverside Square’s business landscape. The village of Riverside, first known as Cedar Grove, sprung up in the decades after the establishment of the Providence, Warren and Bristol Railroad in the 1850s and the subsequent construction of a passenger depot.2 In the ensuing decades a number of resorts, hotels, shore dinner halls, and businesses were built to accommodate visitors from urban area who came to Riverside seeking shoreline recreation.3 In 1871 General Lysander Flagg and a group of Pawtucket businessmen founded the Riverside Land Company, purchased several farms around Riverside and began subdividing residential plats, the first of these being the titular Cedar Grove west of the depot toward the shoreline.4 Over the ensuing decades these plats began to fill in first with summer cottages and, increasingly, year-round residences.5 This lot, being directly to the east of the passenger depot was an opportune site to place a business to serve visitors on their way to and from their various recreation destinations. By 1894, a panoramic map of Riverside shows two buildings on the site, both small one-story buildings north of a larger two-story building.6 The Sanborn fire insurance map from 1901 identifies the buildings as both being a shops of wood frame construction (Figures 1 & 2).7 Around the turn of the twentieth century, Riverside’s place as a recreation destination reached its highwater mark, but the glamour began to recede with the closure of two major amusement parks, Vanity Fair and Boyden Heights, at the end of the 1910s.8 In these early decades of the century, road construction and the increasingly widespread of the automobile allowed for more personal recreation trips away from rail lines and cut into Riverside’s summer visitors and eventually put an end to its resort era.9 Even as resort visitors were beginning to go elsewhere Riverside began a transition into a solidly residential trolley and car suburb.10 Throughout this period the same small single-story shops continued to sit on the property.11 In the early 1950’s the two wood frame shops were demolished and the single-story, brick-fronted cinderblock Riverside Square building was constructed at 3734 Pawtucket Avenue.12 The first tenant was the Damiano Barbershop, owned by Anthony Damiano, and the other business space was occupied by Hope Cleansers, a cleaning business, by 1961.13 After 1954, Damiano began expanding his businesses, purchasing the adjacent property from Dolly Babcock and opening a Firestone Tire Center.14 The automobile had taken over Riverside just as it had throughout America, and nothing was more emblematic than the dominance of Firestone in the commercial buildings at the corner of Pawtucket and Turner Avenues. By 1975 Damiano owned the entire complex of businesses, with the previous home of Hope Cleansers being relegated to overflow from the Firestone.15 The Firestone continued to operate into the 1980’s when Damiano sold the property.16 1 Compare Sanborn Map Company, Providence, Rhode Island (New York: Sanborn-Perris Map Co., 1951) Vol. 6, 56, with, Sanborn Map Company, Providence, Rhode Island (New York: Sanborn-Perris Map Co., 1956) Vol. 6, 56. 2 Bruce Remick, Living in Riverside: First 80 Years, 1870 to 1950 (n.p. 2021), 38–40. 3 Richard Longstreth, East Providence, Rhode Island Statewide Preservation Report P-EP-1 (Providence, R.I.: Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, 1976), 34–36. 4 Ibid. at 36. 5 Ibid. at 38. 6 Riverside, Pleasant Bluff, Camp White & Crescent Park, R.I., (Boston: O.H. Bailey & Co. Lithograph & Publishing, 1894). 7 Sanborn Map Company, Providence, Rhode Island (New York: Sanborn-Perris Map Co., 1900), Vol. 2, 192. 8 Longstreth, East Providence, Rhode Island Statewide Preservation Report, 40. 9 Joseph Conforti, Our Heritage: A History of East Providence (White Plains, NY: Monarch Publishing, 1976), 141–44. 10 Ibid. 11 Sanborn Map Company, Providence, Rhode Island (New York: Sanborn-Perris Map Co., 1900), Vol. 2, 192. 12 Compare Sanborn Map Company, Providence, Rhode Island (New York: Sanborn-Perris Map Co., 1951) Vol. 6, 56, with, Sanborn Map Company, Providence, Rhode Island (New York: Sanborn-Perris Map Co., 1956) Vol. 6, 56. 13 1956 East Providence Directory (Boston: R.L. Polk, 1956); 1961 East Providence Directory (Boston: R.L. Polk, 1961). 14 1956 East Providence Directory. 15 1975 East Providence Directory (Boston: R.L. Polk, 1975) 16 Providence County, Rhode Island, Land Records Book 0627: 0331, Anthony Damiano & Stanley MacPhail, 7 June 1986, East Providence Clerks Office, City of East Providence.

218

BIBLIOGRPHY Conforti, Joseph. Our Heritage: A History of East Providence. White Plains, NY: Monarch Publishing, 1976. East Providence City Directories, 1901-1930. Boston: Sampson, Murdock & Co. East Providence City Directories, 1956-75. Boston: R.L. Polk & Co. Longstreth, Richard. East Providence, Rhode Island Statewide Preservation Report P-EP-1. Providence, R.I.: Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, 1976. Remick, Bruce. Living in Riverside First 80 Years 1870 to 1950. n.p., 2021. FIGURES

1. The businesses at the corner of Pawtucket and Turner Avenues on the 1894 panoramic map of Riverside. Riverside, Pleasant Bluff, Camp White & Crescent Park, R.I., (Boston: O.H. Bailey & Co. Lithograph & Publishing, 1894).

219

2. 1901 Sanborn showing the businesses at the corner of Pawtucket Ave. and Turner Ave. 3734 Pawtucket Avenue, listed here as 3723 & 3734, are both listed as single-story shops, one a cobbler and the other a dress maker. Sanborn Map Company, Providence, Rhode Island (New York: Sanborn-Perris Map Co., 1900), Vol. 2, 192.

3. 1921 Sanborn. All shops appear to be the same as in 1900 although they no longer indicate a specific use. Sanborn Map Company, Providence, Rhode Island (New York: Sanborn-Perris Map Co., 1921), Vol. 6, 56.

220

4. 1951 Sanborn still showing the two small shops where the Riverside Square building is today. Sanborn Map Company, Providence, Rhode Island (New York: Sanborn-Perris Map Co., 1951) Vol. 6, 56

5. 1956 Sanborn now shows that the two small wood-frame shops are replaced with abutting one-story cinderblock shops that meet the Rhodes Pizza building at the property line. This is likely to be the Riverside Square Building. Sanborn Map Company, Providence, Rhode Island (New York: Sanborn-Perris Map Co., 1956) Vol. 6, 56.

221

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 3734 Pawtucket Avenue was built in the 1950s; a modern commercial building and replaced two smaller historic wood-frame buildings. The modest, single-story building of concrete block and brick, with Formstone trim, has housed a few businesses since its construction. The building is an interesting example of a modern building that still adheres to a historic mode of sidewalk fronting commercial space. The building also corresponds to the period of latest historic development in Riverside Square during the mid-twentieth century The building, Other examples from this period are the similarly-styled addition to the then Babcock’s Dry Goods Store, now Rhodes Pizza, adjacent to the building and the Dari-Bee ice cream stand. This period of development in Riverside Square, however, lacks a connection to any significant pattern of events in Riverside that would qualify it under Criterion A. There were no significant shifts in the development or living patterns that differentiate the square from any other community during this period, as development largely began to shift outside of Riverside Square. There is also no person associated with the property that would qualify the property for inclusion of Criterion B. The design of the building is mostly functional, likely not eligible for inclusion under Criterion C. Were the building considered eligible, it may very well retain significant integrity. It retains its location, pressed against the adjacent commercial buildings at 3736 Pawtucket Avenue, and its overall feeling, setting, and association. It also remains true to its original modest design. There do, however, appear to be some alterations to the materials and workmanship by replacing some of the brick with a faux stone façade on one storefront. The building still maintains its title above the overhand of “Riverside Square Bldg.”

222

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

Riverside

VILLAGE

3736 Pawtucket Ave

ADDRESS

PLAT/LOT 312/11/001

Babcock’s Dry Goods

NAME(s)

Bld

PROPERTY TYPE

Priv

OWNERSHIP

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT USES:

DATABASE ID#

Photo ID

EAPR_PawtucketAve3736_NE

Photo ID

EAPR_PawtucketAve3736_E

Select terms from National Register table

(1) Restaurant (2) multiple family dwelling

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

MATERIALS:

ft ROOF(s)

9150

LOT SIZE

sq ft

Other - Pointed End Gable

Select terms from National Register table

Asphalt

ROOF

HISTORIC

WALL

(1) Brick (2) Vinyl

FOUNDATION

Not Visible

WINDOWS

(1) Single light fixed-sash aluminum storefront windows (2) Six-over-one double hung vinyl windows

ALTERATIONS:

OTHER

PORCH

WINDOWS

TRIM

OVERALL

Material

N/A

Maj

Configuration

N/A

Maj

Excellent

INTEGRITY

PROPERTY COMPONENTS:

Good

Fair

Poor

List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1.

Component Type

Code

Count

Component Type

(1) Building

B-NC

(4)

(2) Building

B-C

(5)

(3)

Code

Count

(6) NAME (person/firm/organization)

ROLE

Deed

Everett Yeo

Owner

1939

Deed

Arthur & Dorilda Babcock

Owners

1950 ca 1954 1986

Map/Style Deed Deed

Arthur & Dorilda Babcock Anthony Damiano Stanley P. Macphail

Owners Owner Owner

EVENT

DATE

SOURCE

Original Construction

1890 ca

Map

Purchase

1937

Purchase Addition Purchase Purchase ARCHITECTURE: TYPE

Destroyed

If more than one, list & number in order of importance

Two Part Commercial

STYLE(s)

None

223

SURVEYOR

Jonathan Stark-Sachs

DATE

09/28/21

Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

REVIEWER

DATE Form version 200702rev161101

HISTORICAL NARRATIVE The building at 3736 Pawtucket Avenue dates to the earliest period of development in Riverside Square, circa 1890. The village of Riverside, first known as Cedar Grove, sprung up in the decades after the establishment of the Providence, Warren and Bristol Railroad in the 1850s and the subsequent construction of a passenger depot.1 In the ensuing decades a number of resorts, hotels, shore dinner halls, and businesses were built to accommodate visitors from urban area who came to Riverside seeking shoreline recreation.2 In 1871 General Lysander Flagg and a group of Pawtucket businessmen founded the Riverside Land Company, purchased several farms around Riverside and began subdividing residential plats, the first of these being the titular Cedar Grove west of the depot toward the shoreline.3 Over the ensuing decades these plats began to fill in first with summer cottages and, increasingly, year-round residences.4 The property was platted by Cushing and Company in 1871, being lot number 264 of the Lewis Farm Villa Lots.5 This lot, being directly to the east of the passenger depot was an opportune site to place a business to serve visitors on their way to and from their various recreation destinations. By 1894, a panoramic map of Riverside shows two buildings on the site, a one story and a two-story structure, which appears to be the same historic structure forming the core of 3736 Pawtucket Avenue today.6 The Sanborn fire insurance map from 1901 identifies the building as being a shop of wood frame construction, likely with residences on the second floor (Figures 1 & 2).7 Around the turn of the twentieth century, Riverside’s place as a recreation destination reached its highwater mark, but the glamour began to recede with the closure of two major amusement parks, Vanity Fair and Boyden Heights, at the end of the 1910s.8 In these early decades of the century, road construction and the increasingly widespread of the automobile allowed for more personal recreation trips away from rail lines and cut into Riverside’s summer visitors and eventually put an end to its resort era.9 Even as resort visitors were beginning to go elsewhere Riverside began a transition into a solidly residential trolley and car suburb.10 From 1901 at the latest, 3736 Pawtucket Avenue housed Mr. and Mrs. George Brown, the husband a blacksmith and the wife a furniture seller, both of whom could have served seasonal and permanent residents.11 Mrs. Brown’s furniture store was a long-running business, likely successful due to the period of residential growth in Riverside during the first two decades of the twentieth century.12 It occupied the building until the late 1920’s.13 After Mrs. Brown vacated, the building housed a fishmonger into the early 1930’s14 when it was briefly occupied by club for the Narragansett Fisherman’s Association.15 Seeking to take advantage of the end of Prohibition, the group sought a beer license for their club, but their petition was summarily denied by the still anti-liquor East Providence town council.16 Bruce Remick, Living in Riverside: First 80 Years, 1870 to 1950 (n.p. 2021), 38–40. Richard Longstreth, East Providence, Rhode Island Statewide Preservation Report P-EP-1 (Providence, R.I.: Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, 1976), 34–36. 3 Ibid. at 36. 4 Ibid. at 38. 5 Providence County, Rhode Island, Land Records Book 117: 486, Everett & Katherine Yeo & Arthur G. & Dorilda Babcock, 8 September 1939, East Providence Clerks Office, City of East Providence. 6 Riverside, Pleasant Bluff, Camp White & Crescent Park, R.I., (Boston: O.H. Bailey & Co. Lithograph & Publishing, 1894). 7 Sanborn Map Company, Providence, Rhode Island (New York: Sanborn-Perris Map Co., 1900), Vol. 2, 192. 8 Longstreth, East Providence, Rhode Island Statewide Preservation Report, 40. 9 Joseph Conforti, Our Heritage: A History of East Providence (White Plains, NY: Monarch Publishing, 1976), 141–44. 10 Ibid. 11 1901 East Providence Directory (Boston: Sampson, Murdock & Co., 1901). 12 Conforti, Our Heritage, 136–38. 13 1925 East Providence Directory (Boston: Sampson, Murdock & Co., 1925). 14 1930 East Providence Directory (Boston: Sampson, Murdock & Co., 1930). 15 “Hearing on Licenses,” Providence Journal, June 1, 1933, 16. 16 Ibid. 1 2

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In 1935 the building was occupied by the Babcock’s Dry Goods Store, owned and operated by Arthur G. and Dorilda Babcock.17 Arthur and “Dolly” had been stage performers but owned a home in Riverside.18 After the couple retired from the stage they opened their popular store and moved into the apartments above.19 Prior to 1951, the Babcocks expanded the building by adding a brick-fronted cinderblock projection on the first story, surrounding the historic wood-frame building, which is still visible behind.20 Babcock’s continued to operate until 1954, when Dolly sold the building after her husband’s death the prior year.21 The buyer was Anthony Damiano, who owned a barbershop adjacent to Babcock’s, and he soon retrofitted the store into a Firestone Tire Center.22 The automobile had taken over Riverside just as it had throughout America, and nothing was more emblematic than the dominance of Firestone in the commercial buildings at the corner of Pawtucket and Turner Avenues. By 1975 Damiano owned the entire complex of businesses at the corner of Pawtucket and Turner Avenues, being relegated to overflow from the Firestone.23 The Firestone continued to operate into the 1980’s when Damiano sold the property.24

Remick, Living in Riverside, 54. Ibid. 19 Ibid. 20 Sanborn Map Company, Providence, Rhode Island (New York: Sanborn-Perris Map Co., 1951) Vol. 6, 56. 21 Providence County, Rhode Island, Land Records Book 158: 225, Dorilda Babcock & Anthony Damiano, 6 June 1954, East Providence Clerks Office, City of East Providence; Remick, Living in Riverside, 54. 22 Ibid. 23 1975 East Providence Directory (Boston: R.L. Polk, 1975) 24 Providence County, Rhode Island, Land Records Book 0627: 0331, Anthony Damiano & Stanley MacPhail, 7 June 1986, East Providence Clerks Office, City of East Providence. 17 18

225

BIBLIOGRPHY Conforti, Joseph. Our Heritage: A History of East Providence. White Plains, NY: Monarch Publishing, 1976. East Providence City Directories, 1901-1930. Boston: Sampson, Murdock & Co. East Providence City Directories, 1956-75. Boston: R.L. Polk & Co. “Hearing on Licenses.” Providence Journal, June 1, 1933, 16 Longstreth, Richard. East Providence, Rhode Island Statewide Preservation Report P-EP-1. Providence, R.I.: Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, 1976. Remick, Bruce. Living in Riverside First 80 Years 1870 to 1950. n.p., 2021. Rhode Island. Providence County. Land Records 1864–Present. Land Records Office, East Providence. FIGURES

226

2. 1901 Sanborn showing the businesses at the corner of Pawtucket Ave. and Turner Ave. 3736 Pawtucket Avenue, listed here as 3732, is listed as a two-story furniture store. Sanborn Map Company, Providence, Rhode Island (New York: Sanborn-Perris Map Co., 1900), Vol. 2, 192.

3. 1921 Sanborn. All shops appear to be the same as in 1900 although there is a shed that has been removed from the northern lot. Some of the surrounding properties have changed. Sanborn Map Company, Providence, Rhode Island (New York: Sanborn-Perris Map Co., 1921), Vol. 6, 56.

227

4. 1951 Sanborn still showing the two small shops where the Riverside Square building is today. However, the one-story building on the southern lot is now gone and the two-story building now has an irregularly shaped, one-story cinderblock portion hugging the property line as well as a projection in the rear. This appears to be the Rhodes Pizza building as it is today. The two-story portion based on these maps is the same building that has been there since 1900 at the latest. Sanborn Map Company, Providence, Rhode Island (New York: Sanborn-Perris Map Co., 1956) Vol. 6, 56

5. Babcock’s Dry Good Store sometime in the early 1950’s. after the addition Courtesy of East Providence Planning Department.

228

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 3736 Pawtucket Avenue has an interesting trajectory, being part of the development of business in Riverside Square for over a century. A succession of businesses including a furniture store, a fish market, a dry goods store, a Firestone Tire Center, and, finally, a pizza restaurant has been housed in the building, witnessing a long period of change in Riverside Square. Despite being an integral part of the commercial development of the area, the building is unlikely to qualify as being historically significant under the National Register criteria. The building, while longstanding, is not strongly associated with any particular period of significance or pattern of events to qualify under Criterion A. The businesses that were housed in the building were ostensibly successful and their owners important members of the community, but none significant enough to qualify this associated building under Criterion B. The historic portion of the building is not documented in detail, but is unlikely to have been notable for its design; considering the incompatible addition during the mid-century there is no argument under Criterion C. The building also lacks integrity due to the incompatible addition. During the 1950s the owners wrapped a brick-fronted, concrete block addition around the historic wood frame portion that dates back prior to 1894. While within the historic period, the addition creates an odd visage of a wood-frame second floor jutting above the brick façade, making the original architectural character largely unintelligible. Each of the portions of the building might hold greater integrity to exhibit these two eras if separated, but together the overall integrity is affected to a large degree. Additionally, the remaining historic portions appear to have been clad in vinyl, disrupting the materials and workmanship of the building. While the building remains in the same location, much of the setting around the building have changed since the early period. These various changes disrupt the overall feeling and association that the property may have.

229

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

NAME(s)

Riverside

VILLAGE

Turner Ave, Bullocks Point Ave, Pawtucket Ave

ADDRESS

PLAT/LOT 312/12/17/00/02

Riverside World War II Memorial Bld Str Obj Site

PROPERTY TYPE

Priv Loc St Fed

OWNERSHIP

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT USES:

DATABASE ID#

Photo ID

EARP_ Turner Ave, Bullocks Point Ave and Pawtucket Ave _W

Select terms from National Register table

Monument

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES MATERIALS:

Monument

HISTORIC 12.7

15681.6

LOT SIZE

sq ft

ROOF(s) Select terms from National Register table

ROOF

WALL

FOUNDATION

Granite

OTHER

Photo ID

EARP_ Turner Ave, Bullocks Point Ave and Pawtucket Ave _NE

WINDOWS ALTERATIONS:

PORCH

WINDOWS

TRIM

OVERALL

Material

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Configuration

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

INTEGRITY

Excellent

PROPERTY COMPONENTS:

Good

Fair

Poor

List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1.

Component Type

Code

Count

Component Type

(1) Object

O-C

(4)

(2)

Code

Count

(5)

(3) EVENT

DATE

SOURCE

Original Construction

1950

Inscription

Moved

2011

News report

ARCHITECTURE:

(6) NAME (person/firm/organization)

ROLE

If more than one, list & number in order of importance

TYPE SURVEYOR

Destroyed

STYLE(s) Alyssa Bailey

DATE

9/23/21

Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

REVIEWER

DATE Form version 200702rev161101

230

Historical Narrative The World War II Memorial located at the corner of Bullocks Point Avenue, Turner Avenue and Pawtucket Avenue is a memorial to Riverside veterans who fought in the war from all branches of the armed services. The memorial was originally located at the corner of Ailanthus Avenue and Pawtucket Avenue, but was moved in 2011. The move was made in part because of graffiti and skateboarding activity causing damage to the monument.1 Another reason for moving the memorial was increased visibility with the Riverside Square location, adjacent to the East Bay Bike Path. The memorial, which was dedicated on August 14, 1950, reads “Glory to them that died in this great cause in grateful tribute to the men and women of Riverside who served in World War II. Erected by the Citizens of Riverside. Dedicated August 14, 1950.” Evaluation of Significance The World War Two Memorial does not appear eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. It is associated with a period of commemoration for those who served in World War II (Criterion A), but is not associated with any individual important in history (Criterion B). The monument is typical of memorial designs from the period, but is not the work of a master and does not hold significant artistic value (Criterion C). The memorial does not appear eligible under Criterion D. While it does hold information about those who served in the war in Riverside, this information is available elsewhere in archival sources. The memorial also does not meet the requirements of Criterion Consideration F for commemorative properties as it does not possess significance based of its own value, and instead possesses significance due to the value of the event being memorialized. Sources “East Providence 1956.” ProQuest, Digital Sanborn Maps, 1867‐1970. https://digitalsanbornmaps‐ proquest‐ com.rwulib.idm.oclc.org/browse_maps/40/8059/39330/41214/558685?accountid=25133 “Historic Resources of East Providence, Rhode Island: Partial Inventory, historic and Architectural Resources.,” National Register of Historic Places Inventory – Nomination form. https://bridges.rwu.edu/access/content/group/3fda2df5‐280c‐4e16‐a144‐ 593a5ac95147/Online%20Research%20Resources/eapr_historic‐resources‐of‐east‐ providence.pdf “National Register Bulletin 15: How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation,” National Park Service, 1990. https://bridges.rwu.edu/access/content/group/3fda2df5‐280c‐4e16‐a144‐ 1

Raymond Beltran, “Riverside War Memorial Monument Gets Fresh Start,” Patch: 2011.

231

593a5ac95147/Week%2012%20‐ %20Identifying%20and%20Developing%20Historic%20Contexts/https%3A__www.nps.go202008 25174930.URL Raymond Beltran, “Riverside War Memorial Monument Gets Fresh Start,” Patch, 2011. https://patch.com/rhode‐island/eastprovidence/riverside‐wwii‐memorial‐monument‐gets‐ fresh‐start Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, and Richard W Longstreth. “East Providence, Rhode Island. Statewide Preservation Report,” P‐Ep‐1. Providence: Commission, 1976. https://bridges.rwu.edu/access/content/group/3fda2df5‐280c‐4e16‐a144‐ 593a5ac95147/Online%20Research%20Resources/Secondary%20Sources/https%3A__preservat i20210819123733.URL

232

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

Riverside

VILLAGE

9 Turner Ave

ADDRESS

DATABASE ID#

PLAT/LOT 312/12/014/00

Narragansett Engine Co. 2

NAME(s)

Building

PROPERTY TYPE

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Private

OWNERSHIP Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT

Photo ID

EAPR_TurnerAve009_SW

Photo ID

EAPR_TurnerAve009_W

USES: Select terms from National Register table Domestic/single dwelling

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

Government/fire station Trade/specialty store

HISTORIC

9147

LOT SIZE

sq ft

Mansard

ROOF(s)

MATERIALS: Select terms from National Register table Rubber

ROOF

WALL

Vinyl

OTHER

Asphalt shingle (lower roof)

FOUNDATION

Brick

WINDOWS

Vinyl/Metal double-hung (1 over 1 and 6 over 6), three part divided glass window

ALTERATIONS:

PORCH

WINDOWS

TRIM

OVERALL

Material

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Configuration

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Excellent

INTEGRITY

Good

Fair

Poor

Destroyed

PROPERTY COMPONENTS: List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1. Component Type

Code

Count

Component Type

(1) Building

B-C

(3)

(2) Shed

U-NC

(4)

Code

Count

EVENT

DATE

SOURCE

NAME (person/firm/organization)

ROLE

Original Construction

1880

EP Tax Asses.

Town of East Providence

Original Owner

Change to mixed-use

1909

EP Directory 1909-10

Francis G. Merewether and James J. Dunn

Owners/Business owners

Removal of bell tower and garage bay

Unknown

Vinyl replacement

Unk./recent

ARCHITECTURE: If more than one, list & number in order of importance TYPE

Second Empire

SURVEYOR

Malcolm Wells

STYLE(s) DATE

9/23

Mansard REVIEWER

DATE

233

Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

Form version 200702rev161101

HISTORICAL NARRATIVE

The building at 9 Turner Avenue (formerly 31 Turner) was originally constructed by the Town of East Providence in 1880, to be the home of the Narragansett Engine Company No. 2, the fire department in Riverside at the time, as well as the police (East Providence Tax Assessor). The town bought the parcel in 1879 from one William P. Allen who bought the parcel in 1872 from one John A. Adams (EP Land Records, 4/394, 16/103). The Narragansett Engine Company itself was formed in 1802 making this building the second used by this branch of the department (buildingsofnewengland). The station was the first built in Riverside as the village’s population grew and entered its resort era (Remick). After 28 years of successfully operating as the Riverside fire station, the department moved to a new building at 329 Bullocks Point Avenue (East Providence City Directory 1910). After the fire department left 9 Turner Avenue, the town sold the parcel and building to Francis G. Merewether and James J. Dunn who ran their contracting business from the former fire station (East Providence City Directory 1910). The duo specialized in plumbing and heating, as well as metalwork such as copper, tin, and sheet iron work which can be seen in this town directory advertisement from 1910. The two operated the business together for twenty years until Francis and his wife Margaret sold their ownership of the parcel to James in 1930 (EP Land Records, 111/210). The first floor was renovated to be a storefront at some point after the contracting partnership ended, removing the garage and bell tower used originally by the fire department. James owned the building until his passing in 1952 and the building was passed down to his son John P. Dunn (EP Land Records, 151/26). John kept the property until 1963, renting the upstairs apartment and renting to small businesses including Bob’s Barbershop and a senior help center (East Providence City Directory 1974, 1980) In 1963 John sold the parcel to the church across the street, St. Mark’s Episcopal (EP Land Records, 226/583). The church used the building for parish offices which can be seen in the 1967 East Providence directory. The church used the building for office space until 1985 when they sold the building to Marc and William Daquila, who started a chiropractor business on the first floor of the building (East Providence City Directory 1985-6). Along with the substantial physical changes earlier, at some point, the building was also fitted with wood shingle siding and the green and red paint job. The Daquila’s chiropractic office was the longest-lasting business to exist in 9 Turner Avenue, even being sold to the next generation of the family, James P. Daquila in 1998 (EP Land Records, 1362/0335). James ran the office until very recently, replacing the entire exterior of the building with new, primarily vinyl materials and painting it beige and white, removing a significant amount of the building’s historical character. After the renovations, James Daquila sold the building to Ting and Ben Chan who have not used the building for a business and it currently sits vacant (EP Land Records, 4312/56).

HISTORICAL IMAGES AND MAPS

This artwork shows 9 Turner Avenue in its first form as the Narragansett Number 2 Engine House. The work shows the dramatic change in the building’s architecture after it became mixed-use. At this time, the building had a bell tower, a stone chimney, a garage where the entrance/business is now, and red and white painted wood cladding. Source: Scanned from the East Providence City Planning Department.

234

A drawn panoramic map of Riverside from 1894. 9 Turner Avenue, in the form of the old firehouse, can be seen drawn in the bottom right corner of the map. Source: East Providence Planning Department.

Sanborn Map showing the plot, footprint, and uses. The numbers on the street (9,11,13) indicate the units in the building. The map shows the store on the first floor with two apartments on the second floor, as well as a bowling alley that once sat where the building’s parking lot is now. Source: 1956 Sanborn Fire Insurance map of East Providence (based on vol. 6 of the 1921 edition).

235

Shows the building before its vinyl renovation with its wood shingle first story and green and red paint style. Shows the first-floor chiropractic business that was previously in the building and a small shed addition. The general form of the building did not change during the cladding switch. Source: East Providence Tax Assessor database.

EVALUATION OF SIGNIFICANCE

9 Turner Avenue in Riverside, Rhode Island seems to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A, for its historical connection to the industrialization and advancements in technology, particularly automotive, throughout America after the turn of the twentieth century. As it was built in 1880 for the neighborhood’s fire and police departments, the original form of the building at 9 Turner Avenue was not designed to support the automobiles that would take over America in the decades to come. The original form of the building had one garage bay for the horse-drawn fire fighting carriage and a bell tower used by the Narragansett Engine Co. 2. This period in Riverside is when the village saw large population growth and tourism, as Cresent Park and the resort era were ushered in. With this population increase, the 9 Turner Avenue station was longer capable of supporting the village. Therefore, the historic significance of this building lies with its decline and downfall, followed by the creation of a new station at 329 Bullocks Point Avenue. Realizing the need for more garages and more space for the new technology, fire trucks, and growing departments, the department could no longer operate out of the Turner Ave building and had to move to a larger facility. The old station is a great example of the outdated fire stations that were built during this time directly before the rise of the automobile and the population growth in Riverside during this time. While the current form of the building at 9 Turner Avenue has its original footprint, the massing, materials, and general historic integrity of the old fire station have been completely lost over time. The building no longer has the garage or bell tower used by the fire department which is certainly the largest loss of massing in the building’s history, removing the feature used by the fire department. 9 Turner Avenue has also been through a series of materials and paint jobs, but in the past few years, the wood siding was completely replaced with gray/beige vinyl, completely removing the historic integrity of the building. While the building at 9 Turner Avenue has a long history, serving as the pre-automobile fire department in Riverside for almost thirty years, the historical character and integrity of the building have been lost, disqualifying the building for National Register eligibility.

236

REFERENCES

“East Providence City Directories.” East Providence Town Library, Town of East Providence, Rhode Island, ser. 1910-1985, Sampson & Murdock Co. and R.L. Polk and Co. “Land Evidence Records.” East Providence City Clerk, Town of East Providence, Rhode Island, https://countyfusion8.kofiletech.us/countyweb/loginDisplay.action?town=EastProvidenceRI&countyname=Tow nFusion. “Tax Assessments.” East Providence Tax Assessor Database, Town of East Providence, Rhode Island, http://gis.vgsi.com/eastprovidenceri/. “Digital Sanborn Maps 1867-1970.” ProQuest, Sanborn Map Company, https://search-proquestcom.rwulib.idm.oclc.org/eebo/advanced?accountid=25133. “Pre-vinyl picture.” East Providence Tax Assessor Database, Town of East Providence, Rhode Island, http://gis.vgsi.com/eastprovidenceri/. “Original building image.” East Providence Planning Department, Town of East Providence, Rhode Island “Historic Panoramic Map.” East Providence Planning Department, Town of East Providence, Rhode Island Remick, Bruce. Living in Riverside: First 80 Years, 1870 to 1950. N.p, n.p. Buildings of New England. “Narragansett Engine Company #3 // 1846.” Buildings of New England, 29 May 2020, buildingsofnewengland.com/2020/06/05/narragansett-engine-company-3-1846/.

237

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

Riverside

VILLAGE

PLAT/LOT 312/11/002/00/

10 Turner Ave

ADDRESS

DATABASE ID#

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

NAME(s)

Bld Str Obj Site

PROPERTY TYPE

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Priv Loc St Fed

OWNERSHIP

Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT USES:

EARP_TurnerAve10_NE

Photo ID

EARP_TurnerAve10_W

Select terms from National Register table

Church

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

1.5

MATERIALS:

Church

HISTORIC 14.2

ROOF(s)

26,136

LOT SIZE Gable

Stone/Concrete

WINDOWS

Casement, fixed

ALTERATIONS: Material Configuration

OTHER

PORCH

WINDOWS

OVERALL

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Excellent

PROPERTY COMPONENTS:

Good

Fair

Code

Count

Building - Church

B-C

Building – Rectory

B-NC

EVENT Original Construction

Poor

Destroyed

List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1.

Component Type

ARCHITECTURE:

TRIM

Maj

INTEGRITY

Brick

WALL

FOUNDATION

Component Type

NAME (person/firm/organization)

DATE

SOURCE

1965

Secondary source

Code

Count

ROLE

If more than one, list & number in order of importance

Building

SURVEYOR

sq ft

Select terms from National Register table

Asphalt Shingles

ROOF

TYPE

Photo ID

Alyssa Bailey

STYLE(s) DATE

Modern

9/23/21

Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

REVIEWER

DATE Form version 200702rev161101

238

Historical Narrative Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church, located at 10 Turner Avenue, is situated between Pawtucket Avenue and Smith Street. The 1.5‐story Modern style church was constructed in 1965 after the earlier church on the site (built in 1954) was damaged by fire.1 This is the third Episcopal church building on this site. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church was established Riverside in 1881 as the St. Marks Mission Church and the congregation initially leased a small school house for services.2 As Riverside became more desirable for visitation with summer homes and the establishment of Crescent Park, the population within the area grew rapidly. Commercial, civic, and institutional development adapted to the population growth. In 1884, the congregation purchased this site and constructed a church (Figure 1).3 The original church was completed in 1885. The establishment of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church was part of an expansion of the faith in the mid‐nineteenth century in Rhode Island. By 1890, the Episcopal landscape had grown to include over thirty‐fives parishes and 9,000 members.4 In Riverside, those who aligned with the faith were disinclined to attend the multi‐ denominational Union Chapel, then the only Protestant house of worship in the area. Instead, they opted for meetings in homes fellow believers, conducted by the Rector of the St. John Episcopal Church in Barrington Rhode Island, until they could establish their own parish.5 The first St. Mark’s Episcopal Church would remain until 1954 when the church demolished it for a new building, completed in 1957. This church followed the general form of the earlier building, but expanded the overall footprint (Figures 3 and 4). East Providence and Riverside saw their largest expansion in growth from 1945 to 1970.6 With this expansion, institutions such as St. Mark’s Episcopal Church grew alongside. The 1957 church building would remain on the property for just under ten years. In January 1965, the church was damaged by fire and had to be rebuilt. The 1965 reconstruction is what stands on the site today. In 2012, St. Marks merged with St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Barrington due to financial hardship and leased the building to another congregation. Evaluation of Significance St Mark’s Episcopal Church is significance to the Riverside district under Criterion A because of its association with the growth and development of the district as well as the expansion of the Episcopalian religious institutions within the northeast, and within Rhode Island. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church was an expansion effort of the Episcopal church that began in Barrington, and with regional expansion to Riverside and East Providence in the latter half of the 19th East Providence Historical Society (East Providence, R.I.). East Providence. Images of America. Pg.90 Conforti, Joseph. Our Heritage: A History of East Providence. Pg. 125. 3 Remick, Bruce. Rhode Island: Living in Riverside, First 80 Years 1870‐1950. Pg. 31. 4 “Records of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island (Mss. Gr. 41).” Rhode Island Archival and Manuscript Collections Online. University of Rhode Island. Accessed December 3, 2021. 5 Conforti, Joseph. Our Heritage: A History of East Providence. Pg. 125 6 Historic Resources of East Providence Rhode Island: Partial Inventory, Historic and Architectural Resources. National Register of Historic Places. Department of the Interior: National Park Service. Pg. 66. 1 2

239

century. The parish and church’s significance continued into the twentieth century as it expanded in 1954 and was rebuilt in 1965. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church does not appear eligible under Criterion B. The property is not associated with any identified person significant in the history of Riverside, the Episcopalian fiath, or East Providence. St Mark’s appears eligible under Criterion C for as a well‐preserved example of mid‐century Modern ecclesiastical design. St. Mark’s does not appear eligible Criterion D as it does not have the potential to yield information important in history or prehistory. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church meets the requirements for Criterion Consideration A for religious properties. The Church is primarily significant for its architectural distinction, historical context and its association to the development and overall improvement to the Riverside district. The church retains sufficient integrity of location, setting, design, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association to convey its significance. The building has had no identifiable alterations of note since the period of construction.

Sources Conforti, Joseph. Our Heritage: A History of East Providence. “East Providence 1956.” ProQuest, Digital Sanborn Maps, 1867‐1970. https://digitalsanbornmaps‐proquest‐ com.rwulib.idm.oclc.org/browse_maps/40/8059/39330/41214/558685?accountid=251 33 “Providence, 1920‐1921 Vol. 6, 1921.” ProQuest, Digital Sanborn Maps, 1867‐1970. Remick, Bruce. “Rhode Island: Living in Riverside, First 80 Years 1870‐1950.” Self‐published, 2020. East Providence Historical Society (East Providence, R.I.). “East Providence.” Images of America. “Records of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island (Mss. Gr. 41).” Rhode Island Archival and Manuscript Collections Online. University of Rhode Island. Accessed December 3, 2021. https://www.riamco.org/render?eadid=US‐RUn‐msg41&view=biography “Historic Resources of East Providence Rhode Island: Partial Inventory, Historic and Architectural Resources.” National Register of Historic Places Inventory – Nomination form. https://bridges.rwu.edu/access/content/group/3fda2df5‐280c‐4e16‐a144‐ 240

593a5ac95147/Online%20Research%20Resources/eapr_historic‐resources‐of‐east‐ providence.pdf

Figure 1: Eastward view of Turner Avenue and the original construction of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, image is done at the turn of the century, in 1900. Source: Remick, Bruce. Rhode Island: Living in Riverside, First 80 Years 1870‐1950. Self‐published, 2020. Pg. 31.

Figure 2: Final rendition of the 1965 St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, that was constructed after the 1956 church was damaged by fire. Source: Remick, Bruce. Rhode Island: Living in Riverside, First 80 Years 1870‐1950. Self‐published, 2020. Pg. 32. 241

Figure 3: 1921 Sandborn map show highlighting the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and its original construction that dates back to 1885. Source: Providence, 1920‐1921 Vol. 6, 1921. ProQuest, Digital Sanborn Maps, 1867‐1970. Pg. 57.

Figure 4: 1956 Sanborn Map with St. Mark’s Episcopal Church circled in red. Showcases the expansion of the church that was approved in 1954 and completed at the time the Map was drawn. Source: East Providence 1956. ProQuest, Digital Sanborn Maps, 1867‐1970. Pg. 57.

242

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM East Providence

TOWN

Riverside

VILLAGE

PLAT/LOT 312/11/07/00/

18 Turner Ave

ADDRESS

St. Andrews Masonic Lodge No. 39 A.F. and A.M.

NAME(s)

Bld Str Obj Site

PROPERTY TYPE

Priv Loc St Fed

OWNERSHIP

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Indiv Dist

C NC

NR DISTRICT USES:

DATABASE ID#

Photo ID

EARP_TurnerAve18_N

Select terms from National Register table

Meeting hall

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK

STORIES

MATERIALS:

9.05

13,939.2

LOT SIZE

Select terms from National Register table

Brick

WALL

FOUNDATION

Concrete

WINDOWS

One over one Vinyl double hung sash; arched transom

ALTERATIONS: Material Configuration

OTHER

PORCH

Photo ID

WINDOWS

OVERALL

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Maj

Mod

Min

None

Excellent

PROPERTY COMPONENTS:

Ⅹ

Good

Fair

Poor

Destroyed

List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1.

Component Type

Code

Count

Building

B-C

EVENT

DATE

SOURCE

Original Construction

1909

Lodge history

Window replacement

unknown

ARCHITECTURE:

TRIM

EARP_TurnerAve18_NE

Maj

INTEGRITY

Component Type

NAME (person/firm/organization)

Code

Count

ROLE

If more than one, list & number in order of importance

TYPE SURVEYOR

sq ft

Flat

ROOF(s)

Rubber

ROOF

Meeting hall

HISTORIC

STYLE(s) Alyssa Bailey

DATE

Classical Revival

9/23/21

Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

REVIEWER

DATE Form version 200702rev161101

243

Historical Narrative The St. Andrews Lodge No. 39 A.F. and A.M. at 18 Turner Avenue was built in 1909 as the East Providence headquarters for the St. Andrews Lodge chapter of Freemasonry.1 Freemasonry had been steadily growing within East Providence by the early twentieth century. In 1909, the city already featured the Grand Order Lodge of Rhode Island on Taunton Avenue. The St. Andrews Lodge was founded in Riverside in 1894 and originally had twenty‐one members. The fraternity met in local homes until constructing the lodge on Turner Avenue in 1909. According to a history of the lodge, “St Andrews Lodge No. 39 became a focal point of the community in Riverside and was considered to be one of the elite lodges in the Grand Jurisdiction of Rhode Island. During its history, St Andrews had well over 400 members and continued the proud Masonic tradition of being active in within the lives of its members and the community.”2 In 2020, the St. Andrews Lodge merged with Jenks Lodge No. 24 (originally founded in Central Falls) and the lodge and its members relocated to the lodge on Turner Ave. The St. Andrews Lodge falls under the Adelphoi form of Freemasonry which focuses on small, local lodges where social ties among members may be stronger than among larger memberships in other lodges.3 The Adolphoi groups also focus on morals and philosophy and try and find purposes that best suit members’ duties to religion. Historically, this lodge has also been used by multiple Freemason chapters and affiliate groups including the Liberty Royal Arch Chapter, Loyalty Chapter Order of DeMolay, Order of Eastern Star Unity Chapter, Riverside Assembly with Rainbow for Girls, and Tall Cedars of Lebenon. The lodge also served as a community center of sorts in Riverside. The lodge held weekly teen dances held in the Temple building in the later twentieth century, for example.4 The St. Andrews Lodge is one of three Masonic lodges in East Providence, two of which located in Riverside. Evaluation of Significance St. Andrews Lodge No. 39 A.M. and F.M appears eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A for its association with the development of Freemasonry in East Providence and the development of Riverside as a permanent residential community and streetcar suburb in the early twentieth century.5 The St. Andrews Lodge is one of three Masonic lodges in East Providence, two of which located in Riverside.

Remick, Bruce. Rhode Island: Living in Riverside, First 80 Years 1870‐1950. Pg. 46. Jenks Lodge No. 24 F&AM, “About Jenks: Jenks Lodge History,” Jenks Lodge No. 24 F&AM, https://jenkslodge.com/jenks‐ lodge‐history/. 3 Rugg, Henry Warren. History of Freemasonry in Rhode Island. United States: E. L. Freeman & son, state printer, 1895. Pg. 572. 4 Remick, Bruce. Rhode Island: Living in Riverside, First 80 Years 1870‐1950. Self‐published, 2020. Pg. 46. 5 Rugg, Henry Warren. History of Freemasonry in Rhode Island. United States: E. L. Freeman & son, state printer, 1895. Pg. 572. 1 2

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St. Andrews Lodge No. 39 A.M. and F.M does not appear eligible under Criterion B as the lodge is not significantly associated with a person important in the history of East Riverside or Freemasonry. St. Andrews Lodge No. 39 A.M. and F.M appears to be eligible under Criterion C as it as a well‐ preserved example of Classical Revival architecture in Riverside and East Providence. Significant features include the peristyle porch, quoining, and wide frieze and cornice on the front elevation. The building also has the hallmarks of a Masonic fraternal lodge with interior auditorium space and fly space over the auditorium stage, as well as other meeting rooms. The building is the best developed example of Classical Revival in the Riverside neighborhood. St. Andrews Lodge No. 39 A.M. and F.M does not appear eligible Criterion D as the property is unlikely to yield information important in history to building. The lodge retains integrity of location, setting, feeling, association, design, materials, and workmanship. The building has had minimal alterations and remains in use as a Masonic lodge.

Sources East Providence 1956. ProQuest, Digital Sanborn Maps, 1867‐1970. Pg. 57. https://digitalsanbornmaps‐proquest‐ com.rwulib.idm.oclc.org/browse_maps/40/8059/39330/41214/558685?accountid=25133 Jenks Lodge No. 24 F&AM. “About Jenks: Jenks Lodge History,” Jenks Lodge No. 24 F&AM, https://jenkslodge.com/jenks‐lodge‐history/. Moore, William D. “Masonic Temples: Freemasonry, Ritual Architecture, and Masculine Archetypes.” United States: University of Tennessee Press, 2006. Remick, Bruce. “Rhode Island: Living in Riverside, First 80 Years 1870‐1950.” Self‐published, 2020. Rugg, Henry Warren. “History of Freemasonry in Rhode Island.” United States: E. L. Freeman & son, state printer, 1895. Technologies, Midfield, ed. “Lodge History.” Adelphoi Lodge #33, November 16, 2020. https://adelphoilodge.com/adelphoi‐lodge‐history/lodge‐history

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Images

Figure 1: Southeasterly view of St. Andrews Lodge No. 39 A.F. and A.M. and St. mark’s Episcopal Church dating from 1915/ Image From: Remick, Bruce. Rhode Island: Living in Riverside, First 80 Years 1870‐1950. Self‐ published, 2020. Pg. 46.

Figure 2: Southwestern view of St. Andrews Lodge No. 39 A.F. and A.M, showcasing early onset activity circulating around the Masonic Hall. Image from: Remick, Bruce. Rhode Island: Living in Riverside, First 80 Years 1870‐1950. Self‐published, 2020. Pg. 46.

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Figure 3: 1956 Sanborn Map with St. Andrews Lodge No. 39 A.F. and A.M. circled in red. Showcases the expansion of the church that was approved in 1954 and completed at the time the Map was drawn. Map From: East Providence 1956. ProQuest, Digital Sanborn Maps, 1867‐1970. Pg. 57.

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Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

DATABASE ID#

HISTORIC PROPERTY DATA FORM TOWN

East Providence

Riverside

VILLAGE

55 Turner Ave

ADDRESS

PLAT/LOT

412-04-005.00

St Brendan Church

NAME(s)

Bld Str Obj Site

PROPERTY TYPE

NHL NR DOE CDOE Elig

STATUS

Priv Loc St Fed

OWNERSHIP

Indiv Dist

C NC EAPR_TurnerAve_50

Photo ID

NR DISTRICT USES: Select terms from National Register table Saint Brendan's Church

CURRENT SITING:

SETBACK 1

STORIES

ROOF(s)

Saint Brendan's Church

HISTORIC

sq ft

LOT SIZE Flat

MATERIALS: Select terms from National Register table rubber

ROOF

brick

WALL

FOUNDATION

concrete

WINDOWS

Aluminum frames, fixed stained or lead windows and/or metal framing

ALTERATIONS:

OTHER

Photo ID

PORCH

WINDOWS

EAPR_TurnerAve_50

TRIM

OVERALL

Material

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Configuration

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Maj

Mod Min

None

Excellent

INTEGRITY

Good

Fair

Poor

Destroyed

PROPERTY COMPONENTS: List & number in order of importance. Include the primary component of the resource as number 1. Code

Component Type

Count

Component Type

(1)

School

B-C

(4)

(2)

Rectory

B-C

(5)

(3)

Convent

B-C

(6)

SOURCE

NAME (person/firm/organization)

EVENT

DATE

Original Construction

1970

Vision

Code

Count

ROLE

East Providence Assessor's Office

ARCHITECTURE: If more than one, list & number in order of importance TYPE

No style

SURVEYOR

Tayla Burns

STYLE(s) DATE

Modern

09-2021

Use reverse for comments, history, and bibliography

REVIEWER

DATE Form version 200702rev161101

248

Notes for alterations from observations: • There does not seem to be many alterations to the building • Maybe the entrance doors but nothing huge sticks out to me • Building is well kept up

249

Context Narrative Located in Riverside, a neighborhood in the city of East Providence, Rhode Island is Saint Brendan’s Parish Complex. The Parish Complex is on both sides of Turner Avenue. The complex is comprised of four buildings. The Modern style, red brick Saint Brendan’s Roman Catholic Church, built in 1970. The church is on 49 Turner Avenue and anchors the complex at the southwest corner of Turner Avenue and Smith Street. Next to the church building is the 2-story, Modern style Saint Brendans Parochial School on 55 Turner Avenue, built in 1955. Across the street from the school is the former Saint Brendans Convent on 70 Turner Avenue, built in 1955. Next to the convent is the 2-story, brick Saint Brendans Rectory on 60 Turner Avenue, built around 1970. Located to the west of the complex is Riverside Square, a commercial district with residential dwellings in between. Surrounding the complex is mainly residential dwellings. All buildings in the complex are in good condition. Each building has very good integrity since there have been few alterations to the buildings since its original construction. Historical Narrative Before Saint Brendans began, Catholic residents of the area attended Sunday mass in Saint Joseph’s in Providence and Saint Mary’s in Warren.1 Saint Brendan’s Parish began in the very late 1800s to serve the Catholic residents of the surrounding neighborhoods in Riverside. This made Saint Brendan’s one of the first Catholic churches in the neighborhood of Riverside. Around the same time as the parish began an amusement park opened in Riverside along the water, Crescent Park.2 The park attracted many tourists and families to the area during the summer months. The population and attraction grew quite quickly from tourism. This increased development and commercial demand for Riverside.3 Saint Brendan’s Mission began holding Mass at the Turner Avenue School, located on the corner of Turner Avenue and Smith Street (see Figure 1). Then two years later, Father John Harty who was a pastor of Sacred Heart Church, located on Taunton Avenue, asked Bishop Harkins for permission to purchase a land lot on Sprague Avenue in Riverside. When it was approved by Bishop Harkins, a mission chapel was built and named under the patronage of St. Brendan the Navigator.4 The chapel was a long, narrow building with olive-shaped windows, giving a Gothic style (see Figure 2).5 In the 1890s, Riverside’s recreational attractions drew in crowds from surrounding states.6 The surrounding town’s residents and Catholics on vacation began attending the Saint Brendan’s Mission Chapel.7 Around the time of The Depression, the resort era of the community began to fade away. Although, the population in Riverside slowly began to move from a summer community to a year-round suburban population. This is when the St. Brendan’s Mission Chapel on Sprague Avenue was too small of a building to hold the number of church members, due to the growing population.8 A new chapel was built on Turner Avenue on the lot where the current church stands today. The new chapel cost around $10,000 to complete. It was built with the finest Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, and Richard W Longstreth. East Providence, Rhode Island. Statewide Preservation Report, P-Ep-1. Providence: Commission, 1976. 2 “Crescent Park | Artinruins,” September 11, 2020. https://artinruins.com/property/crescent-park/. 3 Longstreth, Rhode Island Historical Preservation, 38. 4 St. Brendan Church, 100 years, 5. 5 Anness, Edna. “The Building with Three Lives.” East Providence Newspaper, East Providence Historical Society, n.d. 6 Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, and Richard W. Longstreth. East Providence, Rhode Ilsnad. Statewide Preservation Report, P-Ep-1. Providence: Commission, 1976, 38. 7 Lofgren, Joe. “Chronology of Saint Luke's Parish.” REACH Newsletter. 2017. 8 St. Brendan Church, 100 years, 6. 1

250

hardwood on a solid brick, and stone foundation (see Figure 3).9 When the new church opened, the number of Catholics living in the neighborhood had increased just at the right time for this expansion.17 In 1909, the mission was able to be established as a parish. Bishop Harkins established St. Brendan Mission as a parish on April 29, 1909.18 The first pastor was Father Joseph E. Hughes, the previous assistant pastor of the Assumption Church in Providence.19 In 1913, Father Hughes began to purchase the surrounding parcels around the church, and in 1920 sold the old chapel on Sprague Avenue, which stands today as a day-care center.20 After Father Hughes passed away, Father John A. Toohey took over the church. The growing number of Catholics in the area increased. The newly built church needed more space to hold Mass for the increased number of Catholics. In 1932, an addition was added to the church, construction was done by William Noonan. The additions were on the rear and side of the church, and included flexible space to hold events, and expanded seating. But the main reason for the addition was to hold more residents for Mass. The enlarged church was rededicated on May 17, 1931, by Bishop William A. Hickey (see Figure 4). As the parish grew, in 1932 Father Toohey purchased the lot adjacent to the parish’s property.10 This property had a cottage on it, which was a dwelling before but was renovated to become a Social Hall (see Figure 4). After years of wanting to open a parish school, it was finally made possible when the church leased the old Turner Avenue School from the town of East Providence to serve as the first Saint Brendan School, in 1943 (see Figure 5 and 6). The renovated cottage, also known as the Social Space Hall, became a temporary convent when the school opened. The parish acquired more land on Turner Avenue, preparing to build its school. When Father McCabe was replaced by Rev. William Tierney, raised the funds to build a new school. In May of 1955, construction for the school began, also a new convent across the street from the school was planned to be built, on 70 Turner Avenue. The school opened in 1956, and the new convent was finished in 1955.11 In July of 1957, a fire broke out in the church. As the firefighters were fighting the fire, Lt. Robert McPherson went to the church’s basement to make sure nobody was trapped, and he ended up getting trapped and dying as a result.12 With the church building being demolished, the newly built school’s large gymnasium became the parish for the church. All of the non-damaged furniture, and items that were not destroyed, transferred to the school gymnasium next door (see Figure 7).13 According to the aerial photograph, the parish had built clubhouses behind the Social Hall to gain some new spaces. Between 1945 to 1970 were East Providence’s greatest years of growth, this growth contributed to many local businesses being built and population increasing.14 This increase in population needed a designated church building. Eight years after the fire, in 1965 plans were announced to build a new rectory and church. The new church would be built on the same parcel as the previous church, and the rectory next to the newly built convent. The church was going to cost $630,000 and was designed by Edward P. Dennings, a local architect.15 The new rectory was completed in 1968, and the church was opened in 1969. The newly built church was able to seat over 900 people, this accommodated the large population in St. Brendan Church, 100 years, 6. St. Brendan Church, 100 years, 7. 11 St. Brendan Church, 100 years, 10. 12 St. Brendan Church, 100 years, 10. 13 St. Brendan Church, 100 years, 10. 14 Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, and Richard W Longstreth, 1976. 15 St. Brendan Church, 100 years, 11.

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Riverside.16 The parish now had a large amount of debt due to the new construction. Around the 1970s, there was a large decrease in the number of religious schools, the parish had to hire lay teachers due to the rising costs and the large number of debt the parish had. The parish began to charge tuition for students, Father Caddisy was trying to balance both the increasing expense of school and pay off the debt.17 With decreasing numbers of children and attendance to the church, around 1990 the parish decided to sell the former convent (70 Turner Avenue) to contribute to the debt and repair the school and church buildings. 18 In 2000, the parish raised $800,000 by a campaign for needed repairs. The huge success of the campaign allowed the parish to purchase two houses on Dorr Avenue, and provide more parking spaces for the parish complex.19 After Saint Brendan’s School successfully completed the accreditation process from the New England Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges, the enrolment grew. 20 The school enrolment began to increase until 2006 when the national financial crisis occurred in the United States. This is when the school began to have an increased downfall, families chose to leave the school due to money issues. The school managed to stay open even though the decline, but in 2009 it officially closed.21 As of 2021, three out of the four original buildings are owned by the parish. The three buildings currently owned by the parish are the 1950s rectory, the 1950s Parochial school, and the 1970s Catholic Church. Currently, Saint Brendan’s Church remains open, and the rectory too. The former school building is currently being leased or rented out to a local food bank. The former convent that was sold is currently a “Head Start Program”, which is described as “Head Start is a US Dept of Health and Human Services program for early childhood education, health, nutrition for low-income children and their families” (see Figure 8).22 The church today is still the focus of the parish complex. Statement of Significance The Saint Brendan’s Parish Complex appears to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A for its association with the growth and development of the Catholic religious institutions in Riverside in the late eighteenth-century and early nineteenth-century. As the first Catholic parish in Riverside, Saint Brendan’s grew specifically from Riverside’s population growth.23 The population growth was driven by amusement parks and tourism in the area. The neighborhood institution expanded to accommodate the needs of Riverside’s growing population. The Parish has been on Turner avenue since the 1890s. Through the church burning down, and the decline of the parish, it reflects a rich history through growth and decline that corresponds with the surrounding neighborhood. The complex today is a fine example of a small-scale complex erected in Rhode Island’s smaller villages. Although the current church on the lot today is not the original church that was built on the lot, it holds great physical and historical integrity and is a fine example of Modern architecture. St. Brendan Church, 100 years, 11. St. Brendan Church, 100 years, 12. 18 St. Brendan Church, 100 years, 10. East Providence City Directory. Southfield, MI: R.L. POLK & CO., PUBLISHERS, 1995. 19 St. Brendan Church, 100 years, 14. 20 St. Brendan Church, 100 years, 14. 21 St. Brendan Church, 100 years, 14. 22 “Head Start Programs.” Head Start Programs, Early Head Start Programs and Information, n.d. https://www.headstartprogram.us/. 23 St. Brendan Church, a Community of Faith and Services for 100 Years. Providence, RI, 2009, 2. https://stbren.com/history 16 17

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The Saint Brendan’s Parish Complex appears to not be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion B. Although many individuals are associated with the parish, there is a lack of individuals who could be considered “significant in our past”. The architect of the building was Edward P. Dennings, he was an American architect from East Providence. 24 He was a well-known architect of public buildings and churches in the area during the 1960s and 1970s.25 He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1950 and became a partner with James Kurtz. Later established his firm in, Edward P. Dennings & Associates. 26 The Saint Brendan’s Parish Complex appears eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C, under Architecture. The church is a fine example of 1970s Modern Catholic liturgical architecture characterized by the fan shaped knave, offset freestanding bell tower, articulated structural masonry, and large expanses of stained glass. The church has not been altered on the exterior since its completion, showing the true architectural characteristics of the building. Although the current church on the lot today is not the original church that was built in the early 1900s, it holds great physical, historical integrity and is a fine example of Modern architecture. The Saint Brendan’s Parish Complex appears to not be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria D. The Saint Brendan’s Church on 49 Turner Avenue holds excellent evidence of integrity. The location and setting of the building are very important to the Parish’s rich history in Riverside. The Saint Brendan’s Mission started having Mass on Turner Avenue in the 1890s and was able to build a designated church on Turner Avenue in the 1930s. Although the 1930s church burned down in 1957, the church was rebuilt in 1970 on the same lot. The building has not moved from its original site. The design of the church is a fine example of a Modern church in the area. The surrounding churches are much older than the 1970s and do not have the same style as Saint Brendans. This Modern architecture was a reference to a new beginning and derives from the Liturgical Movement.28 The materiality of the building holds great integrity that it has not been altered or replaced. The workmanship of the church holds good integrity and the details in the design. The feeling of the church expresses a grand presence and can tell quickly that it is from a particular period of time. The church showcases one of the stained glass windows from the original

1955; Census Place: East Providence, Rhode Island, City Directory, 1955. St. Brendan Church, a Community of Faith and Services for 100 Years. Providence, RI, 2009, 5. https://stbren.com/history 25 1970 American Architects Directory, Thirded., 1095. R.R. Bowker LLC. , 1970. 26 “Parish History.” St. Barnabas Church, n.d. https://stbarnabasportsmouth.weconnect.com/History. 27 “Jones Pond and Other Archaeological Sites Reveal Early History of Settlement in Sowams.” Sowams Heritage Area, December 22, 2018. http://sowamsheritagearea.org/wp/jones-pond-and-other-archaeological-sites-in-sowams-reveal-early-history/ 28 Alderman, Matthew. “Modernism.” New Liturgical Movement, January 18, 2011. https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2011/01/modernism-and-other-modern-cautionary.html#.Ybum2b3MK3A 24

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church, showing it has deep roots in the neighborhood. The building does not have any association with a significant person. It does have an association with the growth, development of Riverside post-World War II. The building is also associated with the parish’s 1890s presence in the neighborhood and the growth and decline of the Parish. Bibliography and/or References Lofgren, Joe. “Chronology of Saint Luke's Parish.” REACH Newsletter. 2017. 1955; Census Place: East Providence, Rhode Island, City Directory, 1955 1970 American Architects Directory, Thirded., 1095. R.R. Bowker LLC. , 1970. Alderman, Matthew. “Modernism .” New Liturgical Movement, January 18, 2011. https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2011/01/modernism-and-other-modern-cautionary.html#.Y bum2b3MK3A. Alderman, Matthew. “Modernism.” New Liturgical Movement, January 18, 2011. https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2011/01/modernism-and-other-modern-cautionary.html#.Y bum2b3MK3A Anness, Edna. “The Building with Three Lives.” East Providence Newspaper, East Providence Historical Society, n.d. “Crescent Park | Artinruins,” September 11, 2020. https://artinruins.com/property/crescent-park/. East Providence City Directory. Southfield, MI: R.L. POLK & CO., PUBLISHERS, 1995. “Head Start Programs.” Head Start Programs, Early Head Start Programs and Information, n.d. https://www.headstartprogram.us/. “Jones Pond and Other Archaeological Sites Reveal Early History of Settlement in Sowams.” Sowams Heritage Area, December 22, 2018. http://sowamsheritagearea.org/wp/jones-pond-and-other-archaeological-sites-in-sowams-reveal-earl y-history/ “Parish History.” St. Barnabas Church, n.d. https://stbarnabasportsmouth.weconnect.com/History. “Park History: RI-Amusement-Parks.” Crescent Park History, n.d. https://www.crescent-park-ri.com/about. Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, and Richard W Longstreth. East Providence, Rhode Island. Statewide Preservation Report, P-Ep-1. Providence: Commission, 1976. St. Brendan Church, a Community of Faith and Services for 100 Years. Providence, RI, 2009. https://stbren.com/history

254

Saint Brendan’s Church, 49 Turner Avenue

Saint Brendan’s School, 55 Turner Avenue

255

Saint Brendan’s Rectory, 70 Turner Avenue

Saint Brendan’s Convent, 60 Turner Avenue

256

Figure 1: Turner Avenue Primary School. Source: East Providence, Rhode Island Historic Preservation Commission, Providence, RI, 1970, pp. 27–28.

Figure 2: St. Brendans Mission Chapel on Sprague Avenue Source: Anness, Edna. “The Building with Three Lives.” East Providence Historical Society, n.d.

257

Figure 3: Saint Brendan’s Church Source: “First Turner Avenue Church.” Postcard, 1906. https://stbren.com/history.

Figure 4: Photo of Saint Brendan’s Church after the addition was added, taken after 1932 Source: “Photo of old Turner Ave Church (as expanded in the 1930s)” Photo, 1930s. https://stbren.com/history.

258

Figure 4: Postcard of St. Brendan’s Church with the renovated cottage to the side, date to be around 1920 Source: Remick, Bruce. “St. Brendans Church with the rectory in the background that I had never seen before, circa 1920” Facebook, May 4, 2018. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10156289120617246&set=gm.1743570782365235

Figure 5: Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of 1921 Source: Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island. Sanborn Map Company, to 1921Vol.6, 1921. Map. https://www.loc.gov/item/sanborn08099_012/.

259

Figure 6: Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of 1951 Source: Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island. Sanborn Map Company, - Mar 1951Vol.6, 1950. Map. https://www.loc.gov/item/sanborn08099_018/

Figure 7: Historical Aerial Viewer, taken in 1962. Source: “Providence Historical Aerial Viewer.” ArcGIS. ESRI, n.d. https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=b1b3a4a4c66847a8b767cde26264246e

260

Figure 8: Historical Aerial Viewer, taken in 2018. Source: “Providence Historical Aerial Viewer.” ArcGIS. ESRI, n.d. https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=b1b3a4a4c66847a8b767cde26264246e

261

Appendix 2: Demographic Maps & Market Reports Census Tract 106 & 107 al

Lea

iv lR

vit t

ol St

ey Cre

Wam p a n o a g T rl

98 ft

ny oco

ve P a w tu c k e t A

ll R ive r

For bes St

W am

Monroes ag

l lo c k s P o int Ave

tt A v

Geor

ill e

Kent Corner

Turne r Ave

Roun ds Ave

r ly R d

r ea t R d

C ou n ty R d

K BUL LOCK N EC

Pr om en ad e

C ou nt y R d

A ve ew nt V i resce

e A ve

M idd le Hw y

B ev e

oag Tr l

L egi o n W ay

pa n

e tt A v e

P ro vi de nc

G le n r ose D r

Wa m p

W il l

ce Ave

Bay Spring

W ay

F oote St Ro ff ee St

e ND rLa k

e Dr

M ap l e Ave

Map l e A v e

September 15, 2021

L a k e Dr

Map of Study Area: Census Tracts 106, 107.01 & 107.02

Li nc oln A ve

Annawomscutt NL

Fe d e r a l Rd

West Barrington

M i dd le Hw y

Av e

W i ns or D r

N arr a g a n s e tt

R iv e r s i d e

Te r

Bullock Cove

tin

A ve Bu lloc ks P oi nt

o Sh

NOCKUM HILL

t r e l l Dr

Riverside

Page 1 of 1

262

List of Figures

Cover Figure Census Tracts 106.00, 107.01, and 107.02 Figure 1 Median Age Figure 2 Median Household Income Figure 3 Total Population Figure 4 Average Household Size Figure 5 Diversity Index in Riverside Figure 6 Owner Occupied Housing Figure 7 Education Figure 8 Persons w/ Disabilities Figure 9 Household Vehicle Ownership Figure 10 2021 Money Spent of Food Outings Figure 11 2021 Owner Occupied Housing Units Figure 12 Community Profile Report Figure 13 Restaurant Market Potential Report Figure 14 Retail Market Potential Report Figure 15 Housing Profile Repor15 All figures created by the Author contain data provided by the geographic information system company, Esri. Their partners in collaboration to provide this data include: American Community Survey (ACS), Current Population Survey, Esri, and GfK MRI, Esri and Data Axle, Local Area Unemployment Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, and Current Employment Statistics programs. The vintage of the data is 2015-2019, 2021, 2026.

263

Median Age Sc d yR

Tr l

con

o l St

Wa m p a n o a g

98 ft

F o r bes St

W am pa

ock s P o int Ave

il le

tt A ve

B u ll

Kent Corner

t re l l Dr

Turne r Ave

Riverside tt Ave

erly Rd Be v

Leg io n W ay

oag Tr l

G l e n rose Dr

pan

Pr om en ad e

C ou n t y R d

r ea t R d

cent

C ou nt y R d

M i dd l e Hw y

e A ve Cres

Av e iew

Wa m

r Ave

P ro vi de nc

Becke

tt A v e

Wil l e

Presco

Roun ds Ave

A ve Bu l loc ks P o i nt

e or

Co un

R W i ns or Dr

M i dd le Hw y

P r os pe ct St

g to n R d

Bay Spring

W as h i n

e tt A ve Narr a g a n s

ve tA

side

Cove

R iv e r

in l ock s P o

Bul

Bullock

Fed er a l Rd

Lin c o l n Av e

West Barrington U

F oote St

September 15, 2021 Page 1 of 1

264

Median Age

The Median Age map shows that an older population (51.7 to 58.1) occupies the southern half of Riverside such as The Terrace while younger groups occupy areas closer to Riverside Square and along the coast. Bullock’s Point Ave divides the two younger age block groups with the youngest population (27.3 to 38.1) occupying land more inland to the east of Bullock’s Point Ave (38.2 to 46 years old) occupy the coastline of Riverside. The northern block groups of Riverside also have an older age with the East Bay Bike Path acting as the divider between ages 46.1 to 51.5 to the east and ages 27.3 to 38.1 to the west.

265

Median Household Income

d yR

Tr l

con

Wa m p a n o a g

98 ft

F o r bes St

W am pa

ock s P o int Ave

il le

tt A ve

B u ll

Kent Corner

t re l l Dr

Turne r Ave

Riverside tt Ave

Presco

Roun ds Ave

erly Rd Be v

Leg io n W ay

oag Tr l

G l e n rose Dr

pan

Pr om en ad e

C ou n t y R d

r ea t R d

cent

C ou nt y R d

M i dd l e Hw y

e A ve Cres

Av e iew

Wa m

r Ave

P ro vi de nc

Becke

tt A v e

Wil l e

A ve Bu l loc ks P o i nt

r ho

Co un

R W i ns or Dr

M i dd le Hw y

P r os pe ct St

g to n R d

Bay Spring

W as h i n

e tt A ve Narr a g a n s

ve tA

side

Cove

R iv e r

in l ock s P o

Bul

Bullock

Fed er a l Rd

Lin c o l n Av e

West Barrington U

F oote St

Annawomscutt

September 15, 2021 Page 1 of 1

266

Median Household Income

The Median Household Income map shows that Riverside has an evenly distributed median household income but is overall lower than Barrington block groups. The southern half of Riverside and running north (to the east of Bullock’s Point Ave) tends to have the lowest median household income as well as the northern most part of Riverside (to the west of Bullock’s Point Ave.) The median household income rises along the coastline throughout the middle of Riverside and continues to the eastern most portions beyond the East Bay Bike Path.

267

l Fa

Lea

P a w tu c k e t

Total Population iv lR

v itt

Ave

d yR

Tr l

con

o l St

Wa m p a n o a g

98 ft

F or bes St

W am pa

ock s P o int Ave

il le

tt A ve

B u ll

Kent Corner

t rell Dr

Turne r Ave

Riverside tt A ve

Presco

Roun ds Ave

erly Rd

oag Tr l

C ou nt y R d

Pr om en ad e

r ea t R d

C ou nt y R d

M i dd l e Hw y

e A ve C

Av e ew nt V i resce

Wa m

r Ave

Leg io n W ay

pan

Becke

tt A v e

P ro vi de nc

G l e n rose Dr

Be v

Wi l l e

Ave Bu lloc ks P oi nt

o Sh

M id dl e Hw y

P r os pe ct S t

g to n R d

Bay Spring

W as h i n

e tt A ve Nar r a g a n s

R iv e r

ve tA

side

Wi ns or D r

Fed e r a l Rd

L i nc o l n Av e

West Barrington

Figure 3 Total Population map

in l ock s P o

Bul

Bullock Cove

U September 15, 2021 Page 1 of 1

268

Total Population

The Total Population map shows that Riverside is more populated to the east of the East Bay Bike Path. Populations decrease to the west of the East Bay Bike Path below Riverside Square. The smallest populations are along the coastline and southern half of Riverside.

269

Average Household Size s Ln

rA v

F al

iv lR

con

98 ft

d yR

ol St

Wam p a n o a g T rl

FIELDS POINT

ano ag T r l

vit t

Wa m p

Lea

rbo

de rsi

Tripp

ve P a w tu c k e t A

m an t u

For bes St

W am

l lo c k s P o int Ave

ill e

tt A v

Kent Corner

Riverside

W il l

Roun ds Ave

r ly R d

BUL LOCK N EC

C ou n ty R d

M i dd le Hw y

Fe d e r a l Rd

Li nc oln A ve

West Barrington

W ay

Ave

Bay Spring

Annawomscutt

F oote St Ro ff ee St

e Dr

Figure 4 Average Household Size map

Av e

W i ns or D r

N arr a g a n s e tt

R iv e r s i d e

Bullock Cove

r A l go nq ui n D

N a m q ui d D r

Te r

Cou n t r y C lub D r

Pr om en ad e

r ea t R d

C ou nt y R d

A ve

Wa m p

e A ve C

ew nt V i resce

M idd le Hw y

B ev e

oag Tr l

G le n r ose D r L egi o n W ay

pa n

e tt A v e

P ro vi de nc

Pawtuxet

A ve Bu lloc ks P oi nt

o Sh

t r e l l Dr

Turne r Ave

September 15, 2021 Page 1 of 1

270

Average Household Size

Throughout the town of Riverside, the average household size tends to be low. The Average Household Size map shows that the downtown has a household size between 2.14 and 2.73 people on both sides of Bullocks Point Ave.

271

Diversity Index in Riverside s Ln

rA v

F al

iv lR

con

98 ft

d yR

o l St

Wa m p a n o a g T rl

FIELDS POINT

ano ag T r l

vit t

Wa m p

Lea

rbo

de rsi

Tripp

ve P a w tu c k e t A

m an t u

Fo r bes St

W am

l lo c k s P o int Ave

ill e

tt A v

Kent Corner

Riverside

W il l

Roun ds Ave

rl y R d

BUL LOCK N EC

C ou n ty R d

M i dd l e Hw y

Fed e ra l Rd

Lin c o l n A v e

West Barrington

W ay

Ave

Bay Spring

Annawomscutt NL

Foo t e St R offee St

e Dr

Figure 5 Diversity Index in Riverside map

Av e

W i ns or Dr

N arra g a n s e tt

R iv e r s i d e

Bullock Cove

U r A l g o nq ui n D

N a m q ui d D r

Te r

Count r y C lub Dr

Pr om en ad e

r ea t R d

C ou nt y R d

A ve

Wa m p

e A ve C

ew nt V i resce

M idd le Hw y

B ev e

oag Tr l

G le n r ose D r

L egi o n W ay

pa n

e tt A v e

P ro vi de nc

Pawtuxet

A ve Bu l loc ks P oi nt

o Sh

t re ll D r

Turne r Ave

September 15, 2021 Page 1 of 1

272

Diversity Index in Riverside

The Diversity Index of Riverside is generally low, though the most diversity can be found along Bullocks Point Ave and towards the north of Riverside. The index in the downtown and northern area is between 35 and 52.5, which is low as it is apart of the bottom 50 percentile. Areas in the south of Riverside (closer to Barrington) have the lowest diversity index, between 10 to 24.

273

Owner Occupied Housing

Wa m p a n o a g

Tr l

Riverside, East Providence, RI

98 ft F o r bes St

W am pa

B u ll

P a wtuck et A v e

oc k s P o i nt Ave

il le

tt A ve

Kent Corner

r e ll D r

Turne r Ave

Riverside

Becke

tt A v e

r Ave

P ro vi de nc

G l e n rose Dr Leg io n W ay

e rl y R d

tt Av e

Be v

Wil le

P re s c o

Est

Roun ds Ave

t V ie

v wA

M i dd l e Hw y

e A ve cen Cres

C ou nt y R d

Pr om en ad e

G r ea t

Rd C o un ty R d

B u ll ock s

Bullock

Pr os pe c t S t

g to n R d

Bay Spring

W as h i n

Ave s e tt

Ri v e

Na r r a g a n

rside

Poi

Cove

M id dl e Hw y

t A ve Bu l loc ks P o i n

e or

West Barrington

September 15, 2021 Page 1 of 1

274

Owner Occupied Housing

The Owner Occupied Housing map shows owner there is a sharp difference between the east and west sides of the East Bay Bike Path. East of the bike path has a higher number of owner-occupied housing units at 592 to 703 while the western side of the bike path has amounts at 89 to 338 owner occupied housing units.

275

Education

Wa m p a n o a g

Tr l

Riverside, East Providence, RI

98 ft F or bes St

am pa

B u ll

P a wtuck et A v e

oc k s P o i nt Ave

il le

tt A ve

Kent Corner

r e l l Dr

Turne r Ave

Riverside tt Av e

erly Rd Be v

Leg io n W ay

a g Tr l

G l e n rose Dr

pan o

Pr om en ad e

Rd C ou nt y R d

Gr e at

C ou nt y R d

cent

M i dd l e Hw y

e A ve Cres

Av iew

Wam

r Ave

P ro vi de nc

Becke

tt A v e

Wil le

P re s c o

Est

Roun ds Ave

t A ve Bu l l ock s P oi n

e or

un ty

B u ll ock s

M i d dl e Hw y

P r o sp ec t St

g to n R d

Bay Spring

W a sh i n

Ave s e tt

Ri v e

Narr a g a n

rside

W i n s o r Dr

Fed e ra l R d

West Barrington U

Poi

Bullock Cove

September 17, 2021 Page 1 of 1

276

Education

The Education map shows the percentage of individuals over the age of 25 who have a bachelor’s degree. West of Riverside Square has a lower percentage than the area near Bullocks Cove or the town of Barrington. Moreover, the education block groups coincide with the owner-occupied housing.

277

Persons w/Disabilities Wa m p a n o a g

Tr l

Riverside, East Providence, RI

98 ft F or bes St

W am

B u ll

P a wtuck et A v e

oc k s P o i nt Ave

il le

tt A ve

Kent Corner

rell Dr

Turne r Ave

Riverside

C ou nt y R d

Pr om en ad e

G r ea t

Mid dle Hw y

cent

Rd C ou nt y R d

r Ave

e A ve

Cres

Av iew

Becke

Leg io n W ay

Wam

tt A v e

P ro vi de nc

G l e n rose Dr

e rl y R d

tt Ave

Be v

W il le

P re s c o

Est

Roun ds Ave

A ve Bu lloc ks P oi nt

e or

un ty

B u l lock s

M id dl e Hw y

P r os pe ct St

g to n R d

Bay Spring

W as h i n

Ave s e tt

Ri v e

Narr a g a n

rside

Wi ns or Dr

Fed er al Rd

West Barrington

Figure 8 Persons w/ Disabilities map

Poi

Bullock Cove

September 28, 2021 Page 1 of 1

278

Persons with Disabilities

The Persons with Disabilities map illustrates households with at least one individual who has a disability. The map shows the majority of Riverside households particularly east of Bullocks Point Ave has a person with disability. This data is something to keep in mind when thinking about ADA accessibility, transportation, and walkability.

279

+RXVHKROG 9HKLFOH 2ZQHUVKLS

Figure 9 Household Vehicle Ownership map (VUL

6HSWHPEHU 3DJH RI

280

Household Vehicle Ownership

The Household Vehicle Ownership map shows that the percentage of households owning or leasing vehicles is between 80 and 95%. The Terrace block group to the south as well as the area east of Bullocks Point Ave have fewer households that own or lease a vehicle, but generally the percentages are higher across Riverside.

281

noag Tr l

2021 Money Spent of Food Outings Wampa

Block Groups

Monroes

114

ill

et t

Geo

P a wtuck et A v e

rg e

l l o c k s P o int Ave

F o r bes St

e e tt A v

o tt Ave

P re s c

Roun ds Ave

cent

ave r Rd

C o un t y R d

Pr om e n a de

M i dd l e Hw y

e A ve

Cres

A ve iew

oag Trl

r Ave

Leg io n W ay

pa n

Becke

P ro vi de nc

G l e n rose Dr

erly Rd

W il l

t Ave Bu llo ck s P o in

r ho

Fen ner Ave

Be v

Riverside

Kent Corner t rel l Dr

Turn er Ave

Primr ose H i ll Rd

C ou nt y R d

M i dd l e H w y

Wa lnu t Rd P ro s pe ct S t

g t on R d

W as h i n

Fed er a l Rd

L i nc ol n A v e y

Wa U

Annawomscutt

Priscilla Drive Park

Ro f fee St

e Dr N Lak e D r

d Bo

West Barrington

Figure 10 2021 Money Spent of Food Outings map

W i ns or Dr

int

Bay Spring

loc k s P o

Haines Memorial State Park

Bul

Bullock Cove

M ap l e A ve

M ap le A v e

September 15, 2021 Page 1 of 1

282

2021 Money Spent of Food Outings

According to the map, within Riverside the areas with residents spending the most on food outings include the area east of the East Bay Bike Path, and the southern most area of Riverside known as the Terrace. The middle portion of Riverside stretching from the coast to the East Bay Bike Path tends to spend less on food outings, while the northern most portion of Riverside west of Bullock’s Point Ave and the area south of Crescent View Ave spend the least money on food outings.

283

Community Profile

In the Community Profile Report for Riverside the total population was highest in the year 2000 at 13,709 residents. Since then, the population has continued to decline with a reporting of 12,955 residents in 2021. Despite the decline in residents, there has been an addition of 51 housing units since 2000. The report estimates that there will be 20 more housing units added by 2026, for a total of 6,070 housing units. In 2010, 91.2% of the total population identified as white alone. In 2021 86.6% identified as white alone. This shows the diversity index has increased over 11 years. There is wide range of educated levels reported in 2021. Approximately 40% of the population has a college degree, while 27.7% has achieved high school diploma. This does not affect employment rates though as 94.9% of people 16 years or older reported being employed in 2021. Of the 94.9% employed, nearly 3/4 of that report holding a whitecollar occupation. Less common blue-collar workers include trades such as farming or construction. Most are employed in services provided within the community and professional occupations. The household summary shows overall that the average size of the household in Riverside has not changed for over 20 years and might not in the future. There are a little under 3,500 families, which shows that many families are small, signified through the single family housing units throughout Riverside. Also, many people own their homes; a percentage that has slowly increased over time. The percentage in 2000 was at 66% which has slowly increased sense.

284

Community Profile 13 Block Groups 440070106004 (440070106.004) et al. Geography: Block Group

Prepared by Esri

RI(4400701060... Population Summary 2000 Total Population 2010 Total Population 2021 Total Population 2021 Group Quarters 2026 Total Population 2021-2026 Annual Rate 2021 Total Daytime Population Workers Residents Household Summary

13,709 13,000 12,955 15 12,997 0.06% 10,211 4,008 6,203

2000 Households 2000 Average Household Size 2010 Households 2010 Average Household Size 2021 Households 2021 Average Household Size 2026 Households 2026 Average Household Size 2021-2026 Annual Rate 2010 Families 2010 Average Family Size 2021 Families 2021 Average Family Size 2026 Families 2026 Average Family Size 2021-2026 Annual Rate Housing Unit Summary

5,790 2.36 5,686 2.28 5,667 2.28 5,679 2.29 0.04% 3,471 2.91 3,412 2.95 3,409 2.96 -0.02% 5,999 66.1% 30.4% 3.5% 5,986 65.3% 29.7% 5.0% 6,050 66.5% 27.2% 6.3% 6,070 67.8% 25.8% 6.4%

2000 Housing Units Owner Occupied Housing Units Renter Occupied Housing Units Vacant Housing Units 2010 Housing Units Owner Occupied Housing Units Renter Occupied Housing Units Vacant Housing Units 2021 Housing Units Owner Occupied Housing Units Renter Occupied Housing Units Vacant Housing Units 2026 Housing Units Owner Occupied Housing Units Renter Occupied Housing Units Vacant Housing Units Median Household Income

$71,098 $79,895

2021 2026 Median Home Value

$246,290 $278,326

2021 2026 Per Capita Income 2021 2026 Median Age 2010 2021 2026

$36,475 $41,191 45.1 47.4 47.5

Data Note: Household population includes persons not residing in group quarters. Average Household Size is the household population divided by total households. Persons in families include the householder and persons related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. Per Capita Income represents the income received by all persons aged 15 years and over divided by the total population. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010 Summary File 1. Esri forecasts for 2021 and 2026 Esri converted Census 2000 data into 2010 geography.

September 28, 2021 Page 1 of 7

285

Community Profile 13 Block Groups 440070106004 (440070106.004) et al. Geography: Block Group

Prepared by Esri

RI(4400701060... 2021 Households by Income Household Income Base <$15,000 $15,000 - $24,999 $25,000 - $34,999 $35,000 - $49,999 $50,000 - $74,999 $75,000 - $99,999 $100,000 - $149,999 $150,000 - $199,999 $200,000+ Average Household Income 2026 Households by Income Household Income Base <$15,000 $15,000 - $24,999 $25,000 - $34,999 $35,000 - $49,999 $50,000 - $74,999 $75,000 - $99,999 $100,000 - $149,999 $150,000 - $199,999 $200,000+ Average Household Income 2021 Owner Occupied Housing Units by Value Total <$50,000 $50,000 - $99,999 $100,000 - $149,999 $150,000 - $199,999 $200,000 - $249,999 $250,000 - $299,999 $300,000 - $399,999 $400,000 - $499,999 $500,000 - $749,999 $750,000 - $999,999 $1,000,000 - $1,499,999 $1,500,000 - $1,999,999 $2,000,000 + Average Home Value 2026 Owner Occupied Housing Units by Value Total <$50,000 $50,000 - $99,999 $100,000 - $149,999 $150,000 - $199,999 $200,000 - $249,999 $250,000 - $299,999 $300,000 - $399,999 $400,000 - $499,999 $500,000 - $749,999 $750,000 - $999,999 $1,000,000 - $1,499,999 $1,500,000 - $1,999,999 $2,000,000 + Average Home Value

5,667 12.3% 7.4% 6.8% 10.3% 15.0% 17.8% 19.1% 6.5% 4.8% $83,378 5,679 9.6% 6.5% 6.7% 8.8% 13.6% 18.7% 22.3% 8.5% 5.3% $94,266 4,023 1.4% 0.1% 4.0% 11.7% 35.3% 27.5% 12.6% 3.2% 1.8% 1.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.5% $277,560 4,114 0.4% 0.0% 0.3% 2.1% 24.0% 41.1% 21.8% 5.2% 3.0% 1.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.4% $314,044

Data Note: Income represents the preceding year, expressed in current dollars. Household income includes wage and salary earnings, interest dividends, net rents, pensions, SSI and welfare payments, child support, and alimony. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010 Summary File 1. Esri forecasts for 2021 and 2026 Esri converted Census 2000 data into 2010 geography.

Page 2 of 7

286

Community Profile 13 Block Groups 440070106004 (440070106.004) et al. Geography: Block Group

Prepared by Esri

RI(4400701060... 2010 Population by Age Total

13,000

0-4 5-9

4.8% 4.9%

10 - 14 15 - 24

5.3% 10.9%

25 - 34 35 - 44

11.3% 12.6%

45 - 54 55 - 64

17.9% 14.9%

65 - 74 75 - 84

8.7% 6.3%

85 + 18 +

2.5% 81.6%

2021 Population by Age Total

12,955

0-4 5-9

4.1% 4.5%

10 - 14 15 - 24

5.0% 9.3%

25 - 34 35 - 44

11.8% 12.1%

45 - 54 55 - 64

13.2% 16.3%

65 - 74 75 - 84

13.2% 7.2%

85 + 18 +

3.2% 83.6%

2026 Population by Age Total

12,997

0-4 5-9

4.1% 4.3%

10 - 14 15 - 24

4.9% 9.0%

25 - 34 35 - 44

11.6% 12.8%

45 - 54 55 - 64

12.9% 14.3%

65 - 74

14.0%

75 - 84

8.9%

85 +

3.1%

18 +

83.7%

2010 Population by Sex Males

6,126

Females

6,874

2021 Population by Sex Males

6,121

Females

6,834

2026 Population by Sex Males

6,159

Females

6,838

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010 Summary File 1. Esri forecasts for 2021 and 2026 Esri converted Census 2000 data into 2010 geography.

Page 3 of 7

287

Community Profile 13 Block Groups 440070106004 (440070106.004) et al. Geography: Block Group

Prepared by Esri

RI(4400701060... 2010 Population by Race/Ethnicity Total White Alone Black Alone

13,000 91.2% 2.9%

American Indian Alone Asian Alone

0.5% 0.9%

Pacific Islander Alone Some Other Race Alone

0.0% 1.6%

Two or More Races Hispanic Origin Diversity Index 2021 Population by Race/Ethnicity Total White Alone Black Alone

2.8% 2.7% 21.0 12,955 86.6% 4.6%

American Indian Alone Asian Alone

0.7% 1.4%

Pacific Islander Alone Some Other Race Alone

0.0% 2.3%

Two or More Races Hispanic Origin Diversity Index 2026 Population by Race/Ethnicity Total White Alone Black Alone

4.3% 5.0% 31.9 12,997 83.9% 5.6%

American Indian Alone Asian Alone

0.9% 1.6%

Pacific Islander Alone Some Other Race Alone

0.0% 2.8%

Two or More Races Hispanic Origin Diversity Index 2010 Population by Relationship and Household Type Total In Households In Family Households

5.2% 6.7% 38.1 13,000 99.9% 79.7%

Householder Spouse

26.7% 19.7%

Child

28.6%

Other relative Nonrelative In Nonfamily Households In Group Quarters Institutionalized Population Noninstitutionalized Population

2.7% 2.1% 20.2% 0.1% 0.0% 0.1%

Data Note: Persons of Hispanic Origin may be of any race. The Diversity Index measures the probability that two people from the same area will be from different race/ ethnic groups. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010 Summary File 1. Esri forecasts for 2021 and 2026 Esri converted Census 2000 data into 2010 geography.

Page 4 of 7

288

Community Profile 13 Block Groups 440070106004 (440070106.004) et al. Geography: Block Group

Prepared by Esri

RI(4400701060... 2021 Population 25+ by Educational Attainment Total

9,993

Less than 9th Grade 9th - 12th Grade, No Diploma

2.7% 5.3%

High School Graduate GED/Alternative Credential

27.7% 5.4%

Some College, No Degree Associate Degree

19.6% 9.8%

Bachelor's Degree Graduate/Professional Degree

18.9% 10.7%

2021 Population 15+ by Marital Status Total

11,199

Never Married Married

32.9% 46.6%

Widowed Divorced

6.5% 14.0%

2021 Civilian Population 16+ in Labor Force Civilian Population 16+ Population 16+ Employed

7,144 94.9%

Population 16+ Unemployment rate Population 16-24 Employed

5.1% 9.9%

Population 16-24 Unemployment rate Population 25-54 Employed

11.3% 60.0%

Population 25-54 Unemployment rate Population 55-64 Employed

2.9% 20.8%

Population 55-64 Unemployment rate Population 65+ Employed

10.1% 9.3%

Population 65+ Unemployment rate

0.0%

2021 Employed Population 16+ by Industry Total

6,779

Agriculture/Mining Construction

0.2% 5.4%

Manufacturing Wholesale Trade

9.3% 5.4%

Retail Trade Transportation/Utilities

11.6% 4.9%

Information Finance/Insurance/Real Estate

1.6% 7.8%

Services

50.1%

Public Administration

3.9%

2021 Employed Population 16+ by Occupation Total

6,779

White Collar

69.6%

Management/Business/Financial

18.0%

Professional Sales

27.5% 8.7%

Administrative Support Services

15.4% 12.4%

Blue Collar

18.0%

Farming/Forestry/Fishing

0.0%

Construction/Extraction Installation/Maintenance/Repair

3.6% 1.5%

Production Transportation/Material Moving

5.6% 7.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010 Summary File 1. Esri forecasts for 2021 and 2026 Esri converted Census 2000 data into 2010 geography.

Page 5 of 7

289

Community Profile 13 Block Groups 440070106004 (440070106.004) et al. Geography: Block Group

Prepared by Esri

RI(4400701060... 2010 Households by Type Total Households with 1 Person Households with 2+ People Family Households Husband-wife Families With Related Children Other Family (No Spouse Present) Other Family with Male Householder With Related Children Other Family with Female Householder With Related Children Nonfamily Households All Households with Children Multigenerational Households Unmarried Partner Households Male-female Same-sex 2010 Households by Size Total 1 Person Household 2 Person Household 3 Person Household 4 Person Household 5 Person Household 6 Person Household 7 + Person Household 2010 Households by Tenure and Mortgage Status

5,686 32.5% 67.5% 61.0% 45.0% 16.3% 16.1% 4.3% 1.8% 11.8% 6.5% 6.4% 24.9% 3.3% 7.5% 6.4% 1.1% 5,686 32.5% 34.0% 15.4% 11.6% 4.5% 1.1% 0.8%

Total Owner Occupied Owned with a Mortgage/Loan Owned Free and Clear Renter Occupied 2021 Affordability, Mortgage and Wealth

5,686 68.7% 50.7% 18.0% 31.3%

Housing Affordability Index Percent of Income for Mortgage Wealth Index 2010 Housing Units By Urban/ Rural Status

138 14.5% 87

Total Housing Units Housing Units Inside Urbanized Area Housing Units Inside Urbanized Cluster Rural Housing Units 2010 Population By Urban/ Rural Status Total Population Population Inside Urbanized Area Population Inside Urbanized Cluster Rural Population

5,986 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 13,000 100.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Data Note: Households with children include any households with people under age 18, related or not. Multigenerational households are families with 3 or more parentchild relationships. Unmarried partner households are usually classified as nonfamily households unless there is another member of the household related to the householder. Multigenerational and unmarried partner households are reported only to the tract level. Esri estimated block group data, which is used to estimate polygons or non-standard geography. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010 Summary File 1. Esri forecasts for 2021 and 2026 Esri converted Census 2000 data into 2010 geography.

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290

Community Profile 13 Block Groups 440070106004 (440070106.004) et al. Geography: Block Group

Prepared by Esri

RI(4400701060... Top 3 Tapestry Segments 1.

Parks and Rec (5C)

Comfortable Empty Nesters (5A)

Golden Years (9B)

2021 Consumer Spending Apparel & Services: Total $

$10,650,731

Average Spent Spending Potential Index

$1,879.43 89

Education: Total $ Average Spent Spending Potential Index

$10,032,673 $1,770.37 103

Entertainment/Recreation: Total $ Average Spent

$16,377,536 $2,889.98

Spending Potential Index Food at Home: Total $

89 $27,305,502

Average Spent Spending Potential Index

$4,818.33 88

Food Away from Home: Total $ Average Spent

$18,605,492 $3,283.13

Spending Potential Index Health Care: Total $

86 $31,661,442

Average Spent Spending Potential Index

$5,586.98 90

HH Furnishings & Equipment: Total $ Average Spent Spending Potential Index Personal Care Products & Services: Total $ Average Spent

$11,453,095 $2,021.02 90 $4,598,781 $811.50

Spending Potential Index Shelter: Total $

90 $104,420,012

Average Spent Spending Potential Index

$18,425.98 91

Support Payments/Cash Contributions/Gifts in Kind: Total $ Average Spent

$11,609,954 $2,048.69

Spending Potential Index Travel: Total $

86 $13,111,603

Average Spent Spending Potential Index

$2,313.68 92

Vehicle Maintenance & Repairs: Total $ Average Spent Spending Potential Index

$5,454,197 $962.45 87

Data Note: Consumer spending shows the amount spent on a variety of goods and services by households that reside in the area. Expenditures are shown by broad budget categories that are not mutually exclusive. Consumer spending does not equal business revenue. Total and Average Amount Spent Per Household represent annual figures. The Spending Potential Index represents the amount spent in the area relative to a national average of 100. Source: Consumer Spending data are derived from the 2018 and 2019 Consumer Expenditure Surveys, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Esri. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010 Summary File 1. Esri forecasts for 2021 and 2026 Esri converted Census 2000 data into 2010 geography.

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291

Restaurant Market Potential

The Restaurant Market Potential highlights how many households are typically going out to eat and where they are going. 73.1% of the population of Riverside has gone out to eat at a restaurant/ steakhouse in the last six months. Even more households (89.4%) have been to a fast-food/ drive-in establishment in the last six months. 34.8% of fast-food/drive-in consumers have visited establishments nine or more times per month. These findings indicate that there is a desire for access to family friendly restaurants and fastfood/drive-in establishments. The restaurant with the highest amount of visitation reported was McDonald’s; even over fast-food restaurants located in town such as Domino’s. This suggests that residents are willing to travel out of town to nearby areas such as Seekonk to obtain food rather than choosing an establishment in town. Adding more family restaurants in town or more fast-food opportunities may be economically beneficial to the community.

292

Restaurant Market Potential 13 Block Groups 440070106004 (440070106.004) et al. Geography: Block Group

Prepared by Esri

Demographic Summary

2021

2026

Population

12,955

12,997

Population 18+ Households

10,826 5,667

10,875 5,679

$71,098

$79,895

Median Household Income Expected Number of Adults 7,913

Percent 73.1%

MPI 101

2,526

23.3%

793

7.3%

Spent at family restaurant/steak house 30 days: $31-50

1,014

9.4%

106

Spent at family restaurant/steak house last 30 days: $51-100 Spent at family restaurant/steak house last 30 days: $101-200 Spent at family restaurant/steak house last 30 days: $201+ Spent at fine dining last 30 days: $1-100 Spent at fine dining last 30 days: $101+ Went to family restaurant last 6 months: for breakfast

1,593 880 424 488 462 1,270

14.7% 8.1% 3.9% 4.5% 4.3% 11.7%

101 90 92 116 100 97

Went to family restaurant last 6 months: for lunch

1,684

15.6%

Went to family restaurant last 6 months: for dinner

5,261

48.6%

110

Product/Consumer Behavior Went to family restaurant/steak house in last 6 months Went to family restaurant/steak house 4+ times/month last 30 days Spent at family restaurant/steak house last 30 days: $1-30

Went to family restaurant last 6 months: for snack

189

1.7%

3,552

32.8%

112

Went to family restaurant last 6 months: on weekend

4,328

40.0%

102

Went to family restaurant last 6 months: Applebee`s

2,181

20.1%

111

325 959

3.0% 8.9%

99 94

Went to family restaurant last 6 months: on weekday

Went to family restaurant last 6 months: Bob Evans Went to family restaurant last 6 months: Buffalo Wild Wings Went to family restaurant last 6 months: California Pizza Kitchen

215

2.0%

Went to family restaurant last 6 months: The Cheesecake Factory

745

6.9%

1,170

10.8%

106

186

1.7%

1,196

11.0%

682

6.3%

Went to family restaurant last 6 months: Chili`s Grill & Bar Went to family restaurant last 6 months: CiCi's Pizza Went to family restaurant last 6 months: Cracker Barrel Went to family restaurant last 6 months: Denny`s Went to family restaurant last 6 months: Golden Corral

524

4.8%

Went to family restaurant last 6 months: IHOP

952

8.8%

Went to family restaurant last 6 months: Logan`s Roadhouse

203

1.9%

Went to family restaurant last 6 months: LongHorn Steakhouse

793

7.3%

129

Went to family restaurant last 6 months: Olive Garden

1,754

16.2%

103

Went to family restaurant last 6 months: Outback Steakhouse

1,023

9.4%

115

Went to family restaurant last 6 months: Red Lobster

1,059

9.8%

105

867

8.0%

111 144

Went to family restaurant last 6 months: Red Robin Went to family restaurant last 6 months: Ruby Tuesday Went to family restaurant last 6 months: Texas Roadhouse Went to family restaurant last 6 months: T.G.I. Friday`s Went to family restaurant last 6 months: Waffle House

608

5.6%

1,377

12.7%

113

562

5.2%

118 73

497

4.6%

Went to family restaurant last 6 months: fast food/drive-in

9,674

89.4%

Went to fast food/drive-in restaurant 9+ times/month

3,763

34.8%

Spent at fast food restaurant last 30 days: <$1-10

479

4.4%

112

Spent at fast food restaurant last 30 days: $11-$20

1,053

9.7%

107

Spent at fast food restaurant last 30 days: $21-$40

1,680

15.5%

Spent at fast food restaurant last 30 days: $41-$50

803

7.4%

Spent at fast food restaurant last 30 days: $51-$100

1,741

16.1%

Spent at fast food restaurant last 30 days: $101-$200

1,135

10.5%

108

411

3.8%

101

Spent at fast food restaurant last 30 days: $201+

Figure 13 Restaurant Market Potential Report

Data Note: An MPI (Market Potential Index) measures the relative likelihood of the adults in the specified trade area to exhibit certain consumer behavior or purchasing patterns compared to the U.S. An MPI of 100 represents the U.S. average. Source: These data are based upon national propensities to use various products and services, applied to local demographic composition. Usage data were collected by GfK MRI in a nationally representative survey of U.S. households. Esri forecasts for 2021 and 2026.

Page 1 of 2

293

Restaurant Market Potential 13 Block Groups 440070106004 (440070106.004) et al. Geography: Block Group Product/Consumer Behavior Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went Went

to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to

fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fast fine fine

food restaurant in the last 6 months: eat in food restaurant in the last 6 months: home delivery food restaurant in the last 6 months: take-out/drive-thru food restaurant in the last 6 months: take-out/walk-in food restaurant in the last 6 months: breakfast food restaurant in the last 6 months: lunch food restaurant in the last 6 months: dinner food restaurant in the last 6 months: snack food restaurant in the last 6 months: weekday food restaurant in the last 6 months: weekend food restaurant in the last 6 months: A & W food restaurant in the last 6 months: Arby`s food restaurant in the last 6 months: Baskin-Robbins food restaurant in the last 6 months: Boston Market food restaurant in the last 6 months: Burger King food restaurant in the last 6 months: Captain D`s food restaurant in the last 6 months: Carl`s Jr. food restaurant in the last 6 months: Checkers food restaurant in the last 6 months: Chick-fil-A food restaurant in the last 6 months: Chipotle Mex. Grill food restaurant in the last 6 months: Chuck E. Cheese`s food restaurant in the last 6 months: Church`s Fr. Chicken food restaurant in the last 6 months: Cold Stone Creamery food restaurant in the last 6 months: Dairy Queen food restaurant in the last 6 months: Del Taco food restaurant in the last 6 months: Domino`s Pizza food restaurant in the last 6 months: Dunkin` Donuts food restaurant in the last 6 months: Five Guys food restaurant in the last 6 months: Hardee`s food restaurant in the last 6 months: Jack in the Box food restaurant in the last 6 months: Jimmy John`s food restaurant in the last 6 months: KFC food restaurant in the last 6 months: Krispy Kreme food restaurant in the last 6 months: Little Caesars food restaurant in the last 6 months: Long John Silver`s food restaurant in the last 6 months: McDonald`s food restaurant in the last 6 months: Panda Express food restaurant in the last 6 months: Panera Bread food restaurant in the last 6 months: Papa John`s food restaurant in the last 6 months: Papa Murphy`s food restaurant in the last 6 months: Pizza Hut food restaurant in the last 6 months: Popeyes Chicken food restaurant in the last 6 months: Sonic Drive-In food restaurant in the last 6 months: Starbucks food restaurant in the last 6 months: Steak `n Shake food restaurant in the last 6 months: Subway food restaurant in the last 6 months: Taco Bell food restaurant in the last 6 months: Wendy`s food restaurant in the last 6 months: Whataburger food restaurant in the last 6 months: White Castle food restaurant in the last 6 months: Wing-Stop dining restaurant last month dining restaurant 3+ times last month

Prepared by Esri

Expected Number of Adults

Percent

MPI

3,354 1,085 5,248 2,318 3,712 5,113 5,334 1,387 6,493 4,901 217 2,017 294 384 3,294 247 463 282 2,936 1,393 186 204 262 1,725 339 1,370 2,121 1,325 544 431 499 2,081 622 1,068 236 5,576 963 1,680 770 470 1,260 1,015 977 1,878 444 2,395 2,986 2,940 355 352 202 1,155 318

31.0% 10.0% 48.5% 21.4% 34.3% 47.2% 49.3% 12.8% 60.0% 45.3% 2.0% 18.6% 2.7% 3.5% 30.4% 2.3% 4.3% 2.6% 27.1% 12.9% 1.7% 1.9% 2.4% 15.9% 3.1% 12.7% 19.6% 12.2% 5.0% 4.0% 4.6% 19.2% 5.7% 9.9% 2.2% 51.5% 8.9% 15.5% 7.1% 4.3% 11.6% 9.4% 9.0% 17.3% 4.1% 22.1% 27.6% 27.2% 3.3% 3.3% 1.9% 10.7% 2.9%

95 112 101 104 100 95 105 102 103 96 90 108 74 138 108 66 73 78 98 99 76 57 86 105 81 92 145 133 93 49 84 99 96 81 68 100 85 122 88 110 84 89 76 95 82 97 95 105 58 111 63 112 116

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294

Retail Market Potential

The Retail Market Potential report indicates that there is greater interest in purchasing clothes and shoes over purchasing jewelry. While just about half of the population has reported spending money on men’s clothing, women’s clothing, and shoes in the last twelve months, only 12.9% to 18.6% have reported spending money on watches, costume jewelry, or fine jewelry. This indicates that a jewelry store may not be as successful as a clothing store in town. Additionally, 58.7% of residents have reported attending a movie in the past six months. This indicates that there is a great deal of interest in the arts, and that the town may economically benefit from the addition of a movie venue in town and/or other art-related businesses. Produce, bread, milk, and fresh vegetables tend to be the most popular groceries purchased. This could indicate an interest in farmer’s markets where residents may be able to buy fresh produce and participate as a community which enables social and economic growth.

295

Retail Market Potential 13 Block Groups 440070106004 (440070106.004) et al. Geography: Block Group

Prepared by Esri

Demographic Summary Population Population 18+ Households Median Household Income

2021 12,955 10,826 5,667 $71,098

2026 12,997 10,875 5,679 $79,895

Expected Number of Adults or HHs

Percent of Adults/HHs

MPI

5,421 5,163 5,682 1,667 2,019 1,401

50.1% 47.7% 52.5% 15.4% 18.6% 12.9%

102 106 98 96 102 89

Automobiles (Households) HH owns/leases any vehicle HH bought/leased new vehicle last 12 months

5,060 529

89.3% 9.3%

103 103

Automotive Aftermarket (Adults) Bought gasoline in last 6 months Bought/changed motor oil in last 12 months Had tune-up in last 12 months

9,600 4,801 2,571

88.7% 44.3% 23.7%

104 98 99

Beverages (Adults) Drank bottled water/seltzer in last 6 months Drank non-diet (regular)in last 6 months Drank beer/ale in last 6 months

7,586 4,227 4,379

70.1% 39.0% 40.4%

99 93 98

Cameras (Adults) Own digital point & shoot camera/camcorder Own digital SLR camera/camcorder Printed digital photos in last 12 months

919 786 2,650

8.5% 7.3% 24.5%

105 91 111

Cell Phones (Adults/Households) Bought cell phone in last 12 months Have a smartphone Have a smartphone: Android phone (any brand) Have a smartphone: Apple iPhone Number of cell phones in household: 1 Number of cell phones in household: 2 Number of cell phones in household: 3+ HH has cell phone only (no landline telephone)

3,667 9,817 4,562 5,209 1,851 2,170 1,550 3,592

33.9% 90.7% 42.1% 48.1% 32.7% 38.3% 27.4% 63.4%

105 101 104 100 108 101 92 98

Computers (Households) HH owns a computer HH owns desktop computer HH owns laptop/notebook HH owns any Apple/Mac brand computer HH owns any PC/non-Apple brand computer HH purchased most recent computer in a store HH purchased most recent computer online HH spent $1-$499 on most recent home computer HH spent $500-$999 on most recent home computer HH spent $1,000-$1,499 on most recent home computer HH spent $1,500-$1,999 on most recent home computer HH spent $2,000+ on most recent home computer

4,395 2,168 3,349 1,100 3,588 2,000 986 791 1,085 609 243 207

77.6% 38.3% 59.1% 19.4% 63.3% 35.3% 17.4% 14.0% 19.1% 10.7% 4.3% 3.7%

104 110 100 97 104 101 110 98 116 104 86 83

Product/Consumer Behavior Apparel (Adults) Bought any men's clothing in last 12 months Bought any women's clothing in last 12 months Bought any shoes in last 12 months Bought costume jewelry in last 12 months Bought any fine jewelry in last 12 months Bought a watch in last 12 months

Data Note: An MPI (Market Potential Index) measures the relative likelihood of the adults or households in the specified trade area to exhibit certain consumer behavior or purchasing patterns compared to the U.S. An MPI of 100 represents the U.S. average. Source: These data are based upon national propensities to use various products and services, applied to local demographic composition. Usage data were collected by GfK MRI in a nationally representative survey of U.S. households. Esri forecasts for 2021 and 2026.

September 28, 2021 Page 1 of 4

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Retail Market Potential 13 Block Groups 440070106004 (440070106.004) et al. Geography: Block Group

Prepared by Esri

Expected Number of Adults or HHs

Percent of Adults/HHs

MPI

Shopped at convenience store in last 6 months Bought brewed coffee at convenience store in last 30 days

6,938 1,528

64.1% 14.1%

104 112

Bought cigarettes at convenience store in last 30 days

1,098

10.1%

111

Bought gas at convenience store in last 30 days Spent at convenience store in last 30 days: $1-19 Spent at convenience store in last 30 days: $20-$39 Spent at convenience store in last 30 days: $40-$50

4,192 772 1,050 1,108

38.7% 7.1% 9.7% 10.2%

105 102 104 126

Product/Consumer Behavior Convenience Stores (Adults)

Spent at convenience store in last 30 days: $51-$99

573

5.3%

2,380

22.0%

100

Attended a movie in last 6 months Went to live theater in last 12 months

6,357 1,423

58.7% 13.1%

99 106

Went to a bar/night club in last 12 months

2,078

19.2%

108

Dined out in last 12 months Gambled at a casino in last 12 months

5,951 1,592

55.0% 14.7%

108 111

Visited a theme park in last 12 months

1,814

16.8%

Viewed movie (video-on-demand) in last 30 days

1,842

17.0%

114

Viewed TV show (video-on-demand) in last 30 days Watched any pay-per-view TV in last 12 months

1,397 688

12.9% 6.4%

127 86

Spent at convenience store in last 30 days: $100+ Entertainment (Adults)

Downloaded a movie over the Internet in last 30 days

992

9.2%

Downloaded any individual song in last 6 months

1,986

18.3%

Used internet to watch a movie online in the last 30 days Used internet to watch a TV program online in last 30 days

3,420 2,343

31.6% 21.6%

98 102

Played a video/electronic game (console) in last 12 months

1,126

10.4%

110

596

5.5%

114

Played a video/electronic game (portable) in last 12 months Financial (Adults) Have home mortgage (1st) Used ATM/cash machine in last 12 months

4,144

38.3%

117

6,224

57.5%

107

Own any stock

834

7.7%

Own U.S. savings bond Own shares in mutual fund (stock)

625 959

5.8% 8.9%

118 110

565 3,532

5.2% 32.6%

100 109

Own shares in mutual fund (bonds) Have interest checking account Have non-interest checking account

3,552

32.8%

107

Have savings account

6,738

62.2%

104

Have 401K retirement savings plan Own/used any credit/debit card in last 12 months

2,083 9,468

19.2% 87.5%

110 106

Avg monthly credit card expenditures: $1-110

1,528

14.1%

124

Avg monthly credit card expenditures: $111-$225

854

7.9%

108

Avg monthly credit card expenditures: $226-$450 Avg monthly credit card expenditures: $451-$700

1,036 841

9.6% 7.8%

130 114

Avg monthly credit card expenditures: $701-$1,000

695

6.4%

101

Avg monthly credit card expenditures: $1001-2000

790

7.3%

Avg monthly credit card expenditures: $2001+

683

6.3%

Did banking online in last 12 months

4,988

46.1%

107

Did banking on mobile device in last 12 months

3,560

32.9%

102

Paid bills online in last 12 months

6,349

58.6%

107

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297

Retail Market Potential 13 Block Groups 440070106004 (440070106.004) et al. Geography: Block Group

Prepared by Esri

Expected Number of Adults/HHs

Percent of Adults/HHs

MPI

3,878 5,267 3,819 757 2,942 4,922 4,770 1,279

68.4% 92.9% 67.4% 13.4% 51.9% 86.9% 84.2% 22.6%

101 99 101 96 94 103 101 94

Health (Adults) Exercise at home 2+ times per week Exercise at club 2+ times per week Visited a doctor in last 12 months Used vitamin/dietary supplement in last 6 months

3,465 1,677 8,828 6,233

32.0% 15.5% 81.5% 57.6%

107 108 106 105

Home (Households) HH did any home improvement in last 12 months HH used any maid/professional cleaning service in last 12 months HH purchased low ticket HH furnishings in last 12 months HH purchased big ticket HH furnishings in last 12 months HH bought any small kitchen appliance in last 12 months HH bought any large kitchen appliance in last 12 months

1,713 808 1,021 1,384 1,328 791

30.2% 14.3% 18.0% 24.4% 23.4% 14.0%

106 93 100 106 100 104

Insurance (Adults/Households) Currently carry life insurance Carry medical/hospital/accident insurance Carry homeowner/personal property insurance Carry renter's insurance HH has auto insurance: 1 vehicle in household covered HH has auto insurance: 2 vehicles in household covered HH has auto insurance: 3+ vehicles in household covered

5,395 8,716 6,089 1,048 1,814 1,653 1,203

49.8% 80.5% 56.2% 9.7% 32.0% 29.2% 21.2%

113 107 115 105 110 105 93

Pets (Households) Household owns any pet Household owns any cat Household owns any dog

3,258 1,521 2,353

57.5% 26.8% 41.5%

108 116 103

Psychographics (Adults) Buying American is important to me Usually buy items on credit rather than wait Usually buy based on quality - not price Price is usually more important than brand name Usually use coupons for brands I buy often Am interested in how to help the environment Usually pay more for environ safe product Usually value green products over convenience Likely to buy a brand that supports a charity

4,291 1,543 1,937 3,329 1,844 2,213 1,697 1,180 3,704

39.6% 14.3% 17.9% 30.8% 17.0% 20.4% 15.7% 10.9% 34.2%

110 105 95 105 109 98 104 94 97

1,489 2,369 3,285 1,702 4,948 10,025

13.8% 21.9% 30.3% 15.7% 45.7% 92.6%

97 106 107 107 102 103

Product/Consumer Behavior Grocery (Adults) HH used beef (fresh/frozen) in last 6 months HH used bread in last 6 months HH used chicken (fresh or frozen) in last 6 months HH used turkey (fresh or frozen) in last 6 months HH used fish/seafood (fresh or frozen) in last 6 months HH used fresh fruit/vegetables in last 6 months HH used fresh milk in last 6 months HH used organic food in last 6 months

Reading (Adults) Bought digital book in last 12 months Bought hardcover book in last 12 months Bought paperback book in last 12 month Read any daily newspaper (paper version) Read any digital newspaper in last 30 days Read any magazine (paper/electronic version) in last 6 months

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Retail Market Potential 13 Block Groups 440070106004 (440070106.004) et al. Geography: Block Group Product/Consumer Behavior Restaurants (Adults) Went to family restaurant/steak house in last 6 months

Prepared by Esri

Expected Number of Adults or HHs

Percent of Adults/HHs

MPI 101

7,913

73.1%

Went to family restaurant/steak house: 4+ times a month

2,526

23.3%

Went to fast food/drive-in restaurant in last 6 months

9,674

89.4%

Went to fast food/drive-in restaurant 9+ times/month

3,763

34.8%

Fast food restaurant last 6 months: eat in Fast food restaurant last 6 months: home delivery Fast food restaurant last 6 months: take-out/drive-thru

3,354 1,085 5,248

31.0% 10.0% 48.5%

95 112 101

Fast food restaurant last 6 months: take-out/walk-in

2,318

21.4%

104

Own any tablet

5,730

52.9%

103

Own any e-reader Own e-reader/tablet: iPad

1,425 3,401

13.2% 31.4%

128 102

HH has Internet connectable TV Own any portable MP3 player

2,105 1,710

37.1% 15.8%

102 109

Television & Electronics (Adults/Households)

HH owns 1 TV

1,058

18.7%

HH owns 2 TVs

1,682

29.7%

112

HH owns 3 TVs HH owns 4+ TVs

1,187 1,026

20.9% 18.1%

99 103

HH subscribes to cable TV

2,804

49.5%

125

HH subscribes to fiber optic HH owns portable GPS navigation device

318 1,133

5.6% 20.0%

96 104

HH purchased video game system in last 12 months

555

9.8%

119

1,900

33.5%

100

Took domestic trip in continental US last 12 months

6,055

55.9%

104

Took 3+ domestic non-business trips in last 12 months Spent on domestic vacations in last 12 months: $1-999

1,402 1,298

13.0% 12.0%

102 114

HH owns any Internet video device for TV Travel (Adults)

Spent on domestic vacations in last 12 months: $1,000-$1,499

763

7.0%

109

Spent on domestic vacations in last 12 months: $1,500-$1,999 Spent on domestic vacations in last 12 months: $2,000-$2,999

489 410

4.5% 3.8%

112 87

Spent on domestic vacations in last 12 months: $3,000+

781

7.2%

101

Domestic travel in last 12 months: used general travel website

696

6.4%

3,060 624

28.3% 5.8%

92 86

Spent on foreign vacations in last 12 months: $1-999

504

4.7%

Spent on foreign vacations in last 12 months: $1,000-$2,999

431

4.0%

Spent on foreign vacations in last 12 months: $3,000+ Foreign travel in last 3 years: used general travel website

672 623

6.2% 5.8%

87 92

Nights spent in hotel/motel in last 12 months: any

5,292

48.9%

105

Took cruise of more than one day in last 3 years

1,007

9.3%

Member of any frequent flyer program

2,197

20.3%

Member of any hotel rewards program

2,372

21.9%

103

Took foreign trip (including Alaska and Hawaii) in last 3 years Took 3+ foreign trips by plane in last 3 years

Page 4 of 4

299

Housing Profile

The Housing Profile report shows that the population remains around a constant rate of 13,000 people, with some increase and decrease overtime. The total housing units in Riverside is 5,986 with 3,907 of them being owner occupied. Interestingly, the number of vacant homes slowly increases each year. In 2010, there were 300 homes and by 2026, it is estimated to increase to 391 vacant homes. The average house value is $277,560 making up around 2,500 houses in Riverside.

300

Housing Profile 13 Block Groups 440070106.004 (440070106004) et al. Geography: Block Group Population

Prepared by Esri

Households

2010 Total Population

13,000

2021 Median Household Income

$71,098

2021 Total Population 2026 Total Population

12,955 12,997

2026 Median Household Income 2021-2026 Annual Rate

$79,895 2.36%

2021-2026 Annual Rate

0.06% Census 2010

Housing Units by Occupancy Status and Tenure Total Housing Units Occupied Owner Renter Vacant

2021

2026

Number

Percent

Number

Percent

Number

Percent

5,986 5,686 3,907

100.0% 95.0% 65.3%

6,050 5,667 4,023

100.0% 93.7% 66.5%

6,070 5,679 4,114

100.0% 93.6% 67.8%

1,779 300

29.7% 5.0%

1,644 383

27.2% 6.3%

1,565 391

25.8% 6.4%

Number

Percent

Number

Percent

4,023

100.0%

4,114

100.0%

58 6

1.4% 0.1%

15 0

0.4% 0.0%

2021 Owner Occupied Housing Units by Value Total <$50,000 $50,000-$99,999

2026

$100,000-$149,999

162

4.0%

0.3%

$150,000-$199,999

469

11.7%

2.1%

$200,000-$249,999

1,422

35.3%

986

24.0%

$250,000-$299,999 $300,000-$399,999

1,107 508

27.5% 12.6%

1,691 896

41.1% 21.8%

$400,000-$499,999

128

3.2%

215

5.2%

$500,000-$749,999

1.8%

125

3.0%

$750,000-$999,999 $1,000,000-$1,499,999

68 2

1.7% 0.0%

70 2

1.7% 0.0%

0.0%

0.5%

0.4%

$1,500,000-$1,999,999 $2,000,000+ Median Value Average Value Census 2010 Housing Units

$246,290 $277,560

$278,326 $314,044 Number

Percent

5,986 5,986

100.0% 100.0%

In Urban Clusters

0.0%

Rural Housing Units

0.0%

Total In Urbanized Areas

Data Note: Persons of Hispanic Origin may be of any race. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010 Summary File 1. Esri forecasts for 2021 and 2026.

September 15, 2021 Page 1 of 2

301

302

Appendix 3: References City of East Providence. City of East Providence 2010 - 2015 Comprehensive Plan Update. East Providence, R.I.: East Providence City Council, 2010. Conforti, Joseph. Our Heritage: A History of East Providence. White Plains, NY: Monarch Publishing, 1976. Jeff Joeckel, “How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation, National Register of Historic Places Bulletin (NRB 15),” December 16, 2001, 15, https://www.nps.gov/nr/publications/bulletins/ nrb15/. Longstreth, Richard. East Providence, Rhode Island Statewide Preservation Report P-EP-1. Providence, R.I.: Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, 1976. McCabe Enterprises. Riverside Square Market Analysis. East Providence, R.I.: City of East Providence Planning Department, 2017. Merolla, James. “Still Horsing Around.” The Sun Chronicle, July 26, 2001. https://www. thesunchronicle.com/still-horsing-around/article_ e3c6a0c3-1946-546b-a3d4-79ba7a9208b8.htm National Park Service. “National Register of Historic Places Form: Crescent Park Carousel.” By James. L. Charlatan, October 1985. https://preservation. ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur406/files/pdfs_zips_ downloads/national_pdfs/east_providence/eapr_ bullocks-point-avenue_crescent-park-carousel.pdf. National Park Service. “National Register of Historic Places Form: Elm Tree Plat Historic District.” By Catherine J. Kavanaugh, August 2015. https:// preservation.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur406/ files/pdfs_zips_downloads/national_pdfs/east_ providence/eapr_elm-tree-plat_hd.pdf. National Park Service. “National Register of Historic Places Form: Rose Land Park Plat Historic District.” By Catherine J. Kavanaugh, August 2015. https:// preservation.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur406/ files/pdfs_zips_downloads/national_pdfs/east_

providence/eapr_rose-land-park-plat_hd.pdf. National Park Service. “National Register of Historic Places Form: Historic Resources of East Providence, Rhode Island: Partial Inventory, Historic and Architectural Resources.” By Robert O. Jones Jr., August 1980. https://preservation.ri.gov/sites/g/ files/xkgbur406/files/pdfs_zips_downloads/ national_pdfs/east_providence/eapr_historicresources-of-east-providence.pdf. National Park Service. “National Register of Historic Places Form: Pomham Rocks Light Station.” By Commander, First Coast Guard District, July 1979. https://preservation.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur406/ files/pdfs_zips_downloads/national_pdfs/east_ providence/eapr_riverside-road_pomham-rockslight-station.pdf. National Trust Main Street Center. Revitalizing Main Street: A Practitioner’s Guide to Comprehensive Commercial District Revitalization, edited by Andrea L. Dono. Washington D.C.: National Trust Main Street Center, 2009. Polichetti, Barbara. “East Providence Year in Review: Threatened carousel spun past other events.” Providence Journal, January 4, 1985. Remick, Bruce. Living in Riverside First 80 Years 1870 to 1950. n.p., 2021. Remick, Bruce. Riverside’s Historic Shore Resorts and Hotels. n.p. 5th ed., 2021. Rhode Island Division of Parks & Recreation. “East Bay Bike Path.” Accessed Oct. 27, 2021. https:// www.riparks.com/History/HistoryEastBayBikePath. html. Saint Brendan’s Parish. St. Brendan’s Church: A Community of Faith and Service for 100 Years. n.p. 2009. Accessed Dec. 12, 2021. https://stbren.com/ documents/2016/7/Parish%20History%201909%20 -%202009-1.pdf.

303

Appendix 4: List of Figures Citations Chapter 1

Figure sources located under figure in chapter.

Chapter 2

Data Sources: Esri Community Analyst: American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau 2015-2019, Census Data, Esri and U.S. Census Bureau 2010-2020, Crime Indexes, Applied Geographic Solutions (AGS) 2021. Figure 2.1 Demographc Summary, Census Tracts 106, 107.01, 107.02, Esri Community Analysis. Figure 2.2 Population Map, Map developed using ArcGIS Online. Figure 2.3 Sex by Age, Census Tracts 106, 107.01, 107.02, Esri Community Analysis. Figure 2.4 Diversity Index, Census Tracts 106, 107.01, 107.02, Esri Community Analysis. Figure 2.5 Crime, Census Tracts 106, 107.01, 107.02, Esri Community Analysis. Figure 2.6 Pie chart diagram asking How often do people interact with their neighbors? Figure created by the authors with information gathered at the Open House event. Figure 2.7 Attendee Rating of Riverside. Figure created by authors with information gathered at the Open House event. Figure 2.8 Long-term Engagement Strategies. Figure created by authors. Figure 2.9 Community pocket park. Figure created by the authors. Figure 2.10 Medium Density Housing scenario for 27 Monroe Ave. Figure created by authors. Figure 2.11 Medium Density Housing scenario for 27 Monroe Ave. Figure created by authors.

Chapter 3

Figure 3.1 Panoramic of Riverside in 1894. Riverside, Pleasant Bluff, Camp White & Crescent Park, R.I. Boston: O.H. Bailey & Co. & Lithograph & Publishing, 1894. Figure 3.2 Postcard of the Looff Carousel at Crescent Park. Bruce Remick, Living in Riverside First 80 Years 1870 to 1950 (n.p., 2021). Figure 3.3 Swimmers at Crescent Park’s Shoreline. “The Looff Carousel,” City of East Providence, accessed Dec. 12, 2021, https://eastprovidenceri.gov/points-of-interest/looff-carousel. Figure 3.4 First Riverside Fire Station built c. 1880. Bruce Remick, Living in Riverside First 80 Years 1870 to 1950 (n.p., 2021). Figure 3.5 Riverside Passenger Depot c. 1900. Bruce Remick, Living in Riverside First 80 Years 1870 to 1950 (n.p., 2021). Figure 3.6 Passenger Trolley Running Through Riverside Square c. 1930. Courtesy of Riverside Renaissance Group. Figure 3.7 Looff Family in Front of the Carousel c. 1905. “The Looff Carousel,” City of East Providence, accessed Dec. 12, 2021, https://eastprovidenceri.gov/points-of-interest/looffcarousel. Figure 3.8 East Providence shoreline after the 1938 hurricane. Bruce Remick, Living in Riverside First 80 Years 1870 to 1950

(n.p., 2021). Figure 3.9 Map of Riverside Square, East Providence, RI showing properties surveyed shaded in blue. Figure 3.10 Proposed boundaries of potential Riverside Square Historic District showing contributing and non-contributing properties Figure 3.11 List of Surveyed Properties and Recommendations for National Register Eligibility Figure 3.12 Kettle Point Masterplan. “Kettle Point Masterplan,” Union Studio, accessed Dec. 12, 2021, http://unionstudioarch. com/projects/kettle-point-masterplan/. Figure 3.13 Lamppost by Looff Carousel. Photograph by authors. Figure 3.14 Riverside Businessmen’s Association Clock c. 1950. From the Providence Journal Archives. Figure 3.15 Looff Carousel Present Day. Photograph by Author. Figure 3.16 Little Neck Cemetery. National Park Service, “National Register of Historic Places Form: Historic Resources of East Providence, Rhode Island: Partial Inventory, Historic and Architectural Resources,” by Robert O. Jones Jr., August 1980, https://preservation.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur406/ files/pdfs_zips_downloads/national_pdfs/east_providence/ eapr_historic-resources-of-east-providence.pdf. Figure 3.17 Pomham Rocks Light Station. National Park Service, “National Register of Historic Places Form: Pomham Rocks Light Station,” By Commander, First Coast Guard District, July 1979, https://preservation.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur406/files/ pdfs_zips_downloads/national_pdfs/east_providence/eapr_ riverside-road_pomham-rocks-light-station.pdf. Figure 3.18 Squantum Association Bakehouse. Bruce Remick, Riverside’s Historic Shore Resorts and Hotels (n.p. 5th ed., 2021). Figure 3.19 Riverside Passenger Depot, Early 1900s. Bruce Remick, Living in Riverside First 80 Years 1870 to 1950 (n.p., 2021). Figure 3.20 Riverside Post Office c. 1970. From the East Providence Department of Planning and Economic Development Archives. Figure 3.21 Saint Brendan’s Church, 1906. From the East Providence Department of Planning and Economic Development Archives. Figure 3.22 Riverside Passenger Depot, now Borealis Coffee Company. Eric Tessier, “On The Right Side of the Tracks at Borealis Coffee in Rhode Island,” March 2, 2017, https:// sprudge.com/borealis-coffee-company-111253.html. Figure 3.23 Old Riverside Post Office, Present Day. Photograph by Authors. Figure 3.24 Saint Brendan’s Church, Present Day. Photograph by Authors. Figure 3.25 Elinora House Rehabilitation Project, Before. Photograph by Melissa Linhares Spurr. Figure 3.26 Elinora House Rehabilitation Project, Vinyl Removal. Photograph by Melissa Linhares Spurr. Figure 3.27 Elinora House Rehabilitation Project, After. Photograph by Melissa Linhares Spurr.

Chapter 4

All figures created by the authors contain data provided by the

304

geographic information system company, Esri. Their partners in collaboration to provide this data include: American Community Survey (ACS), Current Population Survey, Esri, and GfK MRI, Esri and Data Axle, Local Area Unemployment Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, and Current Employment Statistics programs. The vintage of the data is 2015-2019, 2021, 2026. Figure 4.1 Home Value by percentage of Owner-Occupied Housing Units, Riverside, RI, Created by ESRI. Figure 4.2 ESRI Marketing Profile, Created by ESRI. Figure 4.3 Transportation to Work, Created by ESRI. Figure 4.4 Employment Overview, Created by ESRI. Figure 4.5 Civilian Labor Profile 1, Created by ESRI. Figure 4.6 Civilian Labor Profile 2, Created by ESRI. Figure 4.7 List of Riverside Square business types, Created by authors. Figure 4.8 Riverside Square business types, by authors. Figure 4.9 Map of Riverside Square retail types, by authors. Figure 4.10 Vacant Lot and Building Opportunities, by authors. Figure 4.11 Building and Lot Documentation, by authors. Figure 4.12 Commercial Land Use in Riverside and Vicinity. McCabe Enterprises. Riverside Square Market Analysis. East Providence, R.I.: City of East Providence Planning Department, 2017. Figure 4.13 Core Commercial Area, McCabe Enterprises. Riverside Square Market Analysis. East Providence, R.I.: City of East Providence Planning Department, 2017. Figure 4.14 Proposed Riverside Square Mixed Use Overlay District, Created by City of East Providence. Figure 4.15 Table of Local Credit Unions, Created by authors. Figure 4.16 Table of Local/State Organizations, by authors. Figure 4.17 East Providence Financing Programs, by authors. Figure 4.18 Regional Organizations, Created by authors. Figure 4.19 National Associations for Independent Businesses, Created by authors. Figure 4.20 Federal Organizations, by authors Figure 4.21Riverside Square Proposal Map, by authors. Figure 4.22 Lee’s Restaurant parking lot current (circa 2021), Created by authors. Figure 4.23 Lee’s Restaurant parking lot proposed usage, Created by authors. Figure 4.24 Hope Artiste Village Precedent, Created by authors. Hope Artiste Village. “Unit 105 (1,500 Sq. Feet).” Last modified September 9, 2020. Accessed December 1, 2021. https://hopeartistevillage.com/available-units/unit-105-1500sq-feet/#.; Urban Smart Growth. “Hope Artiste Village.” Last modified January 12, 2017. Accessed December 3, 2021. https://urbansmartgrowth.com/properties/hope-artiste-village/.; Wolf, Zac. “Sara + Cody - Hope Artiste Village Wedding.” Zac Wolf Photography - New England + Orlando Wedding Photographer, December 11, 2018. Last modified December 11, 2018. Accessed December 1, 2021. https://www.zacxwolf. com/home/sara-cody-hope-artiste-village-wedding. Figure 4.28 Hope & Main, Warren RI Precedent, Created by authors. Bowen, Bob. n.d. “Hope & Main.” Uri.Edu. Accessed December 22, 2021. http://www.crc.uri.edu/tag/hope-main/. “Downtown Warren: Warren, Rhode Island.” n.d. American

Planning Association. Accessed December 22, 2021. https:// www.planning.org/greatplaces/neighborhoods/2016/downtownwarren/. “Facebook.” n.d. Facebook.Com. Accessed December 22, 2021. https://www.facebook.com/HopeandMain/. “Hope & Main in Warren - Farm Fresh RI.” n.d. Farmfreshri.Org. Accessed December 22, 2021. https://guide.farmfreshri.org/ food/member.php?fn=1960 Linkedin.Com. Accessed December 22, 2021. https://www.linkedin.com/company/hope-&main.

Chapter 5

All maps were developed by the report authors and use a variety of data sources such as: Rhode Island Geographic Information Systems (RIGIS), US Census (2010), Google Earth (2021), Open Street Maps (2021), 2015-2019 American Community Survey (ACS), Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI).

Chapter 6

Data Sources: Data was collected by the authors using the ESRI Survey123 software. Figure 6.1 Map of Street Segment and References Codes Used in Data Collection Figure 6.2 Map of Overall Block Conditions, by author Figure 6.3 Key and Chart for Initial Block Assessment, by author Figure 6.4 Map of Street Surface Conditions, by author Figure 6.5 Key and Chart for Street Surface Conditions Map, by author Figure 6.6 Map of Sidewalk Surface Conditions, by author Figure 6.7 Key and Chart for Sidewalk Surface Conditions, created by author Figure 6.8 Map of Curb Conditions, map created by author Figure 6.9 Key and Chart for Curb Conditions Map, by author Figure 6.10 Map of Primary Building Typology, by author Figure 6.11 Key and Chart for Primary Building Typology, created by author Figure 6.12 Map of Building Conditions, created by author Figure 6.13 Key and Chart for Building Conditions, by author Figure 6.14 Open House Photo 1, photo taken by author Figure 6.15 Open House Photo 2, photo taken by author Figure 6.16 Existing Conditions and Road Diet Recommendation, graphic created by author Figure 6.17 Develop Parklet and Public Street Amenities Recommendation, graphic created by author Figure 6.18 Public art murals on blank walls, graphic by authors

305

Appendix 5: Mixed Use Overlay Map 56 7

72 76

195

0 14 9

16 17

199 46

17 25 24 27

35 40

225

36 5

36 0 44 89

74 66

71 65

68 66 74

36 62

70 65

57 64

314

325

34 19

361

367

14 18

379

51 54

381 387

49 144

53 46

71 73

360 366

34 40

2 0

20 22

15 8

380 382

369 7

140

396

364

136

146

401

19 15

135

378

395

376

397

128

131

389

310

312

319

54 50 62 58

121

329

44 66

120 124

129

22 315 30

112

115

347

58 63

109

336

117

70 60

0 320

11 14

290

65 69

42 46

36 38

58 64

285

70 72

17 19

75 73 71

332

295

55 53

37 33

46 52

273

257

30 26 24

22 63

3736

255

72 17

3730

250

3712

233 20

229

33 27

3708

3705

0 240

33 50

221

2 28

3702

3697

217

3 3698 213

27 26

3663

205

5 3690

50 54

74 78

386

31 21 33 31

14 4 26

Proposed Riverside Square Overlay

100

200

Feet 400

306

Appendix 6: Financial Tools for Businesses Flyer

EAST PROVIDENCE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Low interest loans are available to businesses in East Providence in amounts up to $100,000. Visit EastProvidenceBusiness.com to learn more. Acquisition

Construction

Capital Equipment

For more information, please contact: East Providence Department of Planning 145 Taunton Ave. East Providence, RI 02914 401-435-7531 Ext.11153 https://www.eastprovidencebusiness.com/

307

Appendix 7: Block and Building Conditions Survey Forms

308

309

310

311

PRES341/541 - Riverside Square Revitalization Assessment - FA21

Articles inside

3.0 Historic Preservation

2.5 Open House Feedback