2023 Rhody Awardees
Each year we honor the top projects and people who help keep Rhode Island's charm, elegance—and quirkiness alive. This year’s Rhody Awards celebrate work that supports affordable and low-income housing, stimulates local economies, saves rural landscapes, and protects iconic landmarks for present and future generations. Want to read about the awardees instead? Click here.
On Sunday, we celebrated the Rhody Awards, honoring the best in historic preservation across the state. The awardees demonstrate the many ways historic preservation is a vital tool in bettering Rhode Island. After asking the public to weigh in on their favorite preservation story, the Audience Award goes to our friends at Unity Park in Bristol for transforming an abandoned mill complex into a vital hub for businesses and restaurants.
The project illustrates the power historic preservation has in revitalizing a once depressed neighborhood and stimulating local economies. Thanks to Joe Brito's innovative entrepreneurial skills and the cooperation of the entire community, the mill is now home to "blue economy" businesses, a brewery, distillery and multiple restaurants.
