News and Articles

September 28, 2026 Jaime Loichinger Director of the Office of Federal Agency Programs Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Re: Comments on the Triumphal Arch at Memorial Circle Dear Ms. Loichinger, Preserve Rhode Island (Preserve RI) serves as the statewide advocate for historic preservation for the state of Rhode Island. When advocacy is needed beyond the borders of our state that affect Rhode Islanders, we feel that it is our duty to respond. Regarding the prop

Blackstone Valley Community Health Care (BVCHC) is planning to transform the former Pawtucket Boys Club Building, located in downtown Pawtucket, into a community partner hub. Prospective partners include the local YMCA and a soup kitchen to help ensure their patients have access to community support, along with regular access to health care. It’s a great example of Adaptive Reuse in action. Photos comparing the before/after of Pawtucket's historic downtown. Completed in 1902,

Demolition of 108-110 Waterman Street Brook Street: Since August of 2025, the impending demolition of four homes at 277, 281-283, 287 and 291 Brook Street, owned by Brown University, has been in limbo and stands a chance to be added to Brown’s list of demolitions on the East Side. Providence Preservation Society (PPS), the Black Heritage Society of Rhode Island, and concerned neighbors have spearheaded advocacy efforts to work with Brown University and avoid demolition. These

Learn about the 2026 Awardees and their impact on historic preservation.

Preserve Rhode Island (Preserve RI) is profoundly disappointed by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's (ACHP) July 24 vote to advance sweeping revisions to the regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, 36 CFR Part 800. The tools our nation relies on to protect its irreplaceable historic and cultural resources are under direct threat — and once again, the process by which that threat was advanced should trouble anyone who cares

The co-chairs of the Preserve Rhode Island board today released the following message:

John Virgilio is the executive director of Kent County Community Development, a non-profit community development corporation focused on the acquisition and operation of affordable housing in RI. He has extensive experience in the real estate industry, spanning ownership of single and multi-family rentals, extensive renovations and management of rental property for others, and as a licensed realtor. He has worked side by side with his brother Mike on the operation of Virgilio

Arctic Mill, West Warwick For years, Preserve RI has partnered with Grow Smart RI to advocate for the state’s Historic Tax Credit (HTC) program. This program has a proven track record – it has generated over $2.18 billion in total investment into the state and has generated approximately 20% of all new housing from 2013 through 2023. After unsuccessful efforts to include funding for the program in the Governor’s budget, we worked with key allies in both the House and Senate t

From Louisiana, Bailey is joining the Preserve Rhode Island team as the Preservation Programs Manager. She earned a Bachelor's in Cultural Resource Management and Public History from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2018, followed by a Master's degree in History in 2020. For nearly a decade, she has worked alongside preservation professionals in education, advocacy, and historic preservation programs. Most recently, Bailey served as Louisiana's National Register Coordinat

Photo by Jeff Krause In addition to the destruction of the East Wing of the White House to replace it with a ballroom, the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) is also slated for significant alterations. During an April 16 Commission of Fine Arts review meeting, the Executive Office of the President, Office of Administration, presented a concept plan with two options for painting over the EEOB’s original solid granite façade in bright white. The first would paint the e

The Eisenhower Executive Office Building (Photo: Jeff Krause) May 6, 2026 Mr. William Scharf Chair National Capital Planning Commission 401 Ninth Street NW, Suite 500N Washington, DC 20004 Re: Proposed Eisenhower Executive Office Building Exterior Beautification Project NCPC File Number 8777 Dear Mr. Scharf: Preserve Rhode Island (Preserve RI) serves as the statewide advocate for Rhode Island’s historic places. Our advocacy efforts extend beyond the borders of

Rhode Island’s Historic Tax Credits are a proven tool to create more housing stock— from 2013 to 2024 approximately 20% of all new housing comes through the program, including 20% of all affordable housing. But unlike neighboring states which are expanding their programs to address their housing crises, Rhode Island’s Historic Tax Credit program has been stymied through lack of funding, onerous fees, and a lack of transparency. Just when the program is needed most, and elect

In December of 2025, the National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration, alleging that replacing the East Wing of the White House with a massive ballroom violated Federal law. In response, the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) declared an open period for public comment. Preserve RI, along with many other organizations and individuals took advantage of the opportunity to speak up about the scale, design, and appropriateness

The main streets of towns and cities are vital to the economic and cultural health of the United States. They connect us to our vibrant past and have been an important component of preservation work across the country. Main Street America , established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1980, has been working across the nation to preserve and promote downtowns and other neighborhood commercial districts. Clark Schoettle, a Preserve RI board member and former E

March 2, 2026 Mr. William Scharf Chair National Capital Planning Commission 401 Ninth Street NW, Suite 500N Washington, DC 20004 Re: Proposed Construction of White House Ballroom NCPC File Number 8733 Dear Mr. Scharf: Preserve Rhode Island (Preserve RI) serves as the statewide advocate for Rhode Island’s historic places. Our advocacy efforts extend beyond the borders of our state when the interests of Rhode Islanders are at stake. Significant architectural landmarks,

State Senators Lori Urso and Robert Britto at Lippitt House Museum. As the statewide advocate for Rhode Island’s historic places, Preserve RI works closely with the legislature on various issues. To strengthen our connections with Smith Hill and showcase the power of preservation, we invited legislators to Preserve RI’s Lippitt House Museum on January 27th. For some this was their first time at the Museum. Not only did they learn about the building’s rich history, but we coul

Preserve RI is excited to welcome five new members to our Board of Trustees. We will be profiling our newest Trustees throughout the first few months of 2026. To read about last month’s profiles, click here. Stephen Lane, Wickford Stephen brings both board governance experience and a hands-on preservation perspective to Rhode Island’s nonprofit and cultural community. He is the steward of the former home of noted preservation architect Norman Isham, where he has actively pres

Preserve RI is excited to welcome five new members to our Board of Trustees. We will be profiling our newest Trustees throughout the first few months of 2026. Carly Callahan, Westerly Carly is the Executive Director of the UNITED, a non-profit regional center for arts and arts education (based in Westerly) showcasing world-class performing, visual, and creative work and servicing over 65,000 people each year. Previously, Carly was the Managing Director of Seaview Productions,

The Abraham Brown House/Lafeyette House in Tiverton was suddenly demolished in late December of 2024. With support from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preserve Rhode Island, in partnership with the RI Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission (RIHPHC), will be hosting a demolition delay webinar with the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) as a part of their Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program (CAMP). The webinar will provide an over

As you drive past the intersection of North Broadway and Massasoit Ave in the Rumford section of East Providence, you may notice a bright, new sign announcing the Philip Walker House. Having recently completed a major restoration of the exterior and interior, it’s one of the new signs of life at the property. Sitting prominently on nearly 2 acres, the current Philip Walker House was constructed in several stages, starting around 1724. The two-story building contains remnant