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You provide vital funding for advocacy, leadership, innovation and action for the challenges that lie ahead.
Historic preservation takes vigilance and vision. It takes planning and preparation to be ready for when the next crisis hits. It takes sensible local zoning laws that protect historic neighborhoods and provide waiting periods before demolition. It takes incentives for developers like State Historic Tax Credits. It takes programs that help owners of historic buildings by providing advice and resources. It takes a community of supporters like YOU!
For over 60 years, Preserve Rhode Island has been at the forefront in protecting historic places that matter to all Rhode Islanders. Utilizing our historic assets also solves present day challenges by building affordable housing, revitalizing neighborhoods, and protecting local environments.
New Benefit! Travel with Historic Hotels of America
Preserve RI has partnered with Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide to offer supporters (minimum $30/year) discounts up to 30% off best available rates at participating hotels. Already a supporter? Contact Alex Costa at acosta@preserveri.org for to get your discount.
Your gift makes our work possible...
Protecting in Perpetuity
Our Preservation Easement program was created to give historic property owners the ability to transfer their property secure in the knowledge that it will be safeguarded by Preserve RI. This year we have two new easements, one in Providence, another in South Kingston, with others under discussion.
Caring for Properties
As owners of several historic properties, we strive to model good stewardship practices. At the Philip Walker House in East Providence, we recently completed exterior and interior restoration work, that enabled us to rent the property as a private home. At Lippitt House Museum in Providence, we’re planning an extensive, multi-year exterior restoration, to include masonry repointing and brownstone repair.
Advocating
We help local communities recognize the importance and potential of their historic assets. Statewide, we advocate on a wide range of issues, most importantly on behalf of RI’s Historic Tax Credit program that creates housing stock and stimulates local economies. While there’s always more work to do, significant improvements which enhance project feasibility and create jobs were passed by the Legislature this year.
Supporting Local Preservation
Partnering for a fifth year with The 1772 Foundation, we awarded matching grants totaling $125,000 to 18 nonprofit organizations maintaining historic buildings in Rhode Island. Since 2020, we have overseen the allocation of more than $725,000 in funding through this grant program.
Track 15, Providence- this project reimagined part of historic Union Station into a new food destination that promotes local food vendors, thanks to RI’s Historic Tax Credit.
Stedman & Fuller, Providence- received a 2024 Rhody Award for converting an historic mill into commercial space for local businesses and much needed housing.
Walker House- East Providence- The recently completed exterior of the Philip Walker House