Preserve RI Secures Preservation Easement on Shakespeare’s Head Building in Providence.

One of Providence’s oldest buildings just gained new, long-term protection. Last month, the Providence Preservation Society (PPS) sold the Shakespeare’s Head building (built in 1772) to the Civis Foundation for operation by the Center for Reflective History. Formed this year, the Center’s goal is to uncover, preserve, and explore the social histories associated with the building. PPS ensured long-term protection for the structure’s key exterior and interior elements and part of the rear garden by establishing a Preservation Easement overseen by Preserve Rhode Island. The building’s exterior is also protected as part of the College Hill Historic District.

Preserve RI currently holds 12 preservation/conservation easements across the state. Three more are in various stages of negotiation. An easement is a binding legal contract that protects the historic, architectural, or scenic qualities of a property and ensures that it will not be destroyed or inappropriately altered. Easements provide current owners with the peace of mind that if they sell a property, its historic significance and integrity will be protected by Preserve RI in perpetuity. Preserve RI conducts an annual site assessment of each of our easement properties, checking for inappropriate alterations, assessing building conditions, and advising owners on how to be good stewards of their historic properties.

We are thrilled to work with the Center for Reflective History on maintaining this Providence landmark and grateful to PPS for entrusting us to help safeguard its future.

Learn About Easements