Three Newport-based projects and individuals are among the recipients of the 2024 Rhody Awards for Historic Preservation, celebrating excellence in safeguarding Rhode Island’s architectural heritage.
Preserve Rhode Island announced 10 awardees spanning from Newport to Pawtucket, recognizing efforts that strengthen communities and address social challenges through historic preservation.
The Newport honorees include the Preservation Society of Newport County for its restoration of Rosecliff Mansion, the Belmont Chapel Foundation for reviving a hidden architectural gem, and homeowners Kenneth and Deborah McDonald for their climate-resilient renovation of a historic cottage.
Valerie Talmage, Executive Director of Preserve RI, expressed admiration for the awardees’ dedication. “Each year we are amazed by the determination and perseverance of individuals and organizations committed to utilizing Rhode Island’s historic buildings to create positive change for their communities,” she said.
The Preservation Society of Newport County receives a Preservation Project Award for its $7.4 million restoration of Rosecliff Mansion. The project, described as one of the most extensive in the society’s 78-year history, included interior and exterior work, from replicating the original 3,200-square-foot Ballroom oak floor to full window restoration.
The Belmont Chapel Foundation earns a Preservation Project Award for rescuing the Belmont Chapel in Island Cemetery from obscurity. The foundation meticulously restored the architectural landmark, adhering to the high standards set by its original architects, George Champlin Mason and Sons, and Richard Morris Hunt.
Kenneth and Deborah McDonald are recognized with a Homeowner Award for their innovative approach to preserving a small historic cottage in Newport’s Point neighborhood. The couple transformed the rundown 850-square-foot structure into a comfortable modern home while proactively raising it to increase climate resiliency.
Other awardees include Cornelis J. de Boer, honored with the Antoinette Downing Volunteer Award for his 35-year tenure on the Providence Historic District Commission, and Wendy Nicholas Dorsey, recipient of the Frederick C. Williamson Professional Award for her 43-year career in preservation.
The Wanskuck Mill Complex in Providence, Arctic Mills in West Warwick, and 390 Pine Street in Pawtucket are recognized for adaptive reuse projects that address housing needs and community services.
The East Greenwich Historic Preservation Society receives the Community Impact Award for its “Explore East Greenwich” interpretive sign project, while the Friends of Plum Beach Lighthouse in North Kingstown earn the Stewardship Award for their long-term care of a prominent Rhode Island landmark.
The 2024 Rhody Awardees
Cornelis J. de Boer – Antoinette Downing Volunteer Award
Awarded for his remarkable tenure on the Providence Historic District Commission. From 1988 to 2023 he provided a depth of knowledge that models how volunteers on local Historic District Commissions can guide applicants to best preservation practices with expertise, advice, and exceptional public relations.
Wendy Nicholas Dorsey – Frederick C. Williamson Professional Award
In celebration of her 43-year career, beginning as Executive Director of the Providence Preservation Society and later at the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Northeast Regional Office. She excelled in expanding educational programs, leading legislative campaigns, and fostering community engagement in preservation efforts.
Wanskuck Mill Complex (Providence)- Preservation Project Award
A local developer’s seven-year undertaking of the Wanskuck Mill revitalization has brought critical housing and investment to the underserved North End of Providence, while restoring a significant and underutilized historic resource back to productive use. This project was made possible with Federal and State Historic Tax credits.
Rosecliff (Newport) – Preservation Project Award
The Preservation Society of Newport County completed one of the most extensive and complicated projects in its 78-year history with the restoration of Rosecliff Mansion. The $7.4 million scope included interior and exterior restoration, from replicating the original 3,200-square-foot Ballroom oak floor to full window restoration.
Arctic Mills (West Warwick) – Preservation Project Award
The adaptive re-use of a 125,000 sq ft former 19th-century textile mill building led to the creation of 136 residential units, including 31 workforce housing units, resident amenity spaces, and commercial space. This project has brought much-needed housing and revitalization to West Warwick, a town with one of the highest poverty rates in the state.
Kenneth and Deborah McDonald (Newport) – Homeowner Award
Homeowners Kenneth and Deborah McDonald have successfully transformed a small (about 850 sq ft), rundown, historic cottage in the Point neighborhood into a comfortable home with all the modern conveniences. The house, which sits adjacent to a flood zone, was raised proactively to increase climate resiliency. The general contractor they selected demonstrated meticulous care while undertaking this project.
Belmont Chapel (Newport) – Preservation Project Award
The Belmont Chapel Foundation is being awarded for their restoration of the Belmont Chapel, an important Architectural landmark and focal point of Island Cemetery. The chapel, abandoned and hidden from view, has been extensively restored in a way that is true to the high standards set by the original architects, George Champlin Mason and Sons, and Richard Morris Hunt.
Explore East Greenwich: Historic Interpretive Signs (East Greenwich) – Community Impact Award
The East Greenwich Historic Preservation Society (EGHPS) has greatly impacted the community’s sense of place by installing a dozen narrated interpretive signs to form a walking trail through three centuries of Town history. The signs show photographs, drawings, and original artwork commissioned by the EGHPS, telling stories of women, Indigenous people, and the Black regiment formed during the Revolution.
390 Pine Street – Conant Thread New Office Building (Pawtucket) – Community Impact Award
Shri, an urban outreach healing arts and yoga program that prioritizes adults with intellectual abilities, serves students every year from schools, shelters, hospitals, senior centers, and social services. They will receive the Community Award for reimagining a dilapidated mill building into a rich community resource. The first floor houses a yoga studio, food bank, and arts center, with affordable and market-rate apartments on the second floor.
Friends of Plum Beach Lighthouse (North Kingstown) – Stewardship Award
This award is being presented to the Friends of Plum Beach Lighthouse for their long-term stewardship of Rhode Island’s most visible lighthouse. After a metamorphosis in 2003, the group has maintained a high preservation standard through innovative funding strategies and dedication to maintenance.
16th annual Rhody Awards Ceremony
The 16th annual Rhody Awards ceremony will take place at Rosecliff Mansion in Newport on Oct. 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.preserveri.org/rhody-awards-tickets
