The Providence Preservation Society (PPS) announces the 35th Annual Festival of Historic Houses, taking place this year on June 13, 14, and 15. The Festival, known for opening some of Providence’s most interesting homes, gardens and converted industrial mill spaces to visitors from across the region, highlights Providence’s post-industrial heritage through its dynamic housing stock. This signature annual event is an opportunity to hear the stories about the properties’ origins and inhabitants, while viewing firsthand the modern day living spaces in Providence’s prized historic properties made possible through preservation.
Providence is one of the few mid-sized cities in the U.S. with much of its historic character intact. Its post-industrial heritage is represented throughout the city by both the traditional grand houses of Providence’s forefathers and captains of industry; and by the adaptive reuse of the original industrial mill buildings and sites into homes. The Festival captures this dynamic environment and opens the doors to these distinct places to visitors and tour-goers.
The 2014 Festival starts on Saturday in an enclave of homes within the College Hill neighborhood, between Brown University and the Fox Point neighborhood. The tour continues on Sunday across town on the edge of Providence’s south side at Pearl Street Lofts. It is kicked off on the Friday evening with a cocktail reception in a private historic home.
Houses in the College Hill neighborhood will be open on Saturday, June 14 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Lofts and surrounding tours at Pearl Street Lofts will be open on Sunday, June 15 from Noon – 4:00 pm. The weekend event will also include a ticketed kick-off cocktail party on Friday evening at the Joseph Cooke House on Hope Street. The Friday evening event is a special fundraiser for PPS, and opens the weekend of tours with cocktails, hors d’oeurves and celebration. On Sunday, KITE Architects will host a special open house reception from 3:00 – 6:00 pm as an extension to the Festival tour.
