A mixed use development, built by Cutler Associates in Providence, R.I. for The Armory Revival Company, was recently honored with a Preservation Award by the Providence Preservation Society. Pearl Street Lofts and Condominiums won an award in the Adaptive Re-Use category and was recognized for bringing residential lofts, artist studios, affordable housing and new commercial space to Providence’s once-neglected West Side neighborhood.

 

The redeveloped mill for generations was home to New England Butt Company, a manufacturer of cast iron “butt” hinges. One of the city’s landmark structures and a prominent reminder of its industrial past, the 140,000 square foot, two-building brick mill complex dates back to the 1840s. In the 1980s, it became home to Harold’s Furniture Company. In recent years, the complex was vacant and considered a detriment to the neighborhood. It was purchased by the Armory Revival Company in 2002; the project was completed in 2005.

The award, presented during ceremonies at the Preservation Society’s annual meeting on January 18^th, cites the achievements of the entire building and development team and the sizeable economic impact of the project. “The Pearl Street Lofts promise to bring new residents and vitality to a block of previously abandoned buildings,” states the Society’s award citation.