News Summary
A couple from Providence has revitalized a historic 1867 Italianate home on Benefit Street through extensive renovations. After purchasing the property in July, they tackled numerous disrepair issues to restore the home’s charm, emphasizing its historical significance while updating its interior design. Their efforts honor the previous owner and preserve the legacy of this architectural treasure in Providence.
Providence – A couple from Providence, Rhode Island, has successfully transformed a historic 1867 Italianate home on Benefit Street through extensive renovations, breathing new life into a structure that had fallen into disrepair. Allison Spain and her husband Ben purchased the property in July 2023, drawn to its intricate details despite the evident need for substantial updates.
The once-vacant home had suffered from numerous issues, including a leaking roof, damage from tree branches breaking through windows, outdated wallpaper, and musty carpeting. The previous owner, Frances Stanton, a well-known artist, lived in the house until her death in 2019. The property also has a unique history, as it was deeded to Swan Point Cemetery for a brief period from 1933 to 1941.
This historic house boasts approximately 4,000 square feet, with four bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths, serving as a testament to Providence’s manufacturing history. Before taking on this renovation project, the Spains had already updated two other homes in Providence, located on Irving Avenue and Savoy Street, demonstrating their commitment to breathing new life into older structures.
After closing on the property, the couple moved in with Allison’s parents to quickly commence renovations. The initial phase included the labor-intensive process of removing carpets, scraping wallpaper, and addressing hazardous asbestos tiles while ensuring safety with respirator masks. Each room required about eight hours to remove carpet padding, illustrating the extensive work involved.
The couple undertook significant renovations, which included refinishing the floors and staining them an ebony shade, as well as restoring most of the windows. Although they managed to replace the roof, the couple faced a loss when they discovered that they could not save Stanton’s beloved flower mural in the kitchen, a cherished element of the home’s charm.
In a dedicated effort to honor Frances Stanton, the Spains elected to paint all walls in white, crafting an ‘art gallery’ ambiance throughout the home. This choice emphasizes the home’s historical significance while allowing for a fresh and modern approach to interior design. They also restored several mirrors and chandeliers that belonged to Stanton and have been integrated back into the home as a way of preserving its legacy.
After months of hard work, the Spains officially moved into their newly renovated home in October 2023. The exterior of the home reflects the duo’s dedication to retaining its historical aesthetics, highlighted by a mossy green front door complemented by a verdigris mail slot, adding a touch of character and charm.
This renovation project not only revitalizes a key piece of Providence’s architectural heritage but also serves as a reminder of the city’s history while creating a future filled with family memories. The Spains’ endeavor showcases the potential hidden in older homes and the commitment required to restore them to their former glory, preserving the past for future generations to appreciate.
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Additional Resources
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- ABC6: Providence Home Repair Program Announced
- GoLocalProv: New Home of the Providence Preservation Society
