News Summary
Preserve Rhode Island has announced the ten recipients of the Rhody Awards for Historic Preservation, recognizing their vital contributions to the state’s historical and cultural heritage. Awardees from various towns undertook significant projects, including restoring landmarks, repurposing buildings, and creating community spaces. The 17th annual awards ceremony will be held at the WaterFire Arts Center, celebrating the dedication of individuals and organizations committed to preserving Rhode Island’s history.
Providence, Rhode Island – Preserve Rhode Island has announced the ten recipients of the 2025 Rhody Awards for Historic Preservation, recognizing their significant contributions to the state’s historical and cultural landscape. The awards celebrate achievements that not only preserve history but also enhance community life and foster local economies. The honorees span various towns, including Westerly, Pawtucket, and Tiverton.
This year’s awardees have undertaken notable projects such as restoring iconic landmarks that attract tourism, repurposing abandoned mill buildings for housing and commercial use, and creating vibrant community spaces that stimulate local economies. An independent jury was responsible for reviewing nominations and selecting the ten finalists based on their impactful work in historic preservation.
The 17th annual Rhody Awards ceremony is scheduled for October 19th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence. This event will acknowledge and celebrate the collaborative efforts within communities to safeguard Rhode Island’s historic treasures.
Award Winners
- Newport Collaborative Architects – Awarded the Frederick C. Williamson Professional Award for their transformative work on Rhode Island’s built environment, including the restoration of notable landmarks such as the Providence Performing Arts Center and Barrington Town Hall.
- Margaret Whitehead – Also a recipient of the Frederick C. Williamson Professional Award, Whitehead was recognized for her dedication at Blithewold Manor, particularly her efforts to protect the estate from development pressures.
- Matthew and Carly Callahan – Honored with the Homeowner Award for their impressive restoration of a Greek Revival home in Westerly, serving as an inspirational model for others interested in historic preservation.
- Independent Man – Received the Community Impact Award for the restoration of the statue, which engaged the community significantly, attracting nearly 12,000 visitors to the State House during the process.
- Stedman & Fuller Manufacturing Company Complex – Recognized with the Preservation Project Award for its major adaptive reuse project that has converted a historic site in Providence into housing and commercial spaces.
- Track 15 Food Hall – Awarded the Preservation Project Award for transforming Union Station into a vibrant food hall, investing $25 million to spotlight local vendors.
- Isaac Bell House – This National Historic Landmark of Shingle Style architecture is undergoing a $3.3 million restoration, contributing to the preservation of Rhode Island’s architectural heritage, earning the Preservation Project Award.
- Fire Station #1 (Pawtucket) – Recognized with a Preservation Project Award for its renovation that modernizes facilities while preserving its historical significance, following its closure due to safety concerns.
- Tiverton Four Corners – Jim and Roz Weir’s decades-long restoration efforts in the area have earned them the Preservation Project Award for revitalizing this historical site.
- Poplar Point Lighthouse (North Kingstown) – Russell Shippee received the Stewardship Award for the successful restoration and re-illumination of this historic lighthouse after 142 years.
The Rhody Awards serve to underscore the crucial role of historic preservation in fostering community pride and enhancing local connections. Through recognizing and celebrating these outstanding contributions, Preserve Rhode Island aims to inspire ongoing efforts in safeguarding the state’s diverse historical legacy.
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Additional Resources
- New England Real Estate Journal
- Valley Breeze
- What’s Up Newp
- Newport RI
- GoLocalProv
- Wikipedia: Historic Preservation
- Google Search: Rhody Awards for Historic Preservation
- Google Scholar: Rhody Awards
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Historic Preservation
- Google News: Rhody Awards
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
