Legal Battle Over Providence’s Historic Bridgham Estate

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The historic Bridgham Estate, a focal point of legal disputes in Providence.

News Summary

Providence is witnessing a legal conflict surrounding the historic William E. and Clara A. Bridgham Estate, as the seller and buyer navigate a complicated dispute. While developer Dustin Dezube plans to convert the estate into condominiums, a Norwegian national claims to have a separate purchase agreement, complicating the sale. With the courts rejecting his claims so far, the future of this iconic property hangs in the balance amid broader questions about preservation and housing needs in the city.

Providence is currently at the center of a legal dispute involving the historic William E. and Clara A. Bridgham Estate, also referred to as the city’s “last great estate.” The property, which spans nearly three acres at the intersection of Blackstone Boulevard and Rochambeau Avenue, was placed on the market in May 2021 for an estimated sale price of around $4.2 million.

The estate’s seller, Newton Howard, a scientist with a controversial public image, has been embroiled in legal issues surrounding the sale of the property. The buyer, Dustin Dezube, a developer known for his contentious projects, has faced community pushback in the past. Despite the opposition, Dezube secured the estate after it was auctioned, but the proceedings did not conclude without complications.

Currently, the estate is the subject of a legal battle involving Johannes Flo, a Norwegian national. Flo claims to have a separate agreement to purchase the estate, which has prompted him to obstruct the sale to Dezube. So far, the courts have not supported Flo’s claims, and he remains a tenant of the property, paying rent to Howard while the legal discourse unfolds.

The Bridgham Estate has seen considerable preservation throughout its history, despite attempts by former owners to subdivide the land. Moreover, the property’s manor, constructed in 1915, boasts a grand entrance, several spacious bedrooms, and notable architectural features, such as a carriage house that provides additional living space and amenities.

Dezube has plans to repurpose the estate into condominiums, asserting that his development will respect the historical integrity of the site while addressing the pressing housing needs in the Providence area. Although the property was assessed at approximately $3.2 million back in 2021, its final sale—combined with an adjacent lot—totaled nearly $4 million, despite earlier listings suggesting higher potential values.

For Dezube’s development to proceed, he will need to receive approval from both the City Planning Commission and the City Council, a process that could add further layers of complexity to the already convoluted situation.

The ongoing legal proceedings reflect broader challenges concerning property rights and agreements within the Rhode Island real estate landscape. As various stakeholders navigate this complex dispute over the Bridgham Estate, the outcome remains uncertain, with potential implications for the future of the historic property.

This legal battle highlights the balance between preserving historical spaces and meeting modern demands for housing in urban settings. As the case unfolds, it continues to attract attention from local residents and city officials alike, raising important questions about the future of Providence’s architectural heritage.