PPS/WBNA: State cancels funding for Cranston Street Armory repairs

Cranston Street Armory. Photo (cc) Sam Teigan

Reported by the Providence Preservation Society and the WBNA:

The West Broadway Neighborhood Association (WBNA) announced last week that the State has pulled $3 million allocated for critical exterior repairs to the Cranston Street Armory.

Built in 1907, this magnificent building was designed as a focal point around which much of the West End of Providence was developed. The Armory has been on the Providence Preservation Society’s Most Endangered Properties List five times over the last twenty years, and the State funds to repair the Dexter Street tower are essential to maintaining the integrity of this landmark building. According to the WBNA, work was scheduled to begin last week, and a contractor had already been hired by the State (owner of the building).

From the WBNA:

This building has the potential to be a significant economic development generator for the state of Rhode Island (and the neighborhood) but only if repairs are made to it. The plans are prepared, the project was bid and the contractor hired. It makes no sense to stop the project now when all the planning work is done. Your ACTIONS could make the difference and please ask your neighbors to also act for this castle for the people.

Please help WBNA and PPS advocate for Cranston Street Armory by sending an email to the officials listed below urging them to reinstate the funds for the exterior repair to the Armory.

• Governor Lincoln Chafee – (401) 222-2080 governor@governor.ri.gov
• Special Projects Coordinator Jonathan Stevens – (401) 222-2080 jonathan.stevens@governor.ri.gov
• Director of Administration, Richard Licht – (401)-222-2000 richard.licht@doa.ri.gov
• Speaker Nicholas Mattiello – rep-mattiello@rilin.state.ri.us
• Senate President M. Theresa Paiva-Weed – sen-paivaweed@rilin.state.ri.us
• Senator Paul V. Jabour, Senate District 5 401-276-5594 sen-jabour@rilin.state.ri.us
• Senator Harold Metts, Senate District 6 401-276-5561 sen-metts@rilin.state.ri.us
• Senator Juan Pichardo, Senate District 2 401-276-5561 sen-pichardo@rilin.state.ri.us
• Representative John J. Lombardi, House District 8 401-453-3900 rep-lombardi@rilin.state.ri.us
• Representative Scott A. Slater, House District 10 401-222-4433 Rep-slater@rilin.state.ri.us
• Representative Anastasia Williams, House District 9 401-222-2457 rep-williams@rilin.state.ri.us