Addition to Downcity Providence Underway

CENTERBROOK, Conn. – Construction is underway on a new addition to the thriving Westminster Street district in downtown Providence, Rhode Island.

Westminster has seen a renaissance of development in recent years. As a century and a half old anchor of the street, Grace Episcopal Church will expand into a new gathering space designed by Centerbrook Architects & Planners.

“A parking lot will be turned into a glass filled modern gothic building and cloister garden designed to be a welcome beacon of activity on the street,” said Centerbrook partner Jim Childress, FAIA. “Its use will provide a place to gather, share food, celebrate and learn from one another.”

Grace Church was originally designed in 1844 by Richard Upjohn, the foremost architect of the time, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Grace was the first asymmetrical Gothic Revival church in America. In 1912, another renowned architect, Ralph Adams Cram, designed the chancel, making it the only Upjohn-Cram church in the world.

Led by Rev. Canon Jonathan Huyck, Rector, Grace Church has been revitalized in recent years much like the “Downcity” area in which it is located. The church has a growing and diverse congregation that reflects the vitality of Providence, widely regarded as one of the best small cities in America. The congregation comes from up to an hour a way to be a part of this active community.

Providence-based Bowerman Associates is the project’s construction manager. Pare Corporation (Lincoln, Rhode Island), e2 Engineers (New London, Connecticut) and Wilkinson Associates (Warwick, Rhode Island) lead the engineering efforts.