Blackstone Boulevard Realty Plat Historic District facts for kids

The Blackstone Boulevard Realty Plat Historic District is a special area in Providence, Rhode Island. It's known for its beautiful old homes and unique neighborhood design. This historic district is roughly located near Blackstone Boulevard, Rochambeau Avenue, Holly Street, and Elmgrove Avenue.

The buildings here show off amazing architecture from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Famous architects like Marshall Martin and William T. Aldrich designed some of these homes. Because of its importance, the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. This means it's officially recognized for its historical value.

Discovering the Blackstone Boulevard Historic District

The Blackstone Boulevard Realty Plat Historic District covers about 40 acres in the northeast part of Providence. It's a suburban neighborhood with more than 100 large, fancy houses. These homes sit on big, well-kept lots. Wide, tree-lined streets connect them, just as they did when the neighborhood was first built.

What Makes the District Special?

This district is a great example of stylish homes from the early and mid-1900s. Many were built in popular "revival" styles, meaning they looked back to older architectural designs. Some of the best local architects and builders created these homes. The neighborhood still looks very much like it did years ago.

Exploring the Streets and Lots

The streets in the district mostly follow a grid pattern. Blackstone Boulevard forms the eastern border. It's a wide road with two lanes separated by a green, landscaped area. Rochambeau Avenue is the southern border. Other streets like Holly Street, Elmgrove Avenue, and Cole Avenue run north-south. Smaller cross-streets like Intervale, Westford, Wingate, and Harwich Roads complete the grid.

The houses here are on very large lots. Most are 8,000, 10,000, or even 12,000 square feet. Some are even bigger! This was much larger than the typical house lot in Providence at the time. The way the neighborhood was planned, including rules about how far houses had to be from the street, helped create its beautiful look.

Homes and Their Styles

Most homes in the district were built in the late 1920s or early 1930s. They are usually made of wood, brick, or stucco. Many are built in popular styles from that time. The most common styles are Neo-Georgian and Tudor/Old English Cottage. You can also find Mediterranean and Norman/French Provincial styles. Many homes have garages, either built into the house or as separate buildings. These separate garages often match the style of the house.

The yards are also very well-maintained. They feature neat green lawns with many different trees, shrubs, and plants. This careful planning adds to the district's overall beauty. Even today, the buildings are well cared for. Any changes or additions usually fit in with the original style.

Some houses in the district were built after World War II, from 1946 onwards. While these newer homes are also well-built, they are not considered "contributing" to the historic district's original period. This is because they are newer than the 50-year guideline for historic places. However, they are still important examples of 20th-century homes.

Notable Homes in the District

Many unique houses contribute to the district's charm. Here are a few examples:

Frederick E. and Albina Bodell House (1928)

This grand house at 25 Balton Road was designed by William T. Aldrich. It looks like an 18th-century English manor house. It's made of brick and has a large, beautiful garden. This was one of the most expensive homes built in Providence in the 1920s. Frederick Bodell was a partner in a banking and brokerage firm.

Edmund J. and Margaret A. Sullivan House (1931-32)

Located at 45 Balton Road, this large brick house is in the Georgian Colonial style. It has fancy details like arched windows and a high hip roof. It sits on a corner lot and has two main entrances. Edmund Sullivan came from a well-known family and worked in manufacturing.

Images for kids

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  Gustaf and Marion L. Sweet House (1951)

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  Gustaf and Marion L. Sweet House (1951)

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  Charles H. Hudson House (1929)

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  Charles H. Hudson House (1929)

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  Frederick E. and Albina Bodell House (1928)

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  Frederick E. and Albina Bodell House (1928)

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  Carl W. Miller House (ca 1926)

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  Carl W. Miller House (ca 1926)

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  Sidney A. and Edith Kane House (1949)

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  Sidney A. and Edith Kane House (1949)

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  Allen H. Grimwood House (ca 1925)

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  Allen H. Grimwood House (ca 1925)

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  Edmund J. and Margaret A. Sullivan House (1931-32)

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  Edmund J. and Margaret A. Sullivan House (1931-32)

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  John J. Bidder House (ca 1926)

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  John J. Bidder House (ca 1926)