The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission (RIHPHC) has honored the newly-opened Rumford Center with a State Preservation Project Award. The award recognizes the "particularly high quality rehabilitation" of the 270,000 s/f, nationally-registered historic Rumford Chemical Works mill into a modern mixed-use complex.
Designed by Prellwitz Chilinski Associates (PCA Inc), and developed by PK Rumford, a joint venture of the Peregrine Group, LLC, and Kirkbrae Development Corp., Rumford Center reconnected a historic mill to the community it once anchored, conducting brownfield site rehabilitation and converting 10 underused buildings into boutique retail and restaurant space, offices, and 88 loft-style apartments. Current tenants include Sentinel Financial Group, Seven Stars Bakery, and Punch Gym.
The new Rumford Center reinvigorates a significant cultural legacy in East Providence. The original Rumford Chemical Works opened in 1856, ultimately growing into a leading global producer of baking powder and the economic lynchpin of the surrounding community. The mill closed in 1968 and fell out of step with East Providence before being purchased for redevelopment.
"At Rumford, we saw iconic buildings that had fallen out of step with their surroundings," said Sarah Michelman, the project's architect. "We're thrilled that the RIHPHC recognized our effort to honor their significance while making a positive contribution to East Providence's future through modern mixed-use design."