THE HOPE CLUB
6 Benevolent Street, Providence, RI / website
Tucked into the upscale residential neighborhood of Historic College
HIll, the Hope Club has been around before most Providence residents
can remember. Built in 1885 in the Queen Anne style by architects Gould
and Angell, this club boasts the title of the oldest private club house
in the United States.
It
is with this history in mind that Walsh Architect took the initial
steps in considering the club's proposal for a new addition and
renovations to the main building. The primary addition to the space
that rectified several problems -- the building's having outgrown
building codes and ADA requirements, sereval flaws in the existing
building layout, no elevators existed -- and brought with it countless
new benefits, was a major addition made to the front facade. Inset with
a large, windowed rotunda. This addition contained a dining room,
surrounded by windows, matching those constructed originally. This
addition allowed for a kitchen to be built directly adjacent to the
dining area on the main floor, allowing easy access for the staff, and
faster service for members. The advantageous placement of this round
room allows for a panoramic view of historic providence from College
Hill, and the view extends well past downtown.
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