TIMELINE
February 20| 1956
The Providence Preservation Society is formed in response to Brown University demolishing swaths of College Hill area of Providence to create a student housing quadrangle.
John Nicholas Brown is elected chairman, and Mrs. Elizabeth (Betty) Allen is elected President.
April | 1957
The federal government grants $48,533 to the Providence City Plan Commission, equaling 2/3 of the funds needed for a demonstration study aimed at, "developing an improving techniques for urban renewal in a historic area."
PPS raises $18,530 ($168,762.28 in 2016 dollars) to match the federal funds, and the City Plan Commission guarantees staff services. The team is given 18 months to complete the study.
July | 1959
The College Hill Study is released to the general pubic, and outline 9 major points to revitalize College Hill.
Feb | 1956
Apr | 1957
July |1959
15 Benevolent Street during demolition to make way for the Keeney Quadrangle. Jan. 1956. Photo: John Hutchins Cady Research Scrapbooks, Providence Public Library.
John Nicholas Brown (left), Antoinette Downing, & Washington Irving present an award to the Superintendant of Buildings Howard P. Brelsford Photo: Providence Journal Bulletin, Providence Preservation Society 25th Anniversary.
April |1961
April | 1961
A follow up to the study, College Hill 1961: Progress after Planning, is published showing the successful rehabilitation of homes in the study area.
May | 1967
May | 1967
A second edition of the College Hill Study is published, with an added section, "Progress Since 1959."
Read a full copy of the second edition here.
