Spending some time on the front porch isn’t always a leisurely activity.
Construction is underway on another stage of the Providence Academy renovation, replacing the first-floor porch and installing columns that will support upper-level balconies directly above.
The location, near the front entrance and facing Evergreen Boulevard, offers a better showcase for the work than some previous parts of the project.
Much of the earlier work was done on the building’s north-facing back side and inside the roof. Roofing work also is continuing.
It’s all part of Phase 1 of renovating the four-story landmark at 400 E. Evergreen Blvd. The opening phase is expected to wrap up in about six weeks, said Kaare Hyde, facilities manager for The Historic Trust.
The trust acquired Providence Academy, built by pioneering nun Mother Joseph, in February 2015. The nonprofit kicked off the restoration project with the help of $1 million from the state’s capital budget.
They’ve been able to check off an important element in preserving the 144-year-old brick structure.
“All the seismic bracing on the roof is done,” Hyde said. “It was done on the interior to tie the brick wall to the roof. That’s a good milestone.”
Phase 1, budgeted at about $1.7 million, has included some surprises.
“The area with built-in gutters was completely enclosed and there was water intrusion. Even though it looked good on the outside, water was trapped and caused rot on the inside.”
The trust is already looking forward to Phase 2, Hyde said.
After fundraising, the focus will shift to the brickwork and exterior windows and doors.
“We’ll be finishing the envelope entirely,” Hyde said. “And then we’ll bring it inside.
“We probably are looking at at least two more phases, maybe three,” Hyde said.
