When you look around at real estate it is impressive how creative people can be. On the corner of Division Road and Rector Streets in East Greenwich, an architect ‘repurposed a classic, steeple church into a great single family home:
In Rhode Island one of the most impressive cases of repurposing involves the conversion of Nineteenth Century mills into condominiums. Whether Hamilton Mills in North Kingstown, Royal Mills in West Warwick, it is a clever use of what would otherwise be obsolete. The space in mills is grand, with high ceilings. Complimented by stone walls and massive timbers, these residences have character and substance. Moreover, many are located on rivers and or the bay. It is noteworthy that our primal desire to be near water never leaves us. It has been the tradition in Rhode Island for centuries.
There are numerous other examples around the area of re-purposed properties:
the gas station that is now a coffee shop, the fire station that is now townhouses; and the mill pump house that is now offices. Recognizing the advantage of ‘saving’ obsolete properties and giving them purpose, some uses are simply not prudent. Some towns and cities have been very creative and far thinking in their approach to these properties. In a State with a long rich architectural heritage, it is encouraging to see repurposing, rather than flat-world big box store and big box houses. It is generally more expensive to re-purpose, restore property rather than level it and start from scratch. But the end product has more character and uniqueness than most new construction. It is possible that the swamp Yankee attitude that refuses to let anything go to waste is producing some great re-purposed properties.
For additional information log onto www.phippsrealty.com
No comments:
Post a Comment