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Discover Rhode Island

Living History: A Guide to the Region’s Historic Sites and Cultural Roots

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Living HISTORY: A GUIDE TO THE REGION’S HISTORIC SITES AND CULTURAL ROOTS One of the 13 original colonies in the United States, Rhode Island boasts a fascinating history central to the country’s heritage. This corner of New England is rich in remnants from both the Colonial and Revolutionary periods, offering countless opportunities for visitors and residents alike to explore and learn. 40 THE 401 + | RHODE ISLAND & THE FARM COAST

MOTT & CHACE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 41

Historical Significance

The nation’s core principles of liberty and tolerance can be traced to Rhode Island. Colonist Roger Williams, a proponent of religious freedom, established the Providence settlement after purchasing land from the Narragansett Indians. He strongly believed in the separation of church and state, an idea later enshrined in the Constitution.

Rhode Island played a pivotal role during the Revolutionary War, too. On May 4, 1776, it became the first colony to officially renounce King George III of England. The state was also the site of the Siege of Newport in 1778, instrumental in turning the war’s tide as the British lost a key strategic position. The charming seaport town of Bristol honors the state’s deep history with the longest-running Independence Day observances in the country, dating from 1785 and continuing today.

Industrial Impact

The Ocean State holds a key place in America’s industrial growth, too. It was the site of the Slater Mill, established as the country’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill. This was vital to widespread economic development, given cotton’s significant mass production.

It paved the way for more textile factories, supporting mass immigration and marking the beginning of the Industrial Revolution — which precipitated a tremendous shift in the country’s economic prosperity and societal growth.

Experience History Firsthand

There are many ways to get a sense of the impact Rhode Island had on American history. That incredible history is carefully preserved in many museums, historic districts, and cultural landmarks that residents can immerse themselves in.

Fort Adams

In Newport, for example, locals can explore landmarks such as Fort Adams, the country’s most complex fortification. Designed to defend against threats from both land and sea, it’s an engaging experience for history fanatics who wish to learn more about how 18th-century military officers and their families lived. Guests can even walk the underground tunnels on guided or self-guided tours.

Museum of Newport History

For even deeper insight into why Newport is one of the most historically significant cities in the country, the Museum of Newport History, run by The Newport Historical Society, provides a comprehensive overview of the city’s critical contributions to the nation. Exhibits include thousands of objects, artworks, and photographs that highlight the importance of Newport County’s history from the 17th century to the modern day.

Whaling Capital of the World

The nearby town of New Bedford, Massachusetts, provides a fascinating look at America’s whaling heritage. Once known as the “Whaling Capital of the World,” New Bedford is home to the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Here, visitors learn about the industry that dominated the region’s robust economy in the 19th century. The extensive collection of artifacts offers a compelling look at sea life, including multiple whale skeletons and a vast selection of scrimshaw carvings, an impressive arrangement that is the result of nearly 25 years of cataloging.

Discover Rhode Island

Call of the Ocean: The Benefits and Considerations of Waterfront Living

Tomaquag Museum

Those interested in Indigenous history may wish to visit the Tomaquag Museum in Exeter. Highlighting the traditions of the state’s first people, it offers in-depth guided tours showcasing Indigenous artwork, artifacts, and culturally significant items. The museum invites guests to engage in a variety of artistic demonstrations, lectures, and classes to encourage meaningful conversations and celebrate the richness of Rhode Island’s Indigenous culture.

Mile of History

There are many historic districts situated throughout the state, so no matter where new residents choose to settle, they’ll never be far from a historic area. Benefit Street in Providence, for example, is considered the “Mile of History.” Beyond its marvelous and carefully maintained 18th- and 19th-century architecture, the road is lined with notable institutions like the circa-1877 Rhode Island School of Design, the Providence Art Club established in 1880, legendary Brown University, and the First Baptist Church in America (which was founded by early settlers, including Roger Williams). Walking along the Mile of History is like stepping into another time and particularly resonates with those with a deep appreciation for American history.

Other Significant Structures

There are many other culturally significant structures to keep in mind, like the popular Chateau-sur-mer Mansion in Newport, a luxurious mansion dating from the extravagant Gilded Age. The Redwood Library and Athenaeum dates from 1747 and is not only the country’s oldest neoclassical building but also home to a diverse selection of rare books.

Uniting the Past and Present

Rhode Island’s legacy is vast and impressive. From its meticulously preserved Revolutionary War landmarks to its many cultural sites, the state honors its history and its considerable contributions to American history.

The Benefits and Considerations of Waterfront Living

From picture-perfect Jamestown and the magnificent Narragansett Bay to the serene shores of the Block Island Sound, Rhode Island provides plenty of options for those looking to invest in a property by the sea. Waterfront living conjures an image of peace and calm, of days that begin with the sunrise over the ocean and end with the moonlight reflecting off the waves. Those who live with the sea in their backyard enjoy many benefits, from a close community lifestyle to improved mental and physical health. As you consider whether Rhode Island waterfront living is right for you, take a closer look at how it can impact your lifestyle and the practical considerations that come with owning an abode by the sea.

MOTT & CHACE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 47

“Waterfront living conjures an image of peace and calm, of days that begin with the sunrise over the ocean and end with the moonlight reflecting off the waves.” 48 THE 401 + | RHODE ISLAND & THE FARM COAST

The Benefits of Life by the Coast

Ask people who live on the water what they love about it, and their answers will almost certainly vary. There’s no question that the sweeping views and natural scenery are among the elements that attract people to waterfront living the most. Being able to look out the window and see the water has a way of making every day feel like a vacation.

Living on the water also offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. From sailing and watersports to fishing and kayaking, a wealth of water-based activities is available. Many coastal communities, such as Charlestown and Newport, are also close to some of Rhode Island’s best coastal state parks and wildlife areas, providing even more opportunities to explore.

Consider the adjectives often used to describe coastal areas — quiet, tranquil, serene, relaxing — and it’s not hard to understand why waterfront living is also associated with a positive mental state. Living on the water can have a calming effect, reducing stress levels, balancing mood, and possibly even improving sleep.

Considerations of Waterfront Living

As every homeowner knows, all homes require maintenance. Waterfront residences are no exception, though extra care is required to maintain these homes, especially those near saltwater, as the combination of salt and moisture can cause corrosion.

Luckily, rust is easily avoided through the use of more corrosive-resistant materials like aluminium, stainless steel, fiberglass and vinyl, so consider these for external home features. Varnish helps shield exterior wood from the elements, and paint should generally be touched up every few years. Outdoor equipment, boats, and furniture should be stored in a protected place during the off-season.

Design Tips for Waterfront Homes

Interior design is one of the keys to getting the most out of a waterfront home. With the water so close, why shut all that natural beauty outside?

Bringing the coastal experience into the home starts with selecting the perfect color palette. Take inspiration from the land and sea, and use sandy neutrals, pale greens and blues to create an open, inviting space. There’s also nothing wrong with bold color choices. In a space dominated by muted tones, a few accents of a richer or brighter color can add depth to the space.

Next, consider furniture and furnishings. Using natural materials such as wood for larger structures such as tables and bookshelves creates a sense of harmony with nature in the home, as do stone tiles and marble countertops in the kitchen and bathroom. Implementing natural fabrics such as linen for bedding and locally sourced materials like sea glass and driftwood for artwork are other great ways to emphasize the home’s connection to the ocean setting.

It’s also wise to maximize whatever view of the water may be available. Ceiling-to-floor windows and skylights welcome in daylight and provide expansive views of the ocean, while outdoor decking provides space to relax or dine alfresco looking over the water.

Discover Rhode Island

Renovating Rhode Island: Property Transformations and Architectural Innovations

Considering Sustainability

Owing to the area’s surrounding beauty, many Rhode Island homeowners naturally want to prioritize sustainability in their properties to ensure the preservation of their community for decades to come. Popular measures include the use of solar panels to generate greener energy for the home, glazed windows to control interior temperatures, and durable timber for renovation work. Choosing to work with local professionals is key to finding the best environmentally friendly solutions for the home, as they have extensive knowledge of Rhode Island’s climate and materials.

Experience Life on the Waterfront

As Jacques Cousteau once said, “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” Whether a coastal property is a vacation home or a year-round residence, people often discover that the peace and harmony of waterfront living never leaves them.

Renovating Rhode Island: Property Transformations and Architectural Innovations

It may be the smallest state in the country, but its compact size doesn’t prevent Rhode Island from having a rich architectural history. From its beautiful mansions, many dating back centuries, to its charming Colonial Revival homes, the state features an array of property styles that reflect its deep historical roots. For both homeowners and renovators, these traditions can inspire modern renovations that honor the past while embracing present-day luxury.

What the experts say... The Cost of Designing Your Home Without a Plan The costliest design decisions aren't always the most expensive — they're the ones that lock you into a direction before you've established an overall vision. As a project unfolds, decisions naturally arise at every stage. The challenge isn't making them — it's making them before the larger vision has been established. Every choice influences the next. Without a comprehensive design plan, even well-intentioned decisions can limit future possibilities, create unnecessary compromises, or require revisions that could have been avoided. The most successful homes begin with a clear design vision that establishes the direction before individual selections are made. That roadmap allows every architectural detail, finish, furnishing, and material to work together, resulting in a home that feels intentional, cohesive, and deeply personal. At Blakely Interior Design, every project begins with a comprehensive design plan. By establishing the overall vision first, we can guide every decision with intention — transforming hundreds of individual selections into one cohesive home. Blakely Interior Design 401.789.1516 blakelyinteriordesign.com 55

Popular Architectural Styles in Rhode Island

As diverse as the state itself, architectural styles throughout Rhode Island range from classic to contemporary. Old-world European influence is evident in many design characteristics, providing residents with beautiful options that nod to tradition and maintain the essence of bygone eras. Some of the most iconic styles in the Ocean State include:

Colonial

Colonial homes, dating from the 17th century, are common throughout the state. A mere walk around Newport reveals all manner of carefully preserved colonials dating back centuries. Colonial homes are commonly side-gabled and flat-faced with steep roofs designed to prevent the build-up of snow. Modern structures that are colonial-inspired typically have more intricate details than their predecessors, for example, they may feature molding along eaves and colorful shutters.

When evaluating a piece, consider its scale, lighting, and placement in a room. Large works can serve as dramatic focal points, while smaller pieces work well in groups. Viewing artwork in person can also help you appreciate textures, details, and dimensions that photographs may not fully capture.

For those new to collecting, speaking with experienced gallery professionals can provide valuable insight into different artistic styles, mediums, and artists, helping you make informed decisions.

For more than 30 years, Charlestown Gallery has specialized in fine contemporary art, regional painting, and sculpture. The gallery offers in-person and virtual consultations to help collectors discover artwork that complements their homes and personal collections.

Charlestown Gallery

401.364.0120

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discover the largest collection of fine contemporary art in Southern Rhode Island Theresa Girard Water Spirit 44x44 30 YEARS | 60 ARTISTS 3,000 SQUARE FEET FINE CONTEMPORARY ART | Thursday - Monday 11 - 4 5000 South County Trail, Charlestown, RI 02813 ÚCharlestownGalleryRI | 401-364-0120 | charlestowngalleryri.com

Cape Cod

Cape Cod architectural styles became popular in New England in the 1930s and remain present in Rhode Island today, offering a simple, relatively traditional look highlighted by details like steep rooftops, cedar shingles, and windows with shutters. The design is largely symmetric, with a central front door and a hall running the width of the home.

Georgian

Georgian-style homes, much like Cape Cod and Colonial-style architecture, often feature a symmetrical design and include dormer windows. The rooftops have a gentle pitch, and the homes are usually clad in shingles. Overall, these houses have a neat, orderly, and precise appearance as the windows and doors are evenly spaced, and lower/ upper windows are directly placed above and below each other.

Tudor

Cottage-like structures bearing distinctive details from Gothic Revival architecture, Tudor homes have a unique quality about them. Many are reflective of the decorative style of the Gilded Age, with details like ornate ceilings and carved walls lending the interiors their special character and steeply pitched roofs and leaded or stained glass windows bringing some charm to the exterior.

Victorian

Victorian homes in Rhode Island can usually be identified at a quick glance as the architectural style can be spotted by its multiple steep roofs and decidedly asymmetrical appearance. These homes bear an almost fantasy-like quality distinguished by wraparound porches, jutting bay windows, and fanciful details like turrets and scallops.

Tips for Renovating a Rhode Island Property

Consider Preservation Guidance

Renovating a property in Rhode Island, no matter its original architectural design, presents unique opportunities and challenges. Whether you’re considering a large-scale structural renovation project or want to refresh the appearance of a property with small, efficient renovation solutions, paying due diligence to the planning process and tailoring your project to meet the unique requirements of your property’s location is extremely beneficial.

Many homes in Rhode Island are protected by local or national historic preservation ordinances. Homes in areas like the East Side in Providence and the Bellevue Avenue Historic District in Newport, for example, may be protected by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission. A renovation project that restores the original historic character of a building is possible but may require a more analytical planning process to ensure the important features of the property are preserved. Before beginning a renovation project, consult with local preservation specialists, zoning boards, or architects to ensure that your proposed idea meets any local requirements. Failing to meet specific regulations could set the project back considerably.

Weatherproofing for Coastal Living

Given the state’s proximity to the ocean, homes are continuously exposed to salty air, occasional winds, and fluctuating temperatures year-round. This should be a key consideration when renovating a property in Rhode Island, ensuring a focus on using weather-resistant materials to protect the integrity of the home to ensure the longevity of the updates. Stainless steel, fiberglass, and weather-resistant masonry paint are all commonly recommended materials and products that can withstand Rhode Island’s weather conditions.

Discover Rhode Island

Arts on the Water: The Unique Charm of Providence’s Waterfire

Harmonize Old and New

Many new Rhode Island properties incorporate the best of old-world architecture with modern amenities. When renovating an older property, this can serve as a powerful reference point for creating a comfortable, livable space reflective of the state’s historic character accompanied by modern conveniences. Continuously consider balance during the design and planning processes to ensure you achieve this goal. Incorporating

modern details, like sustainable elements (energy-efficient windows, low-VOC paint, and high-efficiency appliances, for example), spa bathrooms, and open floor plans, can significantly improve the quality of life for a property’s inhabitants. Meanwhile, preserving details of character, like unique crown moldings and wainscoting, ensures that unique and historical features aren’t lost in the design process.

Creating Your Dream Home By carefully integrating new details with older architecture and preserving the character of a building, a Rhode Island home can take on a refreshed and unique appearance. Working with professionals who understand local nuances and laws is vital to the process and will ensure a project is completed successfully. Complimentary PROJECT GUIDE BOOK mention this advertisement MOTT & CHACE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 63

The Unique Charm of Providence’s Waterfire

WaterFire is an enchanting fire art installation set in the rivers that flow through the city of Providence. Designed by a local artist, WaterFire attracts locals and visitors alike, dazzling them with stunning bonfires that light up the night sky. During this event, held on various dates throughout the year, visitors can dine in riverfront restaurants and stroll through vendor booths while viewing the incredible installations. Experience downtown Providence like never before by visiting a WaterFire Providence lighting and connecting with the community.

WaterFire’s History

WaterFire dates back to 1994 when Barnaby Evans hosted First Fire, a celebration honoring the 10-year anniversary of Providence’s First Night, the city’s annual New Year’s Eve event. In this eye-catching display, Evans erected bonfires in the city’s three downtown rivers, creating an unforgettable art installation for visitors to enjoy. Just two years later, in 1996, Evans created Second Fire, another fire art installation in downtown Providence as a part of the International Sculpture Conference, which attracted thousands of spectators.

Discover Rhode Island

Where the Sea Meets the Sentence: Writers of Rhode Island

The popularity of these unique fire art installations grew, which propelled Evans to continue to showcase them. WaterFire Providence became a nonprofit organization, with volunteers and local support helping to bring these fire installations, or braziers, to the city regularly. Just three years after First Fire, WaterFire grew to 42 installations showcased during 13 lightings, attracting more than 350,000 spectators. Those numbers continued to grow over the next decade, with an increasing number of braziers supported by more sponsors, more volunteers, and more lighting dates. Today, WaterFire Providence runs from April through December – though specific months vary annually - with regular lightings attracting locals and visitors alike. In total, one million visitors experience WaterFire Providence annually, with the event bringing in $149 million to support the local economy.

Immerse Yourself in WaterFire Providence

Providence locals and visitors can enjoy various WaterFire Providence installations throughout the year. WaterFire Providence represents a full-sensory experience for visitors, allowing them to see the flames reflect on the water, feel the warmth of the fire, and smell the pine and cedar permeating the downtown air. In addition to viewing the fire installations, visitors have many other activities to enjoy. Each event is set to a carefully curated playlist, allowing visitors to listen to music while they watch the lighting of the bonfires.

Food and drink vendors dot Washington Street and College Street, allowing visitors to sample local fare while experiencing this one-of-a-kind event. For even more of a local touch, visitors can stroll through artists’ booths, exploring handcrafted ceramics, paintings, sculptures, jewelry, textile art, photography, and more.

WaterFire Providence visitors also have the opportunity to plan special celebrations during the event, ranging from marriage proposals to birthday parties and boat rides. Luminaries scattered across the Star Field WaterFire serve as an ideal location for celebrating special moments. Experience a candlelit dinner or reception at one of the city’s riverfront restaurants, with the stunning bonfires serving as the backdrop of the event. Visitors can also book a boat ride that weaves through the fire installations, giving an incredible vantage point of the event. Gondola rides are also available, offering visitors many ways to explore and experience WaterFire Providence.

Additional Information and Attendance Tips

Providence is an easy-to-navigate and walkable city, which makes accessing WaterFire Providence simple. Visitors can find convenient metered street parking and garages throughout downtown, or they can park in nearby College Hill on the East Side. Providence is also a 45-minute train ride from Boston, serving as an ideal spot for a quick getaway.

Admission to WaterFire Providence is free, but visitors can make a small donation to support the nonprofit and the event. Add-ons, such as lighting a luminaria, come with an additional charge and can enhance your WaterFire experience. Customized experiences allow visitors to use WaterFire as the backdrop of memorable moments.

Full and partial lightings offer various options for experiencing WaterFire Providence. Full WaterFire lightings showcase up to 80 braziers that remain lit until midnight. Partial lightings may include up to 12 braziers, including those featured in Memorial Park or Waterplace Park; ensure you are aware of which lighting event you are planning to attend to avoid disappointment.

Experience WaterFire Providence, the spectacular fire installations that light up the city. Become a part of one of the city’s top events by attending a lighting and engaging with local vendors and businesses.

WHERE THE SEA

Writers of Rhode Island

New England’s literary heritage is a cornerstone of American literature. It is impossible to fully appreciate New England’s rich literary traditions without acknowledging the contributions of Rhode Island authors. Rhode Island is home to many renowned American writers. Its landscape, featuring rocky beaches, lush inland forests, and charming Colonial towns, has inspired countless classic works.

H.P. Lovecraft

Providence, R.I., is the birthplace of H. P. Lovecraft, the early 20th-century author who pioneered the horror and science fiction genres. Born in Providence in 1890, Lovecraft was a cult figure whose literary reputation only grew after his death in 1937.

Having lived in Providence for most of his life, H. P. Lovecraft frequently set his eerie stories in the city, often mentioning actual locations. The Old Court Bed & Breakfast in College Hill appears in The Shunned House, while Lovecraft used the address of his own Barnes Street residence as a backdrop in The Case of Charles Dexter Ward.

MOTT & CHACE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 71

Discover Rhode Island

From Break to Basket: The Rhythms of Luxury Living in Rhode Island

Ann Hood

Ann Hood, born in West Warwick, Rhode Island, in 1956, is a renowned novelist and short story author.

She graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1978 and published her debut novel, Somewhere Off the Coast of Maine, in 1987, which is the first of over a dozen novels.

Ann Hood has drawn on her personal experiences and the landscape of her home state in many of her works. Her 2014 novel, “An Italian Wife,” focuses on an Italian-American family that, similar to Hood’s own family, settled in Rhode Island in the 19th century.

David Macaulay

David Macaulay, known as an author, illustrator, and visual storyteller, has had a distinguished career as America’s leading “explainer-in-chief.” His works, including The Way Things Work series, Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction, and Castle, feature rich, architecturally inspired illustrations that make the inner workings of everyday objects accessible to both children and adults.

Born in England in 1946, David Macaulay moved to the United States with his family when he was 11 years old. He studied architecture — and later taught — at the Rhode Island School of Design.

Among Macaulay’s other works are a series of murals displayed along I-95 in Rhode Island. He is celebrated for his skill in explaining how things work through detailed, often humorous, illustrations.

Cormac McCarthy

Cormac McCarthy, one of the most celebrated American novelists of the second half of the 20th century, was born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1933. He spent his early childhood in Rhode Island before his family relocated to Tennessee in 1937. McCarthy spent much of his adult life in the American Southwest, the setting for many of his novels—often dark and violent Western stories. He is best known for his “Border Trilogy,” which includes All the Pretty Horses as well as No Country for Old Men, which adapted into Academy Award-winning films in 2007. McCarthy is regarded as one of the most influential American writers of his era, known for his distinctive minimalist style that uses sparse punctuation. His works explore themes such as the nature of evil, human resilience, fate, and the fragility of existence.

Inspiration in Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s landscape has consistently fostered literary creativity. It’s also an inspiring place to live daily, with its windswept coast and rolling hills offering constant beauty.

FROM BREAK T O BASKET: 74 THE 401 + | RHODE ISLAND & THE FARM COAST

The Rhythms of Luxury Living in Rhode Island

Rhode Island living is embodied by its distinctive coastal culture, where rich history, outdoor recreation and elevated culinary traditions coexist. It is a lifestyle that is deeply rooted in Rhode Island’s scenic landscape and rugged coastline.

The state’s vibrant surf scene and its commitment to locally sourced food showcase this refined yet locally rooted lifestyle. Both highlight how life on Rhode Island’s coast and countryside is built on strong community bonds, as steady as the waves and the changing seasons.

The Surfing Capital of the East Coast

Although surfing is often associated with the West Coast, the East Coast also boasts its own vibrant surf scene. New England is generally considered the top spot on the East Coast, with Rhode Island especially known for its diverse coastline that suits all skill levels.

Rhode Island’s surfing appeal lies in its uniquely winding shoreline. Though the state is just 48 miles long and 37 miles wide, its coastline stretches nearly 400 miles. With beaches and breaks facing multiple directions, surfers can often find rideable waves regardless of wind and swell conditions. Beach breaks cater to beginners, while point and rock breaks attract more advanced surfers.

The rhythm of Rhode Island’s surf reflects a lifestyle of resilience and adventure. This accessible surfing culture pairs seamlessly with the state’s luxury coastal homes, where residents can enjoy world-class waves just steps from elegant waterfront living in Newport, Middletown, and South County. Here are some of the top spots that attract surfers to Rhode Island’s coast.

Rhode Island’s Legendary Surf Spots

Point Judith

Point Judith in Narragansett, resembling a peninsula, is a favorite destination for local surfers in Rhode Island’s South County. While it can become crowded during prime surf conditions, its series of separate breaks provides fast, heavy waves ideal for advanced surfers. The presence of slippery rocks, a jagged seabed, and a hazardous breakwater makes it unsuitable for beginners.

Matunuck

South Kingstown’s Matunuck closely resembles Point Judith, with three main breaks named Deep Hole, Trestles, and the Point, aligned east to west. Each location features waves breaking over cobblestone and boulder reefs. Matunuck provides reliable surf year-round, becoming more suitable for beginners in the summer.

Second Beach

Located just east of Newport in Middletown, Second Beach offers waves suitable for all skill levels. This south-facing beach is renowned for being one of the most reliable and top summer surf spots in Rhode Island, particularly when south swells arrive, energizing a beach that often remains calm otherwise. Close by, First Beach is also a great choice, especially when an eastern swell is present.

Supporting Local Growers and Makers

Rhode Island’s local surf culture is a key part of its unique charm, but it’s just one aspect of what attracts people here. Equally lively is the state’s active farmers’ market scene, where fresh, local produce fosters community weekly. With approximately 1,000 farms covering more than 59,000 acres, agriculture remains a vital part of the state’s identity and daily life. For those looking to live somewhere that values both coastal adventure and deep-rooted local tradition, Rhode Island provides the perfect combination.

This includes significant production of greenhouse and nursery products, along with traditional local agriculture such as dairy farms and apple orchards, in the state’s rolling interior. Additionally, Rhode Island’s coast facilitates thriving aquaculture, with oyster farmers harvesting and selling millions of oysters annually.

Farmers in Rhode Island provide ingredients that fuel a lively farm-to-table dining scene in cities such as Providence, which is famous as a foodie hub in New England. These local products are also available at many bustling farmers’ markets across the state, including several operated by Farm Fresh RI, an organization committed to enhancing the local food system.

Farmers Markets in Rhode Island

Farm-fresh food is never hard to come by in Rhode Island. In every corner of the state, local farmers’ markets offer the freshest products from local growers and makers.

Providence Farmers Market

Over 65 vendors gather every Saturday at the year-round Providence Farmers Market, hosted by Farm Fresh RI at its Providence headquarters. Shoppers can find seasonal produce, locally roasted coffee, and beer from nearby microbreweries.

Aquidneck Growers Market

Aquidneck Community Table hosts separate summer and winter markets in Newport, providing year-round access to regionally grown and produced food, including fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy products and seafood.

South Kingstown Farmers Market

The South Kingstown Farmers Market, one of Rhode Island’s longest-running and continuously operating farmers’ markets, takes place yearround on the URI Kingston Campus. It is held outdoors during summer and indoors in winter, showcasing dozens of local farms.

Living Life to the Fullest in Rhode Island

The rhythm of the waves and seasonal changes shape the daily life in Rhode Island. From the coast to the countryside, living in Rhode Island combines luxury with a strong local connection.

Discover Rhode Island

The Value of an Architect: Why Professional Design Pays for Itself

THE VALUE OF AN ARCHITECT:

Why Professional Design Pays for Itself

Ross Sinclair Cann, RA, AIA, LEED AP

When planning a building project, whether a new home, a commercial space, or a significant renovation, the temptation of an owner to skip the architect and go straight to a contractor is understandable. Architects cost money, and budgets are tight. But this logic is short-sighted. Hiring a licensed architect is not an added expense; it is one of the highest-returning investments a property owner can make.

Amateur designs and contractor-led projects frequently suffer from the same core problem: lack of integrated planning. A contractor's expertise lies in building what is documented in the design drawings, not in anticipating structural conflicts, code violations, or spatial inefficiencies before a single wall goes up. When problems emerge mid-construction (as it inevitably will when insufficient planning has been done) the cost to demolish, redesign, and rebuild will be far greater than what an architect's fee would have been. Studies in the construction industry consistently show that errors caught in the design phase cost a small fraction of what they cost to fix in the field.

Building codes exist for safety, and navigating them is a professional skill unto itself. Architects are trained and licensed to design within local zoning laws, fire codes, accessibility requirements, and structural standards. An amateur or an unchecked contractor who submits non-compliant plans faces permit rejections, stopwork orders, and mandatory alterations — all of which cascade into delays and cost overruns. An architect helps get it right the first time, keeping the project on schedule and legally sound.

Having a set of building documents allows the owner to competitively (and accurately) bid a project in a way that can be actually enforced from a legal perspective. Without these drawings and an architectsupplied contract, the owner will be completely in the hands of the contractor—for good or ill. Knowing that they are bidding against other qualified contractors will generally incentivize the various competing firm to give their best and lowest price. Often the savings gained from competitively bidding a project alone will be greater than the total design fees on a project, meaning that the owners are essentially getting a professional design free of charge, even before other benefits accrue later.

Paradoxically, a skilled architect often saves money on the overall project budget by specifying the right materials, optimizing the structural system, and eliminating redundancies before construction begins. Contractors, left to their own devices, often default to familiar, and not always the most cost-effective, methods and materials. An architect acts as the owner's advocate, reviewing contractor bids, identifying inflated line items, and ensuring the scope of work matches the original vision for the project.

The National Association of Realtors has noted that thoughtful design upgrades regularly yield returns of 70–100% or more at resale

Architecturally designed homes consistently command higher resale prices than comparable properties built without professional design oversight. A well-designed space — one that maximizes natural light, flow, and functionality — is immediately legible to buyers and appraisers alike. The National Association of Realtors has noted that thoughtful design upgrades regularly yield returns of 70–100% or more Architect fees typically run between 7% and 14% of total construction cost at resale. Living in or using a beautifully designed building yields benefits every day from the pleasure and superior functionality of the design, which is hard to put a value on. Architect fees typically run between 7% and 14% of total construction cost. Against the risk of mid-project redesigns, 7% code violations, contractor disputes, and lost resale value, that fee is not a cost — it is insurance, advocacy, and creative expertise all rolled into one. The question is not what you can save by forgoing the use of an architect. It is how much the building owner will lose, both in the short-term and long term, by going without one.

14% Ross Sinclair Cann, RA, AIA, LEED AP is a historian, educator, and practicing architect living BEFORE and Founding Principal of A4 Architecture in Newport, RI. He holds honors architectural degrees from Yale, Cambridge, and Columbia Universities and is a member of numerous committees, commissions, and boards. He has been a licensed and award-winning architect for more than 30 years. AFTER MOTT & CHACE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 83

Extraordinary Homes. Seamless Experience. A luxury home is more than a residence—it’s a reflection of your lifestyle. At Sweenor Builders, we bring visionary homes to life through a seamless in-house design/build process, masterful craftsmanship, and bespoke millwork. Our integrated approach ensures that every detail—from architectural vision to final finishes—is executed flawlessly, providing a stress-free experience for discerning homeowners. Image by: Brandon Dupont Photography Explore more Ú@sweenor_builders SweenorBuilders.com