This Saturday, June 4th, the Providence Preservation Society hosts their annual Festival of Historic Houses, with Blackstone Boulevard as the featured neighborhood. As the event approaches, we thought it might be appropriate to highlight what makes this area of the East Side so worthy. 
Known throughout Providence for the walking path which extends down the center, the Blackstone Boulevard neighborhood was developed in 1894. Designed by the renowned Olmsted brothers, their landscaping introduced the City Beautiful movement to Providence and what we now use as a walking path, was originally created as a trolley line. While this location had previously been somewhat isolated, the trolley brought development to the community and it quickly became one of the most desirable addresses in Providence. The trolley stopped running in 1948, but the historic houses remain. Lincoln School, where tickets for the event will be sold, marks the beginning of the Boulevard. Established in 1884, Lincoln is the East Side’s oldest all-girls school, and the building exemplifies the historic structures that line the Boulevard. While most of these are of course, residential, they all maintain a similar character and grandeur that allow for a very “private” feel. The houses are mostly medium to large, built in the early to mid 20th century, and are architecturally similar to those built on College Hill during the 18th and 19th centuries. At the end of the Boulevard lies Lippitt Memorial Park, as well as a number of cafes, restaurants and shops. So, from 11:00AM to 5:00PM, you can enjoy the beauty of several of these homes which help make the area vibrant and popular. Additional information can be obtained on the Providence Preservation Society website.
Known throughout Providence for the walking path which extends down the center, the Blackstone Boulevard neighborhood was developed in 1894. Designed by the renowned Olmsted brothers, their landscaping introduced the City Beautiful movement to Providence and what we now use as a walking path, was originally created as a trolley line. While this location had previously been somewhat isolated, the trolley brought development to the community and it quickly became one of the most desirable addresses in Providence. The trolley stopped running in 1948, but the historic houses remain. Lincoln School, where tickets for the event will be sold, marks the beginning of the Boulevard. Established in 1884, Lincoln is the East Side’s oldest all-girls school, and the building exemplifies the historic structures that line the Boulevard. While most of these are of course, residential, they all maintain a similar character and grandeur that allow for a very “private” feel. The houses are mostly medium to large, built in the early to mid 20th century, and are architecturally similar to those built on College Hill during the 18th and 19th centuries. At the end of the Boulevard lies Lippitt Memorial Park, as well as a number of cafes, restaurants and shops. So, from 11:00AM to 5:00PM, you can enjoy the beauty of several of these homes which help make the area vibrant and popular. Additional information can be obtained on the Providence Preservation Society website.
