A while back, I showed a photo of a very skinny building near my workplace. Now I have some professional photos from the Providence Revolving Fund, and I think they convey the uniqueness of this building better than my photograph.
I love how Providence works so hard to repurpose old and interesting buildings. This one is only a piece of an old building. Once condemned, it is now lovely and functional.
Here’s what the Providence Revolving Fund had to say before the dedication in May. “The partnership of David Stem, Lori Quinn and the Providence Revolving Fund announce the completion of the formerly-condemned George C. Arnold Building (built 1923). The Providence Redevelopment Agency (PRA) also played a pivotal role in the revitalization of this unique building.
“The mixed-use building houses two commercial units (Momo and a soon-to-be-opened [Asian] market) and three residential units. Two of the units are rented at affordable prices. The historic building rehabilitation was self-financed by the partnership and utilized Federal and State Historic Tax Credits and City of Providence Home Funds.”
I’ve noticed that most Providence buildings have names and people use the names, as if the buildings were pets. When you call something by its name, it strengthens your bond to it.
I’ve had the teriyaki chicken crêpe at Momo a couple times. Messy but delicious. I’m eager for the Asian market to open.
Suzanne's Mom's Blog 
Wouldn’t it be fun to live there, just because? When I lived in Buffalo, I noticed that the highways, which would typically be called by their number, all had names, too.
I’ve only been a visitor in Buffalo and didn’t notice that. I do think giving things names personalizes those things for you. I like to imagine that even inanimate objects would rather not be only a number.
*Long* overdue thanks for your wonderful blog! It’s the only one I read regularly, and always look forward to what has caught your attention this week!
This is such a sweet one, about the buildings in Providence–how delightful that some of them have affectionate names, and also how splendid to see a lovely and interesting multipurpose (commercial and residential) building right in the city!
I also truly loved your notes on “Goodwill and Listening,” and admit to some real envy of that experience, and congratulations on its continuity! When I watch my friends at First Parish, and at Valley UU in AZ, talking with each other about racial and cultural differences–in absence of anyone obviously *different,* I am grateful that they have the intention to think about these issues, but have to wonder if they–and all of us–might benefit from regular conversations such as yours.
Thank you so much! I hope you’re enjoying the summer; it always seems that summer days, even with their longer hours of light, fly by even faster than their winter counterparts!
Cheers.
What a terrific comment! Thank you so much. And yes, I think the success of the group had a lot to do with a strong representation from both Caucasians and not. And both by friend and I organized it and facilitated discussions. No one was boss.