Back in 2010, a firestorm was raging in North Kingstown, Rhode Island about what to do to “Save the Beechwood.” The dearly-loved 19th century building had once served as a summer residence for RI governor Elisha Dyer, Jr. (1897-1900), later as an inn, and most recently as the town’s senior center. When the building was no longer able to serve the needs of the town’s seniors, a new senior center was built on the same property.
Standing in its original location overlooking Narragansett Bay, the old Beechwood was no longer needed. And due to the prohibitive cost of renovating the building, the old home was now being proposed for demolition.
A group of concerned North Kingstown residents organized a campaign to “Save the Beechwood House,” perhaps to renovate and serve as a museum, art gallery, or other community use. While there was plenty of grassroots support for the effort, there were many obstacles, primarily financial.
And then a local resident stepped forward. He offered to move the Beechwood to his property next door and restore it.
And that’s where Cordtsen Design Architecture came in, with architect and principal Spencer McCombe leading the way.
“[Andy] basically said, ‘Can you figure out a way to make this quasi-senior center, old Roaring ’20s-type of house, into something I could use?’” said McCombe.
But what was the condition of the structure? Was the timber in good shape? Could the building be salvaged? What challenges would we encounter as the project began? How could we honor the past with an eye to the future?
(Read all about this exciting project at “Beechwood House begins new chapter with renovations” in “The Independent,” Oct. 18, 2012.)
Want to see how it all turned out? See the beautiful Beechwood House standing tall over Narragansett Bay today: Beechwood House Restoration
We love a happy ending, don’t you?