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Elmwood Neighborhood > Episode 1: Kitchen Project Begins

Overview of the Elmwood Neighborhood Project

Project: Elmwood Neighborhood, Episode 1, Part 1

In the historic Elmwood neighborhood of Providence, RI, Bob talks with Mary Turkel and Bob Major (from the Providence Preservation Cooperative) about the changes taking place in the area. Bob also meets Jane and Luke Driver, whose kitchen renovation is one of the smaller scale projects Bob plans to cover. As demolition work begins, so too does plumbing and electrical. Also to come is a new kitchen floor made from reclaimed Pine.

Part 1: Overview of the Elmwood Neighborhood Project: Rhode Island's 150 square miles encompass harbors, beaches, the historic mansions of Newport, and the bustling downtown of Providence.

Providence expanded rapidly during the Industrial Revolution, then saw tremendous decline in the late-20th century. But currently, the city is experiencing a Renaissance and touts exciting public spaces such as Waterplace Park and Federal Hill which offer fine Italian dining.

In spite of suburban sprawl outside the city proper, historic preservation is a priority in Providence, as evidenced by a walk down Benefit Street, the site of many stately historic homes, testament to the city's early wealth.

Originally, Providence was established by those seeking religious freedom from the Massachusetts Bay Puritans. Roger Williams Park is named for the city's founder. This park is in proximity to the Elmwood neighborhood.

Built as Providence tripled in population between 1870 and 1910, Elmwood's developer made sure that the homes were built to a standard and that a trolley running along the main street, Adelaide, stretched all the way downtown.

Following the rise of automobiles and rapid road building, Elmwood became cut off from the heart of the city. The neighborhood eventually fell into decline. Once property values plummeted, many landlords turned the old single-family homes into apartments.

Only in recent years has the neighborhood come back. Adelaide Street is now on the National Registry of Historic Places. Project managers Bob Major and Mary Turkety, building professionals experienced with historic neighborhood preservation, are consulting with homeowners on topics ranging from materials to techniques to getting plans approved.
Part 2: House One: Tour of a Gothic Carpenter-Style Home
Part 3: Flooring, Plumbing, and Plastering
Part 4: Installing a Reclaimed Pine Floor

The theme of community building in the historic Elmwood neighborhood of Providence, RI, is the focus of this project. Rather than tackling one house, Bob Vila is helping 11 neighbors tackle smaller projects like porches, kitchens, bathrooms, and even a third-floor artist's studio.

Also from Elmwood Neighborhood

Episode 2 - Appliances and Deck Installed
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Description:
At the Gothic Carpenter-style home in the Elmwood neighborhood of Providence, RI, plaster and blue board are going up, and the pine floor is going down. In addition to a granite countertop, new Whirlpool appliances are installed. Other new features in the kitchen include Shrock cabinets, a Vermont Castings gas stove, and lighting design (from Markus Earley) that depends on Restoration-style fixtures from Rejuvenation Lamp & Fixture Co. Outside, contractor Brian Wiggin completes the new deck.
Episode 3 - Bathroom Renovation Begins
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Description:
Bob visits Pat and Roger Simons, homeowners undertaking a bathroom renovation. The plan is to redesign the layout, but keep some of the original features-- the mosaic tiles in the floor, for example. Bob helps Terry Bates (from Mult-R) with the demolition, and carpenter Bob Ryley is on hand to help with the insulation. A new tub is put in, along with a new stackable washer/dryer. Lighting designer Markus Earley talks about the lighting in the new bathroom, plus an innovative hydronic heating system. Last, Bob goes to Pat's studio, where her daughter, PK, is helping create a beautiful tile mural that will go in the shower.
Episode 4 - Sunroom and Hot Tub
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Description:
The third Elmwood project surrounds the addition of a sunroof and hot tub to an eclectic home in the neighborhood, often referred to as as the "castle" or the "haunted house." Homeowners Peter Karczmar and Cathy Lund have been working with restoration contractor Joe Wagner. Joe has done a great deal of work in the sunroom to reinforce the deck above, so it can support a hot tub. (Also, Forester Moulding has created reproductions of the deck's original railings).
Episode 6 - Restoring a "Bench" Porch
Episode 7 - Restoring the Front Porch
Episode 8 - Front Porch and Bathroom
Episode 9 - Two More Porch Renovations
Episode 10 - Front Porch Restoration
Episode 11 - Attic Demolition and Countertops
Episode 12 - Workout Room
Episode 13 - Project Wrap-Up

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