Giving Back to Our Communities
Brewster Thornton Group Architects (BTGA) was founded on a commitment to our community and has spent more than 30 years dedicated to making a difference in the places we live and work. In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to give back to our communities. Over the last few months, BTGA has sought out pro-bono clients in need of our services in public, faith, and arts areas:
Public – Projects include the relocation of the Wall of Hope, an art installation created after the tragedies of 9-11. Originally designed for Rhode Island for Community and Justice, BTGA designed a memorial using over 13,000 hand-painted tiles by Rhode Islanders demonstrating their vision of “Hope”. Today, we are working with the group to repair, refurbish, and reinstall the wall in a more permanent location in downtown Providence. Expected to be completed in 2021, the Wall of Hope promotes peace and unity in our community.
Faith – Matthewson St. Church, located in downtown Providence, has been a pro-bono client since 2017, with BTGA providing accessibility, egress, and fire code consulting for their multi-purpose building. Today, we are working to provide a sidewalk ramp and interior lift that will allow better access to not only their church but also the soup kitchen and community theater it houses.
At Central Congregational Church, inclusion is at the heart of its weekly sermons. Partner and active Central member Barbara Thornton has donated her services to increase access there by designing a new accessible Family bathroom as well as interior renovations to the existing Men’s and Women’s rooms. This is the first phase of a larger interior upgrade of the church.
Arts – During this pandemic that has unequally impacted our Latino community, BTGA is volunteering our services to help Teatro ECAS, located in the historic Elmwood neighborhood. This non-profit has been the “State’s leading Latino theater and performing arts organization” since 1997. Our design team is currently investigating non-permanent structure options to provide an exterior waiting and ticket area, as well as options for reconfiguring the small interior footprint. We will continue our efforts through the summer to aid in grant funding applications and to build a long-term masterplan.
Utilizing its expertise in historic restoration, BTGA is developing an elevator study for the Blackstone River Theater that sensitively improves access to its second-floor classrooms. The Blackstone River Theater, specializing in music, dance, and folk art, is known for its cultural art center, art education space, and community services. They are dedicated to improving art awareness through their public and private events including their annual Summer Solstice Festival, children’s fairs, and art gallery. Located on the former site of the Unity Masonic Lodge, the building is on the National Registry of Historic Places. programming options and community outreach. Our work will be used in grant applications to acquire needed funding.