Rhode Island College
Forman Center

The Forman Center is the oldest building on the Rhode Island College campus, built as a home for George W. Chapin in 1875. It was later gifted to the O’Rourke Center, where it became the Superintendent’s house until the facility’s closure in 1979. Rhode Island College acquired the building in 1991 and turned it into their Administrative offices. In 2017, BTGA was hired to assess the exterior envelop and make recommendations to restore the facility. Work included new roofs, copper gutters, masonry repointing, door replacement, and extensive wood trim repairs. The rear patio was upgraded and a bowing retaining wall added in the 90s was replaced. Care in matching the historic detailing of the building was a crucial aspect of the project. BTGA worked with a paint expert who provided us with period-appropriate paint schemes and specific color locations on the integrated trim detailing throughout the building. Our firm worked closely with the contractor and their subs to ensure every detail was done right, both to match historically and to reduce future degradation of the building elements. These details included troweling techniques for the masonry repointing, installing cast iron boots to protect exposed downspouts, updating flashing details at window sills, and a woven roof shingle installation.

Client
Rhode Island College

Location
Providence, RI

Circa
1875

Year
2021