Former Firehouse in Rhode Island Needs a Buyer to Deliver New Spark

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The chance to continue the evolution of an old Rhode Island firehouse should set off sparks in the minds of enterprising buyers.

We found this mixed-use, 7,305-square-foot property in Providence on the market for the bargain price of $537,000. The bottom floor of the old firehouse is zoned for commercial use, while the second and third floors are residential. Opportunities abound!

The building, still known as Firehouse 13 in the Providence arts community, was built in 1920. The well-preserved interior has all the original doors, hardware, and woodwork, along with materials salvaged from other historic buildings that were used for a renovation. The red doors and window frames maintain their historic firehouse appeal.

Firehouse interior

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The rooftop gazebo, which used to hold the alarm bell, offers views from Federal and Smith Hills to the bay. The building also comes equipped with a secret room with a trap door.

The building currently hosts concerts, performances, and other events. It’s configured with art studios on the ground floor and residences above. The second and third floors have washer and dryer hookups and large windows on all the walls.

The firehouse “has become a Providence icon over the last 15 years,” says listing agent Erik Bright. “It’s a unique adaptive reuse space.”

Original wood flooring

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The surrounding neighborhood has plenty of historic charm as well. The nearby Pearl Street Lofts were built in the 1800s. That property started life as a hinge factory, followed by a braiding machinery facility. A 2005 renovation turned it into a mixed-use space with office, incubator, retail space, and apartments.

Bright hopes the next owners of the old firehouse will retain the creative spark and use it as a living area and studio space.

“It could be anything, but I think the idea of using it as live-work is a good end use for the building,” says Bright. “It would be great to see some kind of performance space remain on the first floor, whether it’s theater or gallery space.”

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