Whatever happened to "Old Town" Newport: urban redevelopment in the 60's and 70's
Saturday May 4, 10:30am-12pm
This walk will address the urban redevelopment destruction of one of the oldest neighborhoods in Newport and the changes brought about by prioritizing the automobile, the advent of the bridge and the mistaken solutions (from pedestrian, residential and preservation standpoints) to economic development using 60's redevelopment ideas. Ron will highlight important historic buildings that were torn down or removed (with photographs or small 3-D models), the refusal to readaptively use other buildings and the attitudes of the city authorities at the time. Using some handout images, Ron will cover what was there, what was lost and what might have been an alternative vision.
Organized by Ron Onorato
Ron is a Professor Emeritus of Art History, Chair of National Register Review Board for Rhode Island, Preservation consultant, the author of several books and numerous articles on Rhode Island architecture and public sculpture.
Participant Reflection
14 people gathered with Ron at Brick Market to move through an area that had once been incredibly densely populated that was now largely parking lots. Most folks on the walk lived in Newport with some coming on the walk living as close as the condos nearby. Those folks in particular were curious about the pre-urban renewal history of the area. Much discussion of the early colonial period and the built environment of that time. Frustration from those on the walk at the lack of thoughtful consideration of the built environment when clearing large areas to accommodate the car in mid-twentieth century Newport, but also to the speed with which some older buildings are still cleared now to make way for new buildings. Also, some discussion of how the bridge project changed Newport, but also how the current bridge project is a missed opportunity to reconsider what we need/want as a town. Folks lingered after the walk, which ended near the yet to be opened Newport Spring Park, and discussed various different topics, but some talked about new housing laws and how to encourage smart growth and renew density lost through these mid-twentieth century car based planning model.
