Current Events

This is one of the buildings owned and operated by Robert Ball. The space has long been manufacturing, and there are still some manufacturers in the space, such as Cathedral Art Metal and AccuTool, but the spaces are now primarily inhabited by artists, glassblowers, ceramicists, and musicians, as well as some small businesses. Recently, a concrete casting company moved out of their 20,000 square foot space in the northern end of the building (the low section on the left in the wide photo on top), and that area will most likely get split into ten to twelve new spaces.

The spaces are nice, with a lot of light, hardwoods floors, and decent general upkeep. By some of the photos, though, you can see that they are still untouched sections of the building, but that is what makes it such an interesting space. The building has a lot of quirks, and feels industrial, which, to me, makes it more appealing than a cleaned up and sterile space.

Spaces are usually available, as tenants move and larger spaces get split up. Rent is reasonable, right now, at about $3.50 a square foot per year. Anyone interested should call building manager Bobby Marshall at 401.339.6900.

History

Architectually, the building is a great example, with a large tower on the south east corner featuring some ornate brickwork. Most windows have arched gabels and granite lintels. Unfortunately, most windows also have been replaced with glass block, or at tenants request, have had new vinyl windows installed. The building was home to a few large companies and businesses at one time, and slowly has been split up into smaller spaces, so a lot of odd things have been installed and then removed and then redone.

Designed by Howe, Prout & Ekman, this mill was once the largest lace mill in the country. A three-story brick pier building with 4th story penthouse featuring a 4-story elaborately detailed hip roof tower. The tower is a fine period example and can be seen from the surrounding neighborhood, including traffic on I-95. A later addition (1945 - 1950) is attached at north, concealing a sawtooth weave shed behind it.

Add your Anecdotes

The information about each building grows as visitors let us know about their experiences. Did you or a member of your family work here? Did you grow up near it as a child? Let us know. All entries will be moderated and may be posted in an edited form. We will use your name unless you tell us otherwise. We will not make your email public.