Preservation Resources

The most important mission of the Pawtuxet Village Association is to help preserve our historic buildings and protect the National Historic District of Pawtuxet Village for the future. Pawtuxet Village is designated as a National Historic District based on its history and the important contributing properties located within the boundaries. The Warwick side of Pawtuxet also has the layer of protection afforded as a Local Historic District, while the Cranston side is not covered. The distinction is noted in this document below.

We've curated a list of organizations to help homeowners locate resources and tradespeople who work on period homes. We hope it will be a source of education and assistance. If you don't find what you need, feel free to contact us and we'll try to help you. A copy of the original report can be found here.

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

The RI Preservation Commission (RIHP&HC) is the organization that surveys the state's historic properties and prepares nominations to the National Register. This organization put Pawtuxet Village, one of the first historic districts in the United States, on the National Register in 1973. The RIHP&HC also process historic tax credits, loans, and grants. They have informative staff members who are very helpful with your project as well as directing you to qualified resources.

RIHP&HC hosts an excellent conference annually in a different town each year. PVA worked with them to bring the conference to Pawtuxet in 2006. Visit their website to see where the conference is held each spring. Sign up early. The conference is all day on a Saturday and includes coffee, pastries, lunch, and a closing reception following the tours and discussion groups. Best buy in town!

Historic Preservation Equates to Dollars and Sense

In 2017, Preserve Rhode Island and the Preservation Society of Newport County commissioned a study of the economic impacts of historic preservation in Rhode Island. Conducted by PlaceEconomics, the study looks at four key area of preservation: heritage tourism, historic tax credits, quality of life and sustainability. Released on March 21, 2018, the study's findings reinforce Preserve RI's long-held position on the significant role historic preservation plays in the state's economy. A few highlights from the report:

  • 9.8 million heritage visitors come to Rhode Island each year and contribute nearly $1.4 billion to the state's economy

  • 326 historic buildings have been rehabilitated in 26 of Rhode Island's 39 communities using state Historic Tax Credits

  • 56% of Rhode Island's population growth since 2000 has occurred within local historic districts​​

The study is funded by the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit www.preserveri.org/preservationstudy.

PreserveRI

The PreserveRI organization has a number of resources on its site to assist in the education, location of resources, and saving of historic sites and structures. PreserveRI can guide Community Preservation responses, help with stewardship, and grants/funding sources. The link here takes you to PreserveRI’s online references and resources that can answer a number of questions. Some great resources to find on the PreserveRI page are a list of local and state contractors and businesses who can work on or advise about older homes. Explore the list here: https://www.preserveri.org/resources-for-your-building.

City of Cranston Historic District Commission

The Cranston side of Pawtuxet is part of the National Historic District, but it has no local protection. If you have questions about permits and zoning within the historic district of Pawtuxet, you can contact the staff in the Planning Department of Cranston City Hall at 401-461-1000 or at http://www.cranstonri.com/.

City of Warwick Historic District Commission

The Warwick side of Pawtuxet is part of the National Historic District and is a Local Historic District. Any changes that need to be made to the exterior of the properties listed in the Local Historic District side of Pawtuxet must be brought before the Warwick Historic District Commission first. If you have questions about permits and zoning, you can contact the staff in the Planning Department of Warwick City Hall at 401-738-2000 or at http://www.warwickri.gov/.