Providence Athenaeum, 251 Benefit Street, Providence, Providence County, RI

Significance: This building, which has housed the Providence Athenaeum since its completion in 1838, was designed by William Strickland. Agnes Addison Gilchrist, "William Strickland, Architect and Engineer, 1788-1854" (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1950) says, "The Athenaeum is an excellent example of Greek Revival at its best. It is simple, well-proportioned, of excellent construction. Utility was not sacrificed for appearance. The classic features were used with restraint; the central axis in the length of the building, the gable roof, and the recessed portico with the two Doric columns."

Survey number: HABS RI-156

Building/structure dates: 1838 Initial Construction

libraries greek revival architectural elements doric order porticoes porches brick chimneys sash windows riverside providence athenaeum providence athenaeum benefit benefit street providence county rhode island historic american buildings survey william strickland photo ultra high resolution high resolution architecture library of congress

1933 - 1970

Library of Congress

http://www.loc.gov/

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