Bristol County Statehouse hosting open house Sunday to seek community uses

By Christy Nadalin
Posted 6/2/23

The Bristol County Statehouse — that grand building anchoring the Town Common across from the top of Court Street — will be holding an open house on Sunday, June 4 from 3 to 5 p.m.

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Bristol County Statehouse hosting open house Sunday to seek community uses

Posted

The Bristol County Statehouse — that grand building anchoring the Town Common across from the top of Court Street — will be holding an open house on Sunday, June 4 from 3 to 5 p.m.

It’s a great opportunity for members of the community to come and see the space and take a tour led by Dr. Kevin Jordan, an historic preservationist who, along with Pat Conley and the late George Sisson and Lombard Pozzi, formed the nucleus of the group that saved the structure over 25 years ago.

The Statehouse was built in 1816 as one of five locations for the General Assembly to meet. Beginning in 1854, it was no longer used for the legislature, but continued as the seat of the Bristol County Court into the 1980s. Largely abandoned, it fell into disrepair until the Bristol Statehouse Foundation was formed in 1997.

The building and site was purchased for $1 from the State of Rhode Island, but its condition necessitated the expenditure of $1.4 million to bring it up to code and into new uses; much of that was provided by grants from the Champlin Foundation. Now immaculately restored, the Town Common landmark — particularly the historic, 2nd floor courtroom, is a beautiful space that could be used for a variety of events.

According to Chris Lowis, current President of the Board of the Bristol Statehouse Foundation, the group is also looking to grow its board and recruit some new people with fresh ideas.

“The bottom line is the building is well restored, but underutilized,” said Lowis. There are two rent-paying tenants on the 1st floor, and the Community Strings Program uses the 2nd floor as a rehearsal space, with limited hours. There is much opportunity to use the space for other things — and the Foundation owns the land around the building as well, so outdoor events are also an option.

“Dr. Jordan has been here since day one,” said Lowis. “Come on Sunday to hear his behind-the-scenes tour about the architecture and history of this great building.” For more information, visit bristolstatehouse.org or call Lowis at 401/662-0588.

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