Peeling pink Victorian Lady to receive a face lift

By Kelcy Dolan
Posted 12/17/15

The Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce (CRICC) announced yesterday afternoon that after a nearly two-year capital campaign drive they will begin renovations on their offices in Apponaug. …

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Peeling pink Victorian Lady to receive a face lift

Posted

The Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce (CRICC) announced yesterday afternoon that after a nearly two-year capital campaign drive they will begin renovations on their offices in Apponaug.

With chipping salmon-colored paint around all sides, the “Victorian Lady” across from City Hall has fallen on less beautiful times in the past years. In her rejuvenated life, the lady will wear new colors.

Mayor Scott Avedisian said that when built – the building dates back to the early 1800s – the lumber used wasn’t “seasoned” properly and as a result needs to be repainted every few years.

Four years ago, CRICC decided they needed to do more.

CEO and president of CRICC Lauren Slocum said it would cost around $60,000 to paint the entire building, and “economically that just doesn’t make sense, since it would only have to be redone in two to three years after that.

They have already made a number of improvements inside, upgrading technology systems, but once the area was rezoned as village zoning and the historic district designation was dropped, the chamber realized they could re-side the building with architectural vinyl.

“Other than regular maintenance, this is a virtually permanent solution,” Slocum said. “This way she will always be in her best grandeur and not the sad looking lady she is today.”

The chamber launched its capital campaign in hopes of raising $200,000. They established a leadership team including fundraising consultant from Daniel R. Barry & Associates and campaign co-chairs Steve Kitchin from New England Institute of Technology, Leah Prata of Centreville Bank, Christine Wilson from Coastway Community Bank and Marisa Albanese from National Grid. To date, the chamber has received donations from more than 70 individuals and chamber members, coming to a total of $160,000. Although CRICC has yet to reach its final goal, Slocum said it is enough to begin the project.

The project includes more than just re-siding the Victorian Lady but also other renovations such as upgrades to the HVAC system, fire alarms and restoring some windows. Slocum says that, weather permitting, construction will continue throughout the winter and everything should be finished by early summer 2016.

For the final $40,000 of the campaign, CRICC is reaching out to their general membership of more than 600 and the community at-large.

Kitchin, one of the co-chairs of the capital campaign, said previously they had worked mostly with leaders in the community and the chamber, but the final push of the campaign will appeal to the general membership, “a large and giving resource” for the chamber. He doesn’t expect any trouble in raising the remaining $40,000.

“This chamber serves the whole community,” Slocum said. “We get questions every day from businesses trying to improve their service and individuals looking to start their own business. Our outward appearance should reflect our inner strength.”

“There is a link between businesses and the community they serve. There is a mutual responsibility there,” Kitchin said.

Avedisian said, “It’s an exciting time for Apponaug. With City Hall, House of Hope and now the Chamber, this area is really going through a revitalization. We want to create this main street feel here in Apponaug. I hope we spark this notion of façade improvements.”

Kitchin agreed, saying that the renovations to the Chamber are just “one small piece to the large picture that is integral to the refurbishing of Apponaug.”

Slocum expects construction to begin within the next week. The first step for renovations will quite literally be the first steps. They will be pouring new front steps and then replace the porch around the building. The building has an exciting color scheme, with the building itself to be painted “heritage cream,” a light yellow color. There will be a couple other greens and blues incorporated for the trim and doors.

Slocum said that although not all the permitting has been finalized, CRICC looks forward to beginning work by the first of the year.

“We restore the Victorian Lady to her beauty to be a beacon for the business community,” Slocum said.

CRICC is still looking for donations to their capital campaign. For more information or to donate call the chamber at 732-1100 or visit their website at www.centralrichamber.com.

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  • bendover

    I just bet if you let your property get to this condition the minimum housing folks would give you a free pass as well. Good money after bad, no?

    Monday, December 21, 2015 Report this