The simple Georgian box was just not large enough for many affluent turn-of-the-century homeowners, and in these two examples the five-bay-façade, center-entrance main block got fitted out with wings of varying configurations that extend in one or more directions. The earlier of these, the Frederick A. Ballou House, designed by Martin & Hall, is programmatically the more ambitious, with a scaled-down wing on the west elevation, an open porch on the east elevation, and a service wing to the north. The Rose Brier Magid House (365 Olney Street) is even more enmeshed in wings, on both the east and west sides, that almost overpower the main block. Both of these houses were built by families associated with jewelry manufacturing.
– 2003 Guide to Providence Architecture
Share your Story
Something to add? An edit or correction to suggest? Community input about the history of these important places is welcome. All submissions are reviewed before posting.