Boards & Commissions - PHDC

Overview

Buildings help to give a city and its many neighborhoods a distinct identity, a sense of place that makes it different from somewhere else: think of Federal Hill’s triple-deckers, the Jewelry District’s factories, or Elmwood’s mansions. When buildings have survived for a number of years, they provide not only a sense of place but a sense of continuity with the past. We can learn from them about the people who came before us, how they lived and worked, and shaped the city we know today. These important lessons can be learned from ordinary people who lived everyday lives in commonplace buildings, as well as from extraordinary individuals, great events, and magnificent architecture.

Cities like Providence recognize that historic buildings are valuable to the community as whole and are worthy of preservation. In 1960, the city created the Providence Historic District Commission (PHDC) to protect the unique physical character and visual identity of the city.The PHDC regulates development in designated Local Historic Districts.In Providence, local historic districts are established as overlay zoning districts after extensive neighborhood consultation and education, and a public hearing in front of the City Council. Providence has 8 Local Historic Districts, containing a total of approximately 2,500 properties. Local Historic Districts can contain residential, commercial, religious, educational, industrial, governmental, transportation, and civic buildings, in addition to other structures and open spaces. Construction dates range from the 18th century to the present day, and architectural styles range from Colonial to Modern.