Rhode Island Public Transit Authority Providence, Rhode Island

Masonry Construction, Feb, 2003

The $20 million, 95,000-square foot expansion of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority compressed natural gas maintenance facility retains the look and feel of the old trolley barn that once sat on the site by preserving various elevation elements. One exterior wall was kept in place during the demolition and construction phase, and the original cornices were salvaged and relocated. The 21st century facility with masonry on the exterior skin and interior fits well into the historic character of the neighborhood.

The architects and masons used brick with a texture and size that related to the timeframe of the original construction in 1909 to build the addition. The existing granite coping bearing wall was restored as a new cavity wall construction by the use of pins and miscellaneous steel to equalize the weight of the granite. A material that resembled the larger granite on the original structure was used, and a bullnose was added to replicate the original "strong base."

Project Team

Masonry Contractor: Grande Masonry LLC, Providence, R.I.

Architect and Structural Engineer: The Robinson Green Beretta Corp., Providence, R.I.

General Contractor: J.L. Marshall & Sons Inc., Pawtucket, R.I.

Masonry Supplier: Consolidated Brick, Warwick, R.I.