5 Reasons You'll Love the Vacant to Vibrant WBNA House Tour

Published: October 5, 2017

This Saturday step inside more than a dozen homes in and around Luongo Memorial Square, as Providence's hippest neighborhood welcomes visitors for the West Broadway Neighborhood Association (WBNA) House Tour.

1. It’s not a house tour for fuddy-duddies.

This self-guided walking tour has something for everyone (even if you're fussy). Love old houses? We’ve got you covered. Urban planning geek? Yup. How about modern architecture, reimagined industrial spaces, reno projects and interior design? We have all of that, plus folklore and stories, a slide show, and the feel-good wonder at how a small group of people can make great things happen in a neighborhood.

*History buffs, extend your fun by downloading the new Rhode Tour app and checking out the West Side Walking Tour!*

2. It’s not a "perfect house" tour.

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Wait, what? Isn’t this a showcase of fancy houses? Featured among the many fascinating and splendid homes of this year's House Tour is a 1864 "before" house — you know, the kind that’s had its siding stripped off and looks like a wreck. Tour goers get a rare chance to see inside the blood, sweat and tears of a full house restoration, and maybe get some ideas for their next reno project.

3. There are treats!

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One of the magical things about the tour area is the mix of public places, interesting startup shops, destination restaurants, unique bakeries, bars and commercial spaces that are tucked in among the residences. Grab a coffee and pastry, or stop for a fantastic lunch along the tour route!

4. It tells a really good story.

How did a tiny pocket of Providence’s West Side known for its abandoned homes and intense blight become one of the city’s most vital, vibrant and desirable places to live, work and play? At noon during the tour, join Clark Schoettle of the Providence Revolving Fund for a slide show and presentation about how Luongo Square was transformed from vacant to vibrant and into a place for people once more.

5. It’s cheap, and 20 percent off if you buy tickets now!

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The Vacant to Vibrant! WBNA House Tour is Saturday, October 7, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and starts at 372 West Fountain Street. Tickets are $20 in advance ($15 for students & seniors) and $25 day-of. Also join us for our fabulous Vacant to Vibrant Preview Party on Friday evening, October 6, 6–9 p.m.

Author

Kari Lang

Kari Lang has been the executive director of the West Broadway Neighborhood Association (WBNA) for two decades. Formed in 1983, WBNA has become known for its advocacy in improving civic life for everyone, from tackling a utility company to protect consumer rights, to piloting programs such as the city’s first rat-proof trash cans and its on-street parking program, to building playgrounds and reviving its commercial corridors for local businesses. Today, WBNA organizes neighbors and businesses on the West Side of Providence to preserve and promote our diverse, historic, urban community as a safe, vibrant and sustainable place to be SWELL (Shop, Work, Eat, Live and Learn locally).