Architectural story:
The house at 15 Mill Street is a two-and-a half-story, gable-roof house with two end chimneys, an early chimney addition to the rear, and rural Federal details on the front façade. Built ca.1800, the house was originally located in Tiverton, Rhode Island, and was in danger of being demolished due to redevelopment projects. The building was donated to NRF in 1977.
Restoration story:
This was part of the larger Queen Anne Square project—a collaboration between the City of Newport, the Newport Restoration Foundation, and Trinity Church.
NRF moved the building—using first a barge and then a truck— to its current location on Mill Street at the site of a parking lot and cinderblock and stucco building that had been used by the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
The house retained early historic fabric dating to the early 19th-century. NRF worked with other historic preservation organizations before the acquisition of the house to evaluate the structure. The restoration of the millwork throughout the house included the mantelpieces, wainscoting, chair rails, window shutters, and decorative moldings. During the dismantling and reconstruction process, we investigated the architectural history of the house. The attic floorboards appeared to be unique extant examples from the New England region, and also featured handwriting dating to the early 19th-century. The restoration project also included plaster work, plumbing, electrical upgrades, installation of a fire system, and new roofing.
People story:
We’ve undertaken some building archeology, but there is more to uncover about the people who lived in and worked in the house over the years. Although the house was constructed in Tiverton, now this house is part of the story of Queen Anne Square and the streetscape of Mill Street.
