Bayard Ewing Building, Providence

The Bayard Ewing Building is Providence’s reminder that Greek Revival architecture never really goes out of style-it just gets better with age. Originally built in 1848 as the Fall River Iron Works Warehouse, this structure features a prominent gable pediment facing the street, topped off by attic monitors. It perfectly captures the mid-19th-century industrial shift from rugged stone to practical brick.

Back in the day, Providence loved embedding its storefronts deep within robust granite frames, and this building remains one of the city’s finest (and thankfully still standing) examples. In 1975, the Rhode Island School of Design stepped in, wisely scooping up this architectural landmark to expand its presence along South Main Street. Renovations preserved the structure’s historical charm while sneaking in modern comforts, making it an ideal home for RISD’s Division of Architecture.

Today, the Bayard Ewing Building continues to serve as an integral part of RISD's campus, hosting architecture studios and exhibitions. Its enduring presence highlights Providence's architectural heritage and the ongoing commitment to preserving historical structures within the urban landscape.