WATERFIRE ARTS CENTER

LOCATION: Providence, RI

OWNER: WaterFire Providence

ARCHITECT: DBVW Architects

PHOTOS: Heidi Gumula

TRAC Builders served as the general contractor for the transformation of the historic U.S. Rubber Company building into the WaterFire Arts Center, a dynamic cultural venue in Providence, Rhode Island. This adaptive reuse project revitalized a 37,000-square-foot industrial structure, creating expansive exhibition, performance, and production spaces while preserving the building’s historic character. In addition to overseeing all construction activities, TRAC’s self-performance team played a major role in delivering the project’s success. We installed historical replica windows, completed concrete demolition, performed structural roof demolition and new installation, constructed a rooftop patio, and handled all interior framing. The completed WaterFire Arts Center now stands as an award-winning example of historic preservation and adaptive reuse, providing a permanent home for the WaterFire Providence organization and serving as a vibrant cultural hub for the community.

OWNER STORY

BARNABY EVANS, WATERFIRE PROVIDENCE

We combined modern elements into this raw, historic building that now breathes life into the community. This is the WaterFire Arts Center, built by TRAC.

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“It was really important for us to preserve this historic, industrial building and make it a flexible space open to innovation.”

BARNABY EVANS, WATERFIRE PROVIDENCE

AWARDS

2019 Providence Preservation Award
2017 ABC Excellence in Construction Award
2017 Outstanding Smart Growth Award

2017 Rhody Award for Historic Preservation
2017 AIA Rhode Island Citation Award
2017 AIA Rhode Island People’s Choice Award