Callender School Condominiums
George Ranalli Architect's restoration and redesign of the Callender School Building in the Newport Historic District of Rhode Island is a remarkable feat of adaptive reuse. This project involved meticulous research and reconstruction of the building's exterior using historical, architectural, and archeological evidence. The interior was reorganized and transformed into six stunning multilevel townhouse style apartments, each with its own unique character and charm. The original schoolhouse stair and other architectural elements were seamlessly incorporated into the new design, providing a beautiful juxtaposition of old and new.
The Long Wharf Trustees, established in the mid-1880s, played a pivotal role in shaping the Easton Point neighborhood of Newport by rebuilding the Long Wharf and constructing schools. To fund their ambitious plans, the trustees obtained State approval for a lottery, and sponsored the construction of the Callender School at 11 Willow Street. Designed by the renowned American architect George Champlin Mason, Sr., the building was dedicated to the American historian and pastor John Callender Jr. on May 20, 1863, and served as a schoolhouse for over a century.
The schoolhouse was vacated in 1972, and it remained unused it was purchased by local property developer William E. Boggs. Recognizing its potential for sustainable historic preservation and adaptive reuse, George Ranalli Architect undertook the project to transform the building into a collection of multi-level apartment units.
The Renaissance revival exterior was restored to its historic condition, while the interior was reassembled to house several spacious apartments featuring double or triple height communal spaces, kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, and study areas. The project blended historic preservation and early passive house design, incorporating efficiency upgrades to make the building more sustainable.
Today, the Callender School Apartments remain a shining example of the achievements in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and design excellence. The project has been recognized for its successful marriage of preservation and innovation, offering a unique and sustainable living space that fully utilizes the building's three floors, attic, and basement.
The Long Wharf Trustees, established in the mid-1880s, played a pivotal role in shaping the Easton Point neighborhood of Newport by rebuilding the Long Wharf and constructing schools. To fund their ambitious plans, the trustees obtained State approval for a lottery, and sponsored the construction of the Callender School at 11 Willow Street. Designed by the renowned American architect George Champlin Mason, Sr., the building was dedicated to the American historian and pastor John Callender Jr. on May 20, 1863, and served as a schoolhouse for over a century.
The schoolhouse was vacated in 1972, and it remained unused it was purchased by local property developer William E. Boggs. Recognizing its potential for sustainable historic preservation and adaptive reuse, George Ranalli Architect undertook the project to transform the building into a collection of multi-level apartment units.
The Renaissance revival exterior was restored to its historic condition, while the interior was reassembled to house several spacious apartments featuring double or triple height communal spaces, kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, and study areas. The project blended historic preservation and early passive house design, incorporating efficiency upgrades to make the building more sustainable.
Today, the Callender School Apartments remain a shining example of the achievements in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and design excellence. The project has been recognized for its successful marriage of preservation and innovation, offering a unique and sustainable living space that fully utilizes the building's three floors, attic, and basement.
Project Year: Pre-2005
Project Cost: $500,001 - $750,000
Country: United States
Zip Code: 02840
