In the case of a Brownfield, the past determines not only the present condition, but also the future potential.  The goal of looking at the past of the Jewelry District is to learn from both our mistakes and successes and to create a safe, vibrant and sustainable future. The history of a property, how it was used and when are critical to determining what potential contaminants may or may not be there.  This information is essential as it determines the future prospects for redevelopment.

The level of environmental clean-up necessary, the fiscal needs of a project and the public health concerns are all dependent upon past uses.  Our historical research of the Jewelry District is intended to 1) provide factual information regarding previous land uses for 1889, 1920 and 1950 and 2) help facilitate proper cleanup of contaminated sites and sustainable redevelopment of this area.

Phenix Iron Foundry, now the site of Narragansett Electric Company Power Station (1830 and later); 342 Eddy Street; engraving, 1981.Courtesy of the Rhode Island Historical Society: RHi X3 2838.

 

The Jewelry District was a dense residential area in the early-nineteenth century.  In the mid-nineteenth century industrial use began to move into the area. In the late-nineteenth century, jewelry making dominated the landscape. The past of the jewelry district holds much insight for present redevelopment options and future visions of what the district could be.