After over a decade of efforts by local and statewide advocates, the Read-Ott House listed in Pawtucket’s Quality Hill National Register Historic District has faced its final fate—demolition. The Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church filed for a demolition permit in February of 2023, at which point the Pawtucket Historic District Commission instated a six-month
demolition delay period per local ordinance. All final efforts to save the building and find alternate solutions were exhausted in the face of an uncooperative owner. The situation has left an empty lot where a once handsome and iconic building used to be. Despite the loss, it’s worth celebrating the many individuals and groups who fought tirelessly to advocate for the building over the course of many years. Preserve RI continues to work with groups at a local level and advocate for expanding Historic Districts and adopting Demolition Delay Ordinances that grant communities the time to fight for their treasured landmarks.
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