Woonsocket City Hall

Woonsocket City Hall is a municipal building on Main Street that combines Italianate and Richardson Romanesque styles in brick construction with a granite addition. It contains a large assembly room and administrative offices that reflect the architectural standards of the period when it was built.

The building was constructed in 1856 as Harris Block and served as a private commercial and residential property for industrialist Edward Harris. It later became home to the state's first public library and officially became city hall in 1902.

The building served as a major gathering space for the community and hosted important public events throughout its history. How the rooms were designed reflects the value the city placed on bringing residents together for civic occasions.

The building is located downtown and easy to reach on foot, with parking available nearby. Access to public areas is generally free, though some interior spaces may have restricted entry for official business.

The building features distinctive round-arch windows and a heavily decorated cornice that set it apart from other government buildings of its time. These design elements were part of a deliberate approach to make the structure appear dignified and important.

Location: Rhode Island

GPS coordinates: 42.00222,-71.51472

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:42