Benjamin Church House

The Benjamin Church House is a residence with a symmetrical facade defined by six Doric columns supporting a wooden frieze above the porch. Inside, large reception rooms are arranged around a central hall that serves as the organizing principle of the layout.

This residence was built in 1909 following the stipulations in Benjamin Church's will. It initially provided housing for elderly men, then expanded its services to women starting in 1934.

The building now serves as a community center where older residents gather for programs and social activities. The spaces have transformed from a private residence into a lively meeting place for neighborhood life.

The house is located on Hope Street and is accessible from the public way. The interior layout is straightforward, making it easy to navigate and experience different parts of the space.

The roof features dormers sitting above a hipped design, adding dimensional interest to the exterior profile. A semi-elliptical fanlight crowns the main entrance, a detail that many visitors overlook when arriving.

Location: Rhode Island

Architects: Clarke & Howe

GPS coordinates: 41.68583,-71.27861

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:00