Franklin Street Residence
Project Details
Year: 2022 - 2023
Location: Bristol, RI
Type: Renovation & Addition
Size: 2,285 sf
Status: Completed
Delivery Method: Integrated Project Delivery
Architect: Pacific-Visions Studio LLC
Contractor: J.P. Tavares Construction
Photos: Pacific-Visions Studio LLC
Project Description
This residential project, located on a narrow lot in downtown Bristol, Rhode Island is a renovation & addition to what was originally a historic stone schoolhouse. Located just outside the historic district, this beautiful home has many original features that have survived almost two centuries. The scope of work consisted of an expansion to a previous addition on the rear of the house, along with a new kitchen being added into the first floor's main space.
Exterior Photograph - Existing Rear View
Interior Photograph - Kitchen
This 1842 Greek Revival style schoolhouse is one of Bristol’s earliest educational buildings, part of a pair of matching one-room schoolhouses that once anchored the community. Over time, it transitioned from a place of learning into a private residence, gaining new layers of history with each generation.
Our renovation focused on honoring the building’s past while reimagining it for modern living. The original kitchen, an early add-on addition, was reimagines and moved to the living area, transforming it into the true heart of the home. A new deck, accessed through what was once a window, creates a seamless connection to the outdoors and offers a generous space for outdoor living.
Interior Proposed Rendering - Kitchen
Interior Photograph - Kitchen
Interior Photograph - Kitchen
The interior flow of the kitchen space was designed meticulously to act as the true social hub within the household. Modern day kitchens have found themselves to be the preferred gathering spot in a home. While someone is cooking, others are typically sitting and conversing or keeping them company.
The main space in the home is quite grand featuring high ceilings which is what once served as the main body of the former school house. The existing kitchen was located in the original addition off the rear of the house which isolated it from the rest of the building. The decision to bring the kitchen out into the main room helped to activate a more lively space along with giving more purpose to the dining and living areas. Now while dinner is being cooked, someone can be in their own space at the dining room table while still feeling like they are spending time together. A slight rearrangement of space with minimal change to the building's core can truly enhance the experience for the home's occupants.
Exterior Photograph - Enlarged Addition
A carefully designed expansion allowed for the creation of a spacious master suite, while an elevator connecting the main level to the basement improved accessibility without compromising the home’s historic character. A new bathroom features the original stone wall preserved inside the shower - an intentional nod to the building’s past.
Architectural trim work and window muntin patterns were meticulously matched to the original structure, ensuring the addition blends seamlessly with the historic envelope. The high ceilings and the central staircase remain key features, maintaining the open, airy feel of the former classroom.
This renovation celebrates Bristol’s first schoolhouse as both a landmark and a home, proving that thoughtful design can preserve history while creating spaces that reflect how we live today.
Exterior Proposed Rendering - Proposed Expansion
Interior Photograph - Bedroom
The ground floor master bedroom allows the owners to create a space where they can age in place and be close to the most important features in the home. The new bedroom features a cathedral ceiling, ample natural light, and the exposed exterior stone wall. A suite that is quaint but still spacious.
Interior Photograph - Bathroom
“The look and feel of the authentic materials is what keeps the building's history alive. While preserving and restoring original features of the home, using in kind materials, profiles and colors on alterations is what makes renovations looks intentional.”
Exterior Photograph - Rear Deck Space
Exterior Photograph - View of Completed Expansion