Slide Title
Preview
Date
10-1-1974
Description
Intended to be a marvelous plaza inspired by European models, Cathedral Square is considered a problematic and failure of a space. E.F. Kennedy's Roman Catholic Chancery Office and auditorium (1966-67) blocks the axis of Westmister Street and is a building that few regularly visit. The square, which serves as the forecourt to the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, was designed by world class architects, I.M. Pei and Zion & Breen but due to a lack of activity generators the space is largely unused.
Creator 2 Dates
1969
Creator 2 Role
Architects
Creator 3 Dates
1969
Creator 3 Role
Architects
Building Type
Piazza
Building Style
European Catholic
Themes
Urban Development
Subject Headings
Public spaces -- Rhode Island -- Providence; Urban renewal -- Rhode Island -- Providence; Pedestrian zones -- Rhode Island -- Providence; Plazas -- Rhode Island -- Providence
Country Name
United States
Region Name
Rhode Island
City Name
Providence
Street Address
Cathedral Square
Recommended Citation
Smolski, Chester; I.M Pei; and Zion & Breen, "Cathedral Square: Beginnings of disregard" (1974). Smolski Images. 982.
https://digitalcommons.ric.edu/smolski_images/982
Keywords
downtown, cathedral, Providence downtown, malls, cathedral square, commercial streets, public spaces, downtown revitalization
Notes
Bibliography: Woodward, William McKenzie. PPS/AlAri Guide to Providence Architecture. Providence, RI: Providence Preservation Society, 2003, pp. 292.