Newport’s Carey School to be Transformed into Luxury Condominiums

NEWPORT, RI – Vacant for over four years, the Carey School in Newport, RI is now being converted into 13 luxury condominiums. The 118 year old building ceased operation as a school in 2009. The property, located on 32 Carey Street between the City of Newport’s Bellevue Ave and lower Thames Street is being redeveloped by a Boston-based company, Arch Street Development LLC.

Arch Street specializes in redevelopment, adaptive reuse, and preservation of historic buildings in the Northeast.

“Downtown Newport is rich with history,” said Colin O’Keeffe, co-owner of Arch Street. “It’s important that the new Carey Street Condominiums reflect that.”

This adaptive reuse project calls for a mix of one, two, and three bedroom units that will preserve the building’s original features. The building will offer two onsite parking spaces per unit – a rarity in Newport – and will be within walking distance to the famous Cliff Walk, the Tennis Hall of Fame and Salve Regina. Arch Street also plans to create a shared terrace for residents to enjoy the City’s water views. The units are being marketed by Libby Kirwin Real Estate of Newport with prices starting in the high $300s and averaging at $450.

“This is a great location for empty nesters who want to live in Newport or for those looking for a turnkey option for a seasonal getaway,” added O’Keeffe.

Arch Street hired Architect, Durkee Brown Viveiros Werenfels Architects; General Contractor, Behan Bros; site/excavating/paving contractor, J.A.M. Construction Company for construction services, and DiPrete Engineering; an engineering and land surveying firm that provided a boundary and topographic survey, and site engineering. DiPrete is currently providing construction oversight for site related activities. Together the team obtained approvals from the City of Newport Planning and Zoning Boards.

“We’re currently supporting Durkee Brown with site and building integration,” said Kevin Demers, Senior Project Engineer at DiPrete Engineering. “We’re in the process of incorporating a new ramp at the entry to the school so it is readily accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities.”

“This project is great for both Arch Street and the City,” said O’Keeffe. “We really enjoy re-purposing older buildings and are excited to return this one to its neighborhood.”

Carey Street Condominiums are expected to be complete by December 2014.

ABOUT ARCH STREET DEVELOPMENT LLC: Arch Street Development LLC is a Boston based real estate development firm that incorporates a wide range of debt and equity sources to reinvigorate older structures and provide them with a new life. Arch Street principals utilize their 20 years of combined experience to find solutions to the most difficult real estate issues.

ABOUT DIPRETE ENGINEERING: DiPrete Engineering is a leading civil engineering, planning and surveying firm in New England. The firm has offices in Providence, RI, Newport, RI, and Boston, MA. www.diprete-eng.com.

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