PROVIDENCE, RI – Shawmut recently completed a renovation and addition to Rhode Island School of Design’s Illustration Studies Building (ISB), located at 1 Washington Place in Providence, Rhode Island. 

Shawmut, which is known for its work on challenging historic renovation and preservation projects, collaborated with award-winning architect, and RISD graduate, Ed Wojcik to revitalize 43,500 square feet of the historic building, originally built in 1838. The multi-phased renovation of the ISB, completed over the course of three years, involved updating and expanding studio, classroom, gallery, and home spaces. It also included a 5,600 square foot, five-story addition to the east elevation of the building that features a new stairway, elevator, conference rooms, and restrooms, making the building fully accessible to those with disabilities. The renovation also creates a new woodshop, large painting studio, and a compact second-floor student lounge and shared printing area, along with much-needed storage space.

“Our biggest challenge was completing the project without disrupting on-going campus activities and academic calendars, and we were able to achieve that with a phased construction plan during the summers of 2013, 2014, and 2015,” Ron Simoneau, vice president of Shawmut Design and Construction said.

With Illustration being the second largest undergraduate major at RISD, the floor plan of the ISB was reconfigured to correct the complex warren of spaces, providing the college with a fully accessible facility that suits the school’s needs.

“We are thrilled to have a facility that fully supports the education we offer our students,” RISD Illustration Department Head Susan Doyle said. “It is exciting to think about the direction it can take our program in the years ahead.”