Mid-Century Modern? PPL Expands, 1954

Within two decades of opening, PPL was looking to expand, and plans for a harmonious addition to the 1900 Washington Street building were drawn in 1923. However, three more decades — which included a stock market crash, a national depression, a world war, several new branch libraries, three state funding bonds, five architects, two consultants, and a new library director — would pass before an unresolved and nearly unrecognizable version of these plans opened as PPL’s Empire Street addition in 1954.

Join us for a conversation with artists, scholars, and community practitioners about how the difference between the 1923 plans and the 1954 building reflects the evolution of the city of Providence, the field of architecture, the mission of libraries, and the civic meaning of the corner of Empire and Washington Streets in the first half of the 20th century.

Come to the Library’s 225 Washington Street address.