Nestled in the historic heart of Providence, the illustrious Wedding Cake House has undergone a meticulous restoration.
Its storied chambers now serve a dual purpose, accommodating an artist residency alongside a charming Bed and Breakfast.
History of the Wedding Cake House
In 1867, businessman John Kendrick initiated the building of the residence now officially recognized as the Kendrick-Prentice-Tirocchi House in Rhode Island.
Its intricate and elaborate design, featuring ornate bracketing reminiscent of wedding cake icing, subsequently inspired its affectionate nickname, “The Wedding Cake House.”
The house’s prominence rose significantly in 1915 when Anna and Laura Tirocchi, Italian immigrant sisters and adept dressmakers, acquired it.
They repurposed the upper floors into a high-end dressmaking studio, serving an exclusive clientele with their European-influenced fashion sensibilities.
Following Anna Tirocchi’s passing in 1947, and the subsequent closure of their dressmaking business, the house stood largely undisturbed, becoming a veritable time capsule of early 20th-century fashion and entrepreneurial spirit.
An Image From 1867
The mansion boasted a design that was more carpenter’s pride than Gothic, filled with ornate woodwork and intricate details befitting the textile magnate’s status.
An Image From 2012
Years of vacancy had taken their toll on the Wedding Cake House.
Its elaborate woodwork and once-crisp details had begun to fade and decay, underscoring the urgent call for its preservation.
After Partial Renovations in 2015
In 2015, the Providence Restoration Society intervened to halt the decay, making essential repairs to protect the structure.
These efforts were crucial in preventing further damage and setting the stage for a more comprehensive restoration.
After Completing The Renovations in 2017
In 2017 the Dirt Palace artists’ collective took over the place and breathed new life into the historic house, transforming it into a fusion of past and present.
The house now serves a dual purpose as a creative artist residency and a charming Bed and Breakfast, ensuring that the legacy of the Tirocchi sisters’ fashion emporium and the grandeur of the Victorian era lives on for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
Now, guests can slumber within its historic chambers, and artists can conceive masterpieces under its ornate roofs.
Interiors of the Wedding Cake House
The Wedding Cake House is not just a restored relic; it’s a living, breathing canvas for artistic expression and hospitality.
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So beautiful!!! Are their any tours of the house scheduled? I’d love to see the entire house and renovations!! It is open to the public? Schedule?
I wish more would be posted!!