How did those Christmas wreaths get up there? After several years on the Providence Preservation Society’s (PPS) Most Endangered Properties List, the Bomes Theatre, built on Broad Street at Gallatin in 1921, has found a buyer. (4.20.18 ProJo)
A sale and renovation of the historic but long-neglected Bomes Theater in South Providence may be imminent. City planning director Bonnie Nickerson said that a purchase and sale agreement is expected to be signed Friday with a new owner who will reuse the site as community space, with storefronts on the street level.
From the 2017 PPS MEP List,
The Bomes Theatre is a two-story, Beaux Arts-style, flat-roof, brick structure with stone trim. It is embellished with elaborate terra cotta trim and detailed moldings on the façade. Architectural embellishments include modillion blocks, dentils, a projecting cornice, carved shells, and stylized designs. A sign reading ‘Bomes Theater’ is centered at the roof line. Plywood now obscures the original fenestration.
What a charming structure this is. Two years ago a group of intrepid urban explorers posted a video tour of the interior. The guide keeps referring to “we” but I am not sure who that refers to; he sounds knowledgeable. Judging from the debris and old candles (!!!) neighborhood kids have been hanging out inside for some time . . . the guide mentions a rave.
That exterior terra cotta trim is in remarkable shape. Plywood obscures the fenestration and marquee, hopefully providing protection from the elements. The roof line has been damaged and the ‘Bomes Theatre’ sign is partially blocked by a small volunteer pine tree. But who put those Christmas wreaths get up there?
The Bomes Theatre, 1017 Broad Street, (directions)
