Few buildings carry as much meaning for our firm as The Reading Room. Its restoration marks a defining moment in our story—one that helped establish our reputation for craftsmanship and forged relationships that continue to shape the company today.  

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The Origins of a Landmark
Built in 1875 as a summer cottage known as Sea Lawn, the building that now houses The Reading Room has a remarkable story of endurance. Designed in the Second Empire style with Stick-style detailing, it reflected the innovation of its era—featuring iron frameworks, glass skylights, and an eclectic mix of architecture and decorative arts.

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Sea Lawn at the turn of the 19th century, a forward-thinking design for the times.

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A New Life as a Reading Room
When the Narragansett Pier Casino opened in 1886, Sea Lawn was moved to its current location and transformed into a men’s club known as The Reading Room.  It quickly became a social anchor for the growing resort community—an elegant refuge where visitors gathered over books, cigars, and conversation after days of boating, tennis, and theater.

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A Narrow Escape
In 1900, a fire tore through the Casino and the adjoining Rockingham Hotel, leveling much of the surrounding district. By dawn, only the Casino’s stone porte-cochere and towers remained.  Miraculously, The Reading Room survived untouched, securing its place as one of Narragansett’s most resilient historic structures.

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Before & After:  The Narragansett Casino (left), The Reading Room still standing after the fire (right).

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A Restoration That Defined Our Future
In 2007, SR Fine Home Builders—working with Leslie Architects—undertook a complete restoration of the Reading Room. The project combined craftsmanship and preservation, replicating the curved ocean-facing windows and upgrading original materials to improve building performance in a coastal climate. Our work was recognized with a prestigious “Rhody Award” from Preserve Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission.

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The building’s iconic tower remains its most distinguishing feature.

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A Beloved Historic Landmark
Today, the building serves as the home of Lila Delman | COMPASS Real Estate. It sits beside the historic Narragansett Towers—the sole surviving element of the 1880s Pier Casino. Together, the two landmarks share National Register status and anchor this celebrated stretch of Ocean Road.

See more photos on our project profile.  

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