Block Island officials see early design plans for new Harborside Inn

A rendering of the plans for a proposed new Harborside Inn on Block Island. (VVO Real Estate Holding Corp/Architect Glen Fontecchio)

NEW SHOREHAM, R.I. (WLNE) — New Shoreham’s Historic District Commission got a look at early design plans for a new Harborside Inn this week.

The historic Block Island hotel was lost in a fire in August.

Flames ripped through the building, taking away summer vacation and wedding plans for many New Englanders.

State Fire Marshal Timothy McLaughlin said the blaze was accidental, and was likely caused by missing grease traps in the hood or from grease flaring up while cooking. The investigation into the exact cause is ongoing.

The remains of the hotel were later demolished.

 

The owners, VVO Real Estate Holding Corporation, said plans to rebuild are in the works.

New Shoreham officials saw the renderings for the first time this week.

Architect Glen Fontecchio is leading design plans for the project.

Documents provided by the town of New Shoreham show designs similar to the old hotel.

The documents say construction is estimated to be $8.5 million.

Categories: News, Rhode Island