Ground Broken on Historic Providence Mill; to be Converted into Affordable Housing

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Ground was broken Friday on a new affordable housing project, located in a Providence landmark.

The former Earnscliffe Woolen Company factory, known as Paragon Mill, will be converted into affordable housing.  Forty-four of the complex’s 101 apartments will be designated for residents under 60% of the area’s median income, while the remaining units will be reserved for those under 120% of median income.

“The revitalization and transformation of Paragon Mill will create about 300 jobs while providing mixed income and affordable housing, returning this iconic staple of our Olneyville neighborhood to its former glory with renewed purpose and equitable housing opportunities,” said Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza.

While converting the property, many of the historic aspects of the old facility will be retained and reflected once the project is complete.

For more than 60 years, the old mill was the site of wool production, powered by the Woonasquatucket River.  The original mill was built in 1898, ceasing operations in the early 1960s.

The apartments will be available starting in 2022.