Newport residents react to upcoming demolition of The Bells

NEWPORT, R.I (WLNE) — The Bells in Newport stands alone in disrepair ahead of its demolition next week.

“It was just a matter of time,” resident Maryann Hughes said. “It was never maintained. Anything that is old and historical needs to be maintained.”

According to the Department of Environmental Management the demolition is expected to begin Tuesday.

The historic building was constructed in 1876, sitting in the woods at Brenton Point State Park along Ocean Drive and formerly served as a carriage house and a stable.

Another local resident added that she thought that the community should “respect its history” and keep historical buildings maintained.

The mansion attracted tourists despite the fencing signs meant to keep people outside.

“I moved here in 1984 and it was somewhat in bad shape, but it was not awful,” Hughes said. “Over time, between the elements and younger people going in, even though you put signs and a fence up, people will manage to get in.”

In May 2023 four teenage boys were injured when the building’s roof collapsed.

One of those boys had to be taken by med flight to the hospital for treatment.

After that, the DEM worked to line up a demolition contractor.

The DEM started clearing brush from the site back in October and worked also to follow the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission’s requirements to archive historic materials.