Address:
Ochre Point Avenue
Newport , RI

Owner:
Salve Regina University
100 Ochre Point Avenue Newport, Rhode Island 02840

Completion Date:
Fall 2001

Ochre Court was designed in 1888 by one of the most significant architects of the nineteenth century, Richard Morris Hunt. Hunt designed the elaborate limestone French Renaissance mansion for Ogden Goulet, a wealthy real estate developer. The mansion is considered to be one of Hunt's greatest achievements and contains many architectural elements found in Hunt's next commission, Biltmore in Ashville, North Carolina.

Hunt was assisted in the interior design by Karl Bitter, who also did much of the sculptural work. Various mantlepieces, wall panels and ceiling paintings were imported from European residences, and the large stained glass window over the main stair was brought from Germany.

The Goulet family used the house as a summer residence until 1947, when it was donated to the Catholice Diocese of Providence. The mansion has been used as the central administration building for Salve Regina University for the past fifty-five years. Over the years, the harsh ocean climate has taken its toll on the mansion. In 1998, the University retained our firm to perform a conditions survey of the exterior. The survey identified the problems and made recommendations for repairs. This study included a phasing schedule and cost estimate for the actual work. In the Spring of 1999, Phase 1 of the restoration of two facades of the building was begun. Phase 2 was completed in 2000.

The scope of work of both phases includes complete replacement of all slate on the mansion, replacement of all copper valleys and gutter flashings, replacement of highly decorative dormers and finials, replacement of the upper built-up flat roof, complete cleaning of the limestone facades, stone repair and replacement, window and door restoration work and painting, and the restoration of a highly decorative bronze handrail. It is expected that the complete replacement of the stone terraces will commence in 2001.

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