Former Carey School to be Turned into Luxury Condos

The former Carey School building, which closed in 2009 and was sold by the city in 2011, will soon be 13 luxury condos within walking distance to the Cliff Walk and Salve Regina.

The 118-year-old building was erected at a time of rapid residential growth in Newport around the turn of the century.

Now, located at 32 Carey Street between Bellevue Avenue and lower Thames Street, work is underway to convert classrooms into kitchens and bedrooms and the owners promise the completed project will reflect the city’s rich history.

“Downtown Newport is rich with history,” said Colin O’Keeffe, co-owner of Boston-based Arch Street Development. “It’s important that the new Carey Street Condominiums reflect that.”

This adaptive reuse project calls for a mix of one, two, and three bedroom units that will preserve the building’s original features. The building will offer two onsite parking spaces per unit. Arch Street also plans to create a shared terrace for residents to enjoy the city’s water views.

The units are being marketed by Libby Kirwin Real Estate of Newport with prices starting in the high $300s and averaging at $450.

“This is a great location for empty nesters who want to live in Newport or for those looking for a turnkey option for a seasonal getaway, O’Keeffe said.

Arch Street hired Architect, Durkee Brown Viveiros Werenfels Architects; General Contractor, Behan Bros; site/excavating/paving contractor, J.A.M. Construction Company for construction services, and DiPrete Engineering; an engineering and land surveying firm that provided a boundary and topographic survey, and site engineering. DiPrete is currently providing construction oversight for site related activities. Together the team obtained approvals from the City of Newport Planning and Zoning Boards.

“We’re currently supporting Durkee Brown with site and building integration,” said Kevin Demers, Senior Project Engineer at DiPrete Engineering. “We’re in the process of incorporating a new ramp at the entry to the school so it is readily accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities.”

“This project is great for both Arch Street and the City,” said O’Keeffe. “We really enjoy re-purposing older buildings and are excited to return this one to its neighborhood.”

Carey Street Condominiums are expected to be complete by December 2014.