Opposition to Breakers Welcome Center: Meeting Tonight

NEWPORT, RI — Tonight, April 7 at 5:30 p.m., opponents of the proposed Breakers Welcome Center will hold a community meeting with a panel of experts. Here is the press release.

"Following the announcement of a $200,000 challenge grant earlier this week, the Friends of Newport Preservation will present two preservation experts as part of their effort to raise public awareness and preserve The Breakers, Newport’s crown jewel. “The Landscape of The Breakers: Significance and Opportunities For Newport’s Most Important Gilded Age Landmark”, will be held at the Newport Elks Club Lodge.

"The Preservation Society of Newport County’s unpopular plan for a new building on the grounds of The Breakers poses significant dangers to the historic integrity of the property. With a focus on education and awareness, the evening event will feature Patricia O’Donnell, a well-known historic landscape planner and preservationist who has studied the history and significance of The Breakers landscape. She will be joined by Mohamad Farzan, a Newport architect and historian deeply familiar with The Breakers and its history.

"Attendees will hear about and see visualizations of the possibilities for restoration of the property’s iconic landscape and have an opportunity to review an interesting alternative to the controversial visitor center. There will be opportunity for questions and discussion along with complimentary appetizers and a cash bar during a cocktail party following the presentations.

What: The Landscape of The Breakers: Significance and Opportunities For Newport’s Most Important Gilded Age Landmark

When: Friday, April 7th 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Presentation and Discussion & 6:30 p.m. Community Gathering

Where: Elks Lodge, 141 Pelham Street, Newport (parking provided)

Who: Patricia O’Donnell, FASLA, AICP, IFLA, ICOMOS, Principal, Heritage Landscapes LLC ; Mohamad Farzan, AIA, NewPort Architecture LLC; preservation experts, Vanderbilt family members, Newport residents and all who care about Newport’s future.