The Reading Room’s History of Survival

Feb 1

The Reading Room was built in 1875, as a summer cottage known as Sea Lawn, and then converted to a Men’s Club when the Narragansett Pier Casino opened in 1886. Resort guests enjoyed billiards, tennis, cards, bowling, shooting, boating, sunbathing, shops restaurants, theater performances, and exceptional reading rooms. Sea Lawn was constructed in the Second Empire style, with a highly eclectic combination of architecture and decorative arts. The design used elements of Stick-style detailing and included innovative materials of the time, such as iron frameworks and glass skylights. The cottage was originally constructed on a nearby street and moved shortly after the completion of the Casino to house the resort’s men’s club known as The Reading Room. It quickly became a popular spot where the elite met to discuss books over cigars and drinks. In 1900, the summer season abruptly ended on September 12 when a fire at the Casino’s neighboring Rockingham Hotel quickly spread, destroying many nearby wood-frame buildings, including the Casino. By morning, only the stone porte-cochere and towers stood in its aftermath. The Reading Room survived fortunately unscathed.

The building was purchased by Lila Delman Real Estate office, which now occupies the site with some private apartments. In 2007, SR Fine Homes along with Leslie Architects took on the challenge of completing a full restoration inside and out of this seaside Narragansett landmark. This project had some unique challenges due to its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the harsh conditions it regularly endures situated on the coast of New England. SR Fine Homes took extra care and detail in replicating the uniquely, curved windows that can withstand these conditions, but still, maintain the original style.