Some good news for a change! According to the Providence Preservation Society, the demolition application for the Welcome Arnold House at 21 Planet Street — a PPS Most Endangered Property (MEP) — was officially withdrawn at the Historic District Commission (HDC) hearing last month. And it looks like renovation is being planned,

The attorney for 21 Planet Street’s owner said that HDC can expect an application for renovation in the near future. PPS is cautiously optimistic that the owner will recognize, through the community’s intense interest and scrutiny, the significance of the property and the opportunity to properly restore it. We will monitor future building applications and activity at the site.

The significance of this 18th-century structure goes beyond its intrinsic architectural value to the neighborhood. Welcome Arnold was himself a merchant of some note and probably a player in the Gaspee Affair.

Well done PPS and thank you everyone who helped make some noise. This sure feels like a win. (And don’t worry, the owner will be just fine.)