Overview

Located in the north end section of Providence called Wanskuck, Chad Brown is Providence's first low-rent public housing project and the second oldest housing project in the state of Rhode Island. It was developed by the Providence Housing Authority and architect Maximilian Untersee in response to the New Deal legislation founded on the concept of aiding the poor with adequate housing. With monthly rents ranging from $17-$42 in 1942, it gave preference to families of low-income defense and war workers.

The layout of the property consists of about 28 row houses spread out among 13 acres of land. The design plans originally showed 312 units (78 three room units, 109 four room, 109 five room and 16 six room units) but final construction in 1942 reveals that only 198 units were completed. Each row house is made up of several two story brick and concrete apartments. Bedrooms and bathrooms are located on the second floor with an open layout of the living room and kitchen on the first.

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