Neighborhood

Previously called Plainfield Road, Westminster Street acted as a nexus to the two neighborhoods of Olneyville and Downtown, taking part in a growing network of roads that connected the burgeoning trade of 18th century Providence. By the early 19th century, the West Side assumed a major role in the industrial development of the city. The development of the West Side began around Hoyle Square, where a tavern was established in 1720 at the intersection of Cranston and Westminster Streets; development soon spread westward with the founding of several factories. Through its growth as a manufacturing center, the West Side also grew as a major residential area to new Irish and Italian immigrant communities. By the 1950's however, the neighborhood experienced major out-migration as the construction of I-95 induced middle-class flight to the suburbs. By isolating the Westside from Downtown, it also resulted in the decline of investments to the area. Following WWII more than a third of the population left, resulting in vacant schools and churches. Many historic buildings were demolished at this time, leaving the street lined with deteriorating buildings and various land uses.