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History returns to Watch Hill skyline
WATCH HILL -- A full Ocean House silhouette once again stands out against the backdrop of the sparkling Block Island Sound.
Ocean House reconstruction project representatives, local and state officials and members of the public, some fresh off the beach, gathered Friday afternoon to celebrate the construction industry tradition known as a topping off ceremony.
Crews hoisted the final steel beam into place atop the frame of the 2 Bluff Ave. hotel, the latest milestone in a $135-million project.
The yellow-lacquered beam bore countless signatures. Attendees had visited throughout the day to pen in blue marker their names, dates and even a small drawing of a shark on the beam.
Then, previously unannounced to attendees, a crane slowly lifted a second portion of the frame -- the 20-ton tower -- 120-feet in the air and placed it atop the building to the singing of “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America.”
Per the topping ceremony custom, a 6-foot arborvitae tree, symbolizing growth and good luck, and an American flag topped the tower.
The tower replicates the top of the original Ocean House and restores a skyline last seen around 1938.
The tower stands 36 feet high, 75 feet long and 50 feet deep, according to Mark Banfield, project manager.
Senate Minority Leader Dennis Algiere, R-Westerly, said he is proud to see such a project in Westerly during difficult economic times.
“I’m delighted along with the residents of Westerly and Watch Hill to see a vital part of Watch Hill coming to life,” he said.
Algiere also joined other speakers in applauding Charles Royce, the financier of the Bluff Avenue LLC project.
Frank Caprio, state general treasurer, said, “Mr. Royce, you’re a legend on Wall Street. You’re a legend here in Watch Hill. Thank you for all you’ve done.”
Royce described the community project to date as a long journey and announced that the new Ocean House would open in April 2010.
“You’re all invited,” he told the crowd.
“Have a drink at the bar on me,” he added, drawing applause and chuckles.
Another well-known face from the old Ocean House, longtime lifeguard Sam Fusaro said, “I thank the care that you’ve taken in this project and I look forward to the completion…”
Westerly residents Chris Connolly and Billie Jo Chicoria, seated under a white tent to watch the ceremony, said they have fond memories of the old Ocean House and felt part of history by signing the steel beam.
“I feel honored to have my name, my grandchildrens’ names up on the beam forever,” said Chicoria, joined by her granddaughter, Skyler, 10.
Connolly agreed: “And now I feel like I am cemented here by signing this beam. I’m a fixture now.”
Westerly resident Philo Willetts also described the ceremony as a historic moment.
“Mr. Royce has rescued this historic hotel from private development to guarantee public access to the best single view in Rhode Island,” he said.
Brad Dimeo, president of Providence-based Dimeo Construction, the firm completing the project, said topping off ceremonies originated 1,400 years ago in Scandinavia.
He said it also celebrated the teamwork, quality and craftsmanship of the project workers and subcontractors.
The landmark yellow Ocean House was built in 1868 and operated as a 48-room hotel until its closing in 2003.
In 2005, Bluff Avenue LLC purchased the hotel, sought approvals to demolish the deteriorating structure and build a new Ocean House in its place.
The new hotel -- slated to open for the 2010 season -- will include 48 hotel rooms, 24 luxury suites, underground parking, a spa, an indoor lap pool, three seasonal dining venues and exercise facilities. The suites, or condominiums, have been priced between $2 million and $6 million.
It will stand around 50,770-square-feet larger than its predecessor. However, project officials have said the bulk will be located below the lobby level, giving a smaller appearance. The above-ground structure will stand around 10,340-square-feet, smaller than the original hotel.
The project cost was initially pegged at $96 million, but costs have gone up. The project is anticipated to create thousands of short-term and permanent jobs for local residents, generate increased tax revenue for the town and spur millions of dollars in economic output, according to project officials.