User:JKizzieHumanities/The Steel Yard

The Woonasquatucket Valley Community Build, Incorporated, primarily known as "The Steel Yard" is an acclaimed non-profit industrial arts studio located in the former Providence Steel and Iron Company Complex in Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 2001, it provides classes, studio space, public events,--including its annual Iron Pour-- public projects and space rental. Former Providence mayor, congressman Cicilline called the Steel Yard: "a model for reviving the city's industrial heritage", and the design has earned the Steel Yard multiple awards.

History
The Steel Yard was founded in by Clay Rockefeller and Nick Bauta in 2001. Bauta, a RISD graduate, and Rockefeller, a Brown University graduate were living in a renovated mill building near the Steel Yard when the Providence Steel and Iron Company Complex lot went up for sale. The non-profit was launched in partnership with a broad coalition of local activists organized to address the displacement of small businesses and artists in the Olneyville and Valley Neighborhoods of Providence. From 2001-2010 the grounds were renovated to create a facility for the Steel Yard's studio spaces. The project, which included remediation of the grounds to EPA and RIDEM standards, cost 1.2 million dollars.

In 2013, the Steel Yard received the silver medal for the Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence

Public Projects
The Steel Yard Gaspee Days - The Steel Yard created a new effigy  of the HMS Gaspee for the 250th anniversary of the burning of the HMS Gaspee. The effigy is burned annually as part of the Gaspee Days celebration in Warwick. Public works - The Steel Yard takes commissions for public fixtures like trash cans, bike racks, and tree guards in towns including Providence, Central Falls and Block Island.

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Awards

 * 2013, Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence
 * 2011, Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission Rhody Award
 * 2011 Mayor's Citation for Reuse and Neighborhood Revitalization 2011.
 * 2011 American Society of Landscape Architects Honor Award
 * 2010, Providence Preservation Society Providence Preservation Reuse and Neighborhood Revitalization Award