In May of 1910 and August of 1913, Bishop of the Diocese of Providence, Rev. Matthew Harkins, D.D. purchased 2 parcels of land on the east side of River Avenue in northwest Providence from Jane W. Bradley. At the first Corporation meeting held on March 10, 1917, the Bishop granted these 17 acres for the purpose of establishing a college. Providence College, operating under the auspices of the Order of Preachers, more commonly known as Dominicans, opened its doors on this property in 1919.
The College continued to grow with the purchase of the Bradley Estate in 1926 and the House of the Good Shepherd property in 1955, both from the Diocese of Providence. In 1974, the College acquired the Charles V. Chapin Hospital property, which has become the east or "lower" campus.
Providence College's current 105-acre campus has undergone extensive renovations over the years. It has continued to evolve in recent years with additional campus infrastructure improvements.
Select a category below to learn about the history and uses of the buildings on the Providence College campus.
Administrative Academic Dominican
Residence Halls On-Campus Apartments Athletic/Recreational