Early History

The Hartford Park and Manton Heights housing projects are located on the West End of Providence.

When they were built in the 1950s, they were applauded for being modern and socially progressive. Upon the completion of Hartford Park in 1953, which featured four 10-story high rises, then-Governor Dennis J. Roberts said: “We see in this site the progress in Rhode Island for our people- a milestone in social progress and an inspiration to continue in a great tradition.”

The Journal of Housing named Hartford Park one of ten “outstanding housing developments in the nation.” It was praised for its “thoughtful design,” “imaginative, ingenious site planning,” and “progressive ideas in the use of construction materials and methods to achieve economies and efficiencies.”