September 30, 2026

Developer Paul Boghossian and Partners Acquire Wickford Elementary School to Complete Vision of Waterfront Residential Community in North Kingstown, Rhode Island

Four historic buildings on three waterfront parcels and approved for 52 residences, with significant historic tax credits, and potential for future expansion

WICKFORD, R.I., September 30, 2026 — Paul Boghossian, a New England real estate developer specializing in historic properties, along with private investment partners, have completed the acquisition of the final building—the Wickford Elementary School—to greenlight a fully approved waterfront residential development in the heart of Wickford, Rhode Island.

Comprising approximately six acres, the properties (at 99 Phillips and 84-90 Phillips Street, respectively) encompass four historic waterfront buildings with distinctive architectural character, original patina, and beautiful estuary views across Academy Cove for the school building and Wickford Cove for the Wickford Olde Theatre building—the other major building in the project. 

Currently approved for 52 residences, major entitlements required for the planned development are in place for an effort that began in 2019 with an RFP from the Town of North Kingstown and significant public input.

The size of the site provides an opportunity to construct up to 15 additional residences, subject to the necessary planning, design, and regulatory approvals.

“This is a rare combination of waterfront access, historic character, scale, and walkability,” said Boghossian, adding that “the existing buildings have wonderful detail that can’t be replicated, while the approved plans create an opportunity to pair that character with thoughtfully designed residences and high-quality amenities in a charming seaside village.”

Planned amenities include a fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool, a kayak launch, and convenient, ample on-site parking. Residents will be approximately 50 steps from water access on Academy and Wickford Coves.

The property also offers exceptional walkability:

• 0.1 mile to the local library

• 0.2 mile to Wickford’s harbor front, shops, and restaurants

• 0.2 mile to Dave’s Fresh Marketplace, a popular regional grocery market

MBTA commuter rail service to Boston and major highway access are approximately an eight-minute drive from the property.

The project has been approved for up to $2.2 million in Rhode Island historic tax credits, with the associated fee paid, as well as expectations for Federal historic tax credits. These approvals, together with the project’s existing state and municipal entitlements, substantially advance the development process and enhance the property’s potential.

“Wickford has a charm and sense of place that are increasingly difficult to find,” Boghossian stated. “This project offers the opportunity to create waterfront residences that feel connected to the history of the buildings and the surrounding village while offering the amenities and convenience buyers expect today,” he added. 

With the site control step now realized, the team will now be in position to advance the design and engineering process while also finalizing discussions for equity and debt commitments. Despite rising interest rates and inflation-related construction cost pressures, the team is eager to move the redevelopment forward.  

Town of North Kingstown Town Manager Ralph Mollis expressed that “The Town of North Kingstown is excited to take this next step in what will bring Wickford Elementary School back to life with a residential component within Wickford Village that will protect the historic character of the building while providing much needed housing opportunities and an influx of residents to support the Village Business District. My sincere thanks to Paul Boghossian, Attorney John Kupa, North Kingstown Town Solicitor James Callaghan, the Planning Department and the Town Council on their efforts and long-term partnership in making the vision come to fruition.”

Learn more about the Wickford Project at wickfordoldetheatreresidences.com and wickfordschoolhouseresidences.com. 

Media and Development Inquiries:
Paul Boghossian
paulboghossian@gmail.com