" It's the homeowners who have the drive to preserve and save many of these buildings here -- one of the most rewarding things was watching them not only put their own sweat equity into their houses but also into helping out their neighbors. We had a neighborhood demolition party to make quick work of the plaster and lath removal at Brent and Peter's. Some serious do it yourself thing with Luke driver doing his own demolition and mark and Christina and Jessica adding historic details to their kitchen -- artists pat Simons and her daughter PK actually made their own bathroom tiles and tub surround. Jim Verity pitched in with -- landscape contractor to plant the burning bushes around his foundation. This Emilia Henderson designed fabric for her porch furniture while her husband caused great pain in the summer right. And who can forget Brent bachelor's out of this world mural from planet Neal -- They're certainly has been no limit to the creative energy around this neighborhood but not all of these projects were do it yourself jobs. With the hard work and expertise of Terry Bates and Glen Naylor of -- our construction. The -- bathroom underwent a major improvement and three other elmwood homes got a complete exterior facelift. They restored berry Jean and so less historic front porch to its former grandeur. And completely transformed Judi Lee's waterlogged side entry porch with new balustrades pillars and a creative -- As if they didn't have enough to do already being rebuilt Paul and Emilia sagging front entry into a gracious outdoor living space. Brian Wiggins and his crew from regal home improvements and tackled -- complex restoration job on Jim Verity front portico. And crafted a cozy little deck off the drivers new cottage kitchen. And Joe Wagner's Providence restoration company formed a feat of engineering to transformed Cathy -- and Peter -- smart conservatory roof. Into a sun deck and spot. Brent and Peter's third floor build out got some serious structural work my nationwide home improvement."

" The Melrose group coordinated with turned out to be a pretty complex job here Ron and don's. A lot of these jobs needed expert advice and help from consultants like lighting designer Markus -- And wood floor guru Howard Brickman not to mention some seriously skilled workmanship from subcontractors too numerous to mention. From polishing a marble mosaic. And replicating original brass door hardware to installing kitchen cabinets. And we really have to mention Forester moulding is exacting standards for the millwork they may force limits to Massachusetts. It's their attention to custom details that is made so many of these projects stand out. Rhode Island builders association helped us locate some great landscaping talent as well really dress up the jobs and from hardscape of plantings to hydrazine. -- a great resource in this area for locating all sorts of contractors and giving homeowners a means of quality control when I met with Roger Warren the other -- on my way through the neighborhood."

" Roger what's the advantage to a homeowner picking a contractor to pick -- that's a member of a professional organizations. Like any profession me -- me. And the crop gravitate to the top and they come in the association for the educational opportunities and for government relations representation -- all right and also for the latest in technology and in building ideas cereals and applications. And the education that we provide that as well makes a lot of sense."

" Another thing that makes a lot of sense in a historic district like elmwood is to get help with permitting -- and general advice on restoration. We couldn't have done it without the help of marriage -- cal and Bob major of the preservation cooperative. Who knows the ins and outs of building in Providence they helped the homeowners get technical advice. -- decisions and negotiate with the historic commission about everything from roofing materials for fenestration to replacing damaged columns and no work."