Alchemy
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Alchemy
@Alchemyri
Rhode Island’s premier Nightclub and Live Music Venue. 171 Chestnut Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Providence, RI Katılım Eylül 2016
1.1K Takip Edilen905 Takipçiler
We celebrate 10 Years this year! It’s made us a little nostalgic so we looked up the history of the building we first called home of Alchemy. 71 Richmond Street in Providence, RI. It’s a rich and interesting history!
The building standing today was constructed between 1924 and 1926, replacing an earlier smaller commercial building. Its first documented tenants included Franklin Premium Company, Peter Boboras Lunch, and Lazarus Brothers Clothing. For the next 60 years, it housed retail stores, offices, restaurants, and businesses serving downtown Providence and the nearby Jewelry District.
1986–1993 — AS220
The second floor became home to AS220, helping shape Providence’s modern arts community before moving to Empire Street in 1993.
Late 1990s–January 2011 — Jerky’s
Jerky’s grew into one of New England’s most legendary independent music venues, hosting thousands of local and national acts.
May–Summer 2011 — Industry
A brief but often forgotten chapter.
September 2011–2013 — Providence Social Club (PVD Social Club)
2012–2013 — Loft 71
A short-lived rebranding during a period of ownership changes.
2016–2024 — Alchemy
Alchemy carried on the building’s musical legacy, hosting thousands of performances and becoming home to artists and music fans from every corner of the scene.
2024–Present — Kulture
Meanwhile, the first floor built its own legendary history:
* Mid-1980s: Club Rocket
* Late 1980s–Late 1990s: Club Babyhead
* Late 1990s–2010: Club Hell
* 2010–Present: Ego
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Sitting here in the office and thinking of the history of this building so did a little research:
Before it became Alchemy, our building lived many lives.
The building was constructed in 1924 as the Providence Wholesale Drug Company Warehouse.
The building was built to store and distribute pharmaceuticals throughout New England. Located in the heart of Providence’s industrial Jewelry District, it featured large factory windows, open warehouse floors, and loading docks designed for commercial distribution. Although located in The Jewelry District, our building never operated as a Jewelry Factory.
For decades, it served as an industrial warehouse before being transformed into one of Providence’s nightlife destinations.
1993–1996 – Home to TriBeCa, a jazz supper club.
1996–2002 – Became Jezebel’s, a popular nightclub.
2002–2021 – Operated as Art Bar, hosting music, DJs, and countless memorable nights for nearly two decades.
2021–Present – The building entered its newest chapter as Alchemy, continuing the tradition of live music, community, and nightlife while preserving the character of this 100-year-old industrial landmark.
For over a century, 171 Chestnut Street has evolved alongside Providence itself—from warehouse, to nightclub, to concert venue.
We’re honored to continue writing the next chapter of its history and thankful to everyone who has walked through these doors over the past 100 years!
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