If you’ve ever driven up Benefit Street on a snowy winter day, you know the feeling — as if you’ve stepped into a storybook. The rows of historic homes, the intricate details, the unmistakable charm — they’re what make Providence, Providence.

At Adler’s Design Center & Hardware, we’ve always felt a deep connection to that story. For generations, we’ve been proud to help homeowners care for the city’s historic architecture — and to partner with organizations like the Providence Preservation Society (PPS), who share that same passion for preserving what makes our community unique.

The First Stop for Homeowners

As PPS Executive Director Marisa Brown explains, homeowners often find Adler’s and PPS at the same time — usually when they’ve just purchased a property that needs a little extra love.

“Both we and Adler’s often play that role of the first stop,” she says. “People come to us asking, Who can help me? Where do I start?”

Whether it’s a historic paint color match, the right hardware for a 19th-century door, or just advice on where to begin, Adler’s has long been that place — a trusted partner in turning vision into reality.

A Legacy of Stewardship

“We support the preservation movement because the preservation movement has supported us,” says Harry Adler, co-owner of Adler’s. “Our job is to help homeowners find the right products — and the right people — to make their projects last.”

From beautifully crafted William Morris wallcoverings to decorative hardware designed to look right at home in an older space, Adler’s curates products that honor a building’s history while serving the needs of today’s homeowners.

But beyond the materials, Adler’s offers something more lasting: guidance, experience, and connection. “We’ve built relationships with local craftspeople, painters, and contractors we truly trust,” Harry says. “We’re always glad to connect homeowners with the right team for their restoration.”

Taking Time to Honor the Past

Preserving an older home takes patience — and that’s something both Adler’s and PPS understand deeply.

Marisa often encourages homeowners to slow down before starting a renovation. “Take time to understand the history of the place — who it was built for, who lived there before you. You can undo so quickly if you rush.”

Harry agrees: “You don’t know what’s behind those old walls — there will always be surprises. But when you take the time to do it right, you’re preserving something beautiful for generations to come.”

Part of Providence’s Living History

For more than 100 years, Adler’s has been part of the city’s fabric — a legacy business serving generations of families and tradespeople.

As Marisa puts it, “Adler’s represents the best of what makes Providence special: family-run, community-focused, and deeply invested in helping people do things the right way.”

And that’s what preservation is all about — honoring the past, enriching the present, and leaving something meaningful for the future.

Adler’s Design Center & Hardware is proud to support the work of the Providence Preservation Society and the homeowners who continue to care for the city’s historic beauty, one project at a time.