DEM Announces Plans To Demolish Lighthouse Inn, Draw Investors

NARRAGANSETT, RI — Nothing new is coming to the site formerly occupied by The Lighthouse Inn any time soon. The Rhode Island DEM rejected all proposal submitted for the site, and will instead take steps to make the parcel more appealing to investors.

Last October, the department issued a request for proposals to redevelop the site, which sits on prime real estate right across from the Block Island Ferry dock. On Wednesday, DEM announced that none of the three proposals submitted were deemed viable by the review team. Instead, the agency will shift its approach, making changes to the site to draw in developers.

While none of the proposals were chosen, the process gave the department "valuable feedback and insight into the strengths and, from an investor’s point of view, weaknesses of this site," Acting Director Terry Gray said.

"We know that we must invest to make it more viable," Gray said. "We are committed to working on a plan for the property that supports the many commercial fishing crews, seafood processors, and other shoreside businesses that bring fresh seafood to markets locally, nationally, and globally."

The five-acre land parcel used to be home to the now-defunct Lighthouse Inn, which has stood empty for years. The land behind has long been used for parking for beachgoers, Block Island travelers and commercial fishermen in the bustling port. The land is divided into three lots, two of which have been used for parting and the third where the former hotel stands.

The DEM said it will separate the three parcels and terminate the lease for the inn itself, with plans to demolish the structure. The agency said it hopes to find investors to redevelop the land in a way that will help the commercial fishing industry and potentially offer public amenities in the popular tourist area.

The two lots currently used for parking are currently leased with PRI X. DEM said it plans to renegotiate the agreement, allowing the company to make upgrades.

"As we move forward with these plans, we will continue discussions with the Town of Narragansett and other stakeholders on redevelopment options for this valuable property," Gray continued. "We appreciate the good-faith proposals made by the three bidders."

The Lighthouse Inn, abandoned and looking worse for wear, was built in 1967, according to the Narragansett Times. A classic seaside hotel, it offered guests an indoor pool and basic amenities during its 50 years of operation.

While it remained operational, reviews posted leading up to the hotel's closure were far from stellar. Guests on Yelp and TripAdvisor complained of seagull droppings, unclean rooms and a general "musty smell throughout the entire building."
The 50th anniversary year was the last in operation for the quaint lodging, and the hotel did not reopen for the 2018 summer season.

In 2017, the owner proposed knocking down the building to expand the 300-space parking lot — mostly used by Block Island ferry-goers — to accommodate 544 vehicles. That proposal was ultimately shelved, leaving the property standing but not operational for the past four summers.