THE FOUNDRY ASSOCIATES
The Foundry Associates, LP is a family-owned real estate firm based in Providence, Rhode Island, with a long-standing commitment to historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and thoughtful stewardship of significant urban properties. Owned and operated by the Guerra family, the firm has been active since 1968 and has invested in, developed, and managed a range of commercial and mixed-use properties over multiple decades.
Today, the company owns and operates two of Providence’s most distinctive historic campuses, The Foundry and The ALCO, which together comprise more than 700,000 square feet of office and medical office space. These campuses are home to over 65 companies and approximately 3,500 professionals.
The Foundry is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and occupies the former Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing complex along the Woonasquatucket River. The 26-acre campus includes 13 restored mill buildings and represents one of the region’s most significant examples of large-scale adaptive reuse. The campus also includes The Halstead Providence, formerly known as The Promenade, a 433-unit residential community that was developed by The Foundry Associates from raw industrial space and later transitioned to separate ownership and management. Together, these uses contribute to a vibrant mixed-use environment.
The ALCO, originally the American Locomotive Company works, is a 13-acre office park defined by historic brick construction, generous natural light, and expansive green space. Built in the early 1900s, the complex was carefully redeveloped to support modern workplace needs while preserving its industrial character.
The work of The Foundry Associates is guided by the legacy of its founder, Antonio “Tony” Guerra (1927–2014), an architect and early pioneer of design-build construction and historic preservation in Rhode Island. Beginning with his purchase of the Brown & Sharpe complex in 1968, Tony Guerra dedicated his career to demonstrating that historic industrial buildings could be transformed into productive and enduring places for business and community life. That vision continues through the next generation of Guerra family leadership.
Today, The Foundry Associates remains focused on long-term vision, hands-on management, and responsible reinvestment, continuing a family tradition of preserving Providence’s industrial heritage while supporting the city’s evolving business and residential communities.
OUR FOUNDER
Antonio Guerra (1927-2014)
Tony began his career as an architect with The Robinson, Green, Beretta Corporation, he then created Delta Construction Company, one of the first design-build construction firms in the Northeast, in 1962. He was a visionary, and a pioneer in the field of historic preservation. Tony's most prominent contribution to Rhode Island and to the city of Providence was his purchase and renovation of the former Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Plant, currently known as The Foundry Corporate Office Center and The Promenade Apartments. Tony finalized the purchase of this historic complex in 1968. Thirteen buildings totaling 1 million square feet have been completely renovated and restored and are occupied by a mix of commercial and residential uses. He pursued his vision faithfully until the day he passed.