Red brick and terra cotta mark the Audrain Building at 222 Bellevue Avenue, a commercial landmark set directly adjacent to the Newport Casino. Built in 1902–1903 for Adolphe L. Audrain and designed by New York architect Bruce Price, it is a contributing property to the Bellevue Avenue/Casino Historic District and one of four buildings that form a distinguished central block in Newport. The two-story structure presents six shop-front bays within exterior dimensions of 110 by 73.5 feet.
Look closely at the bright terra cotta trim — fashioned in the manner of the Italian Renaissance artist Luca della Robbia — which accents the bays and the roofline. Street-level ornamentation is relatively restrained, but that detail increases noticeably at the arched second-floor windows and along the projecting cornice. On the facade you can also find copies of della Robbia’s swaddled infants from the Hospital of the Innocents in Florence, a charming and unexpected classical touch.
Recently renovated, a new owner has brought the building back to its original condition. Picture the neighboring Newport Casino and the Travers Block and King Block completing this central block beside you.