Given to the city in 1867, the park was improved with a fence and retaining wall a decade later. Through a series of transactions between 1925 and 1929 the park was enlarged to its present size. This spot provides a fine overview of the central city and especially of the State House. From the portal-cum-triumphal-arch the granite figure of Roger Williams, arrayed in New Deal cubism, steps out to commemorate the tricentennial of his founding of the city. Walker, reared in Providence, was one of five architects—all of whom were Rhode Islanders “by birth and heritage”—invited to submit proposals. His scheme also projected an unrealized terrace level below the park connected by an elaborate stair continuing down to the street below.
Congdon Street is worth the walk for a number of medium-sized Federal and Greek Revival houses, all enjoying in private the public view from Prospect Park.