Faxon Lodge, located at 28 Gammell Road in Newport, Rhode Island, is a refined Gilded Age residential lodge set near the northern end of the Cliff Walk. The house was commissioned by Frank Knight Sturgis, a prominent banker and former President of the New York Stock Exchange, and designed in 1902–1903 by architect and classicist Ogden Codman, Jr. Known for his scholarly approach to proportion, detail, and restrained ornament, Codman conceived Faxon Lodge as an intimate yet formally composed residence, departing from Newport’s more exuberant seaside palaces in favor of architectural discipline and material refinement.

Executed in a Tudor‑influenced idiom, the lodge is characterized by its steeply pitched roof, carefully proportioned massing, robust masonry elements, and finely detailed exterior surfaces. The composition emphasizes craftsmanship over display, aligning with Codman’s broader body of work, which sought clarity, permanence, and historical accuracy. Faxon Lodge occupies a site once associated with earlier nineteenth‑century summer residences, reinforcing the continuity of domestic architecture along Newport’s shoreline.

Over time, the property transitioned from private residence to institutional use and is now known as Conley Hall, serving as part of the Salve Regina University campus. This shift required ongoing historic preservation and rehabilitation to ensure that essential upgrades did not compromise the building’s architectural integrity or historic character. Preservation efforts have focused on maintaining the original envelope, roof forms, and exterior materials while supporting continued use and longevity.

As part of this preservation work, Slate & Copper Services was engaged to perform specialized historic roofing and architectural copper restoration. Our scope included work at the roof plane and associated drainage systems, with careful attention to flashing, valleys, and transitions critical to protecting the masonry structure below. Historically appropriate materials and detailing were employed to align with Codman’s original design intent, while discreet modern performance measures were integrated to address moisture management and long‑term durability in Newport’s coastal environment. Precision craftsmanship was essential throughout, particularly where complex roof geometry and masonry interfaces demanded exacting execution.

Today, Faxon Lodge stands as a distinguished example of Ogden Codman Jr.’s residential work and a quieter counterpoint to Newport’s more monumental estates. Slate & Copper Services’ contribution reflects a commitment to historic roof restoration, architectural copper craftsmanship, and adaptive preservation, supporting the continued stewardship of a building whose significance lies in both its architectural restraint and its enduring role within Newport’s historic landscape.