Artist, designer, advocate for preservation and civil rights, Morris Nathanson, was born on September 9, 1927 and raised in Pawtucket. His immigrant family, living in the Pleasant View neighborhood, witnessed the effects of eminent domain, which took and demolished their home and community to make way for Interstate 95. This experience inspired his dedication to historic preservation.
Nathanson’s Jewish upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of justice, driving him to fight for civil rights and human dignity. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II, motivated by the atrocities of the Holocaust. Aboard the U.S.S. Catamount in the Pacific, he traveled in submarine-infested waters. His military experience ignited his lifelong fight against systemic racism and inequality, leading him to participate in the Freedom Rides and marches with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
After the war, Nathanson attended the University of Miami where he earned a degree in Theatre and Fine Arts. His artistic talent and passion for design propelled him into a successful career as a restaurant and hospitality designer. At 24, he designed the first Dunkin’ Donuts franchise, and later he established his own firm, Morris Nathanson Design. His projects included iconic local restaurants like Hemenway’s, Capital Grill, and Mills Tavern, as well as nationally renowned venues like New York’s B.B. King Blues Club.
Nathanson was a pioneer of adaptive reuse, encouraging the transformation of underutilized mills into thriving spaces for artists. In Pawtucket, he rehabilitated the Rhode Island Cardboard Manufacturing complex into Blackstone Studios, creating artist studios and lofts. His work helped establish Pawtucket as a vibrant arts and entertainment district, leaving a lasting mark on the community.
In Providence he worked with the artist-led Partnership for Creative Industrial Space and Pat and Gail Conley to renovate an iconic Allens Avenue waterfront building into three floors of artists’ studios and a fourth-floor cultural club and function center. Sadly, the city’s failure to rezone the area has left this National Register Building vacant.
Morris is the recipient of numerous personal awards and recognitions, including honorary doctorates from Johnson & Wales University and Rhode Island College. Morris has been inducted into the Pawtucket Hall of Fame, and earned the Pawtucket Foundation Heritage Award, the Arts and Business Council of Rhode Island’s Small Business Award, and the Pell Award from the Trinity Repertory Company for his life-time contribution to the arts. He has also been designated as a ‘Thought Leader’ by the prestigious American Society of Interior Designers.
A lifelong member of the Providence Art Club, Nathanson was a prolific fine artist with his paintings, sculptures, and illustrations exhibited widely. He also contributed to the local arts scene by serving on the boards of Trinity Repertory Company and the Providence Historic District Commission.
Nathanson’s legacy extends beyond his design and artistic achievements. His passion for civil rights and equality defined his life, and his commitment to fostering young artists lives on through the Morris Nathanson Tribute Fund, which provides scholarships to Rhode Island School of Design students.
Morris Nathanson passed away in September 2023 at the age of 95. He was survived by his wife Phyllis, his children John, Josh, and Kim, and four grandchildren.
Herb Weiss