Abandoned Bank Vaults & Offices | Rhode Island

This is an abandoned bank…that was constructed in 1929 and closed for good in 2005.
Filmed/Edited by Jason Allard
My website: www.UncomSenseMedia.com
Follow me on Instagram: @Uncomsense
Drone: DJI Spark Fly More Combo
Main Camera: Canon 5D Mark IV w/ Rokinon f/1.5 24mm
Additional Camera: DJI Osmo Pocket
Editing: Final Cut Pro X
This is an abandoned bank…that was constructed in 1929 and closed for good in 2005, after the building was used for a short time as the department of motor vehicles.
It’s six stories tall, with two vaults, a massive main lobby, and 5 floors of offices. It’s in pretty rough shape these days, with vandalism pretty rampant throughout, leaking roofs, and broken windows. There was even a small fire on the 3rd floor back in 2011. But, like all abandoned places, it’s still got some beauty in it, and I think it’s worth showing.
We’re going to start at the bottom level…and I mean the absolute bottom. There’s an entrance into the basement through one of the old hatches, so let’s head down and start there.
The reason we really wanted to start in the basement is because we knew there was something super interesting down there…we just didn’t know where. When the bank was built in 1929, the foundation was laid and the main vault was constructed in the basement out of steel reinforced concrete. Bank vaults are always custom built, and this one was constructed pretty standard for the time. The vault itself is about 2 feet thick, with the door being over 1,000 pounds….so we knew we had to find it, it was just a matter of navigating the basement.
We turned another corner…and there it was.
Unfortunately, the vault was completely empty…not even a penny left behind…just some graffiti on the walls.
With the vault found, it was time to head upstairs to the first floor…where the main lobby was located.The classical revival-themed building is a steel-framed brick and concrete structure. The foundation on the Street is actually made of polished granite. It was modeled after the bank’s headquarters…it has a glazed arcade banking space on the first floor, which was especially beautiful because of the tall Corinthian pillars that rise up to the natural lighting skylights.
I mentioned that this abandoned bank was modeled after its headquarters, which is also still standing, but in much better condition. This is the original headquarters, constructed in 1919, and you can really see the similarities in the architecture - the tall windows, corinthian pillars, and detailed ceiling. Unlike the branch we’ve been exploring, the headquarters had a much different fate when the bank officially closed. It was repurposed as the library for the Rhode Island School of Design, or RISD. Comparing the photos, you can really see how beautiful this place could have been if the owners had found a new use for it.
There is actually another vault in here, behind the main lobby, that you have to walk through some of the back offices to get to. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get in to this one because it has the steel bars blocking the way. Even if we could get inside, it’s completely empty just like the one in the basement.
This vault has another entrance on the opposite side. We went over there, and the door is impossible to open..trust me we tried.
So Eric trued to open it, but due to the extreme rust on the vault door and the fact that it was sagging off the tracks.. it just could not be opened. We couldn’t get in, but there was still a lot more to check out here.
Above the lobby are 5 floors of offices that were used by the bank staff. The layout is the same on every floor, which made navigating here a lot easier than the basement. This is the room that had the fire in 2011…it’s easily in the worst condition out of the entire building.
The rest of the offices are pretty bare now, there are old documents on the floors…but everything is falling apart.
After checking out the offices it was time to head out.
Ok we know what it’s like now, and we know what it could have been…but are there any plans for it in the future?
So no plans right now, and the costs to renovate seem way too high for anything now. It’s likely this place will be demolished…really unfortunate, but can’t save em all.
Big thanks to my friends Suthi and Eric for their help exploring and capturing this place, and their patience with me while I got every shot imaginable. If you like this video be sure to visit my youtube channel and website to see my entire Abandoned from Above web series, where I cover interesting abandoned locations throughout New England.
Abandoned Rhode Island
Abandoned from Above
Urban Exploration
Jason Allard
New England
History
Urbex
Bank
Bank Vaults
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Abandoned Places near me
Abandoned places RI
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[@chriscunningham1545]

Dude your videos are legit. Your transitions, Broll footage, audio quality, history....dude this is one of the best explore videos I've ever seen. Subbed! Please keep posting more!

[@sharongagnist6428]

Chris Cunningham I agree 100%!! I've watched a few and it's taking me back to my past!!

[@deanmaker1374]

Just do the right thing and take it down it's a eye spore.

[@zarman189]

Wish this channel would blow up. Not only do you explore you also tell the history and story of each building/area. Keep it up!

[@explorewithraynickomacands5896]

BANGER BANGER BANGER. This place did not disappoint. This is the place that made Exploring with Josh so famous.

[@user-mt9tn1ni4g]

11 minutes and 52 seconds. That room pretty much says it all!! That was the boardroom!! I've been in that room when that fireplace was lit.. .

[@n3lee]

Sad to see the building in this state of decay... I got my drivers license there back in '98!

[@sharongagnist6428]

n3lee 2003 I believe for me.... it is sad... I walk by this building all the time but I had no idea it was this bad... 😩

[@mikegazaille7687]

I've ben in that building countless times in my life, never imagined it gas deteriorated so much, it was truly beautiful years back

[@tristanolsen6109]

What’s the address I want to explore this place myself

[@mikegazaille7687]

@@tristanolsen6109 send me an email mail. [e-mail]

[@exkaid6381]

am i able to get the address i want to explore and make a video there

[@elijahpalmore2491]

@@tristanolsen6109 it’s right across from the city hall in Woonsocket ri

[@dimitrilensflareabrams2893]

How did you get in? Can't seem to find a way down.

[@Allenstergess]

I stumbled onto this video because I used to live in an apartment briefly shown in your opening drone shots of your video. If you look to the left you will see a small parking lot with cars and a brick building, that is where I lived. That brick building used to be Woonsocket's telephone switching station. The apartment was huge and I loved the exposed brick.

[@kennethsonier1766]

Had a bank account there in the early 80s, it was still a work of art. Been there a couple of times as the registry of motor vehicles and it wasn't looking too good then, it's certainly a disaster today. Keep up the great work and the cool videos, be safe in your exploration s👍✌️🇺🇲

[@DarkerImageTV]

Your videos are always pretty epic.. Great work..

[@necrailvideos8227]

Great work! So cool!

[@EricToolin]

Great video!

[@healthyselfie9479]

Thank you for such an in-depth tour. I’ve been wanting to sneak in and takes some photos but was too scared to do it alone. I really hope that one day Woonsocket can reclaim some of its beautiful buildings. Thanks again for another wonderful abandoned space exploration!

[@deanmaker1374]

Just do the right thing and take it down.

[@beckyj7600]

This is incredible! Nice to get too see all the places from home 🙂

[@bobsmith9885]

Thank-you! Your video quality and editing absolutely superb!

[@sharongagnist6428]

I love your videos! this is where I got my license... then renewed it on Pond St.. now the Woonsocket DMV is in Diamond Hill Plaza (old Mc Donald's)

[@maggiesmith1251]

Great job love the video’s

[@DreamAuthorityMusic]

Nice footage to see....thanks

[@drewstaples9648]

That opening scene with the GRIME tag!!

[@maggiesmith1251]

So professional

[@JMExplorations]

AWESOME Jason!!! What an amazing place!!! Great story and great history!!! Nice job as always!!! :)

[@JasonAllard]

Thanks guys!

[@TheTheatrefan]

Just recently came across your channel and subscribed, Jason. LOVE IT! I'm a huge fan of old RI history, pictures, and especially video tours. Your in depth historical points of view and the great film footage - truly a winner. Keep up the great work. The bank building would make an amazing condo and retail center, if only it were not in such dire disrepair. Thanks for bringing this to us.

[@BlackHatTy]

Jason I loved this. I think this was where I took my road test and got my drivers license in 1988. I remember getting in downtown and getting screamed at for stepping over the line. I left RI in 1996. I have to really look more into your channel as a Manton boy with a hint of Olneyville!

[@Roberta_Esposito]

Manton in the house!! left RI in 96 as well

[@justinmbreedon]

Whoa this video is excellent. I really enjoy this style. It must've taken so much work to film, edit and narrate this, but it's such a good video. Great job

[@JasonAllard]

Thanks I appreciate that! I had a lot of fun with this one

[@fendajamma]

It would have been repurposed if it was anywhere but Woonsocket

[@rontam06]

Yo this dude is NICE!!!! Always wondered about some of these Old Graffiti'd Up Buildings....💯

[@jayarnold4149]

Nicely done keep it up love it beautiful presentation such a shame I was columns unbelievable architecture also

[@MattEastwood]

Nice work Jason ... good story telling.

[@JasonAllard]

Thanks Matt! I was catching up on your videos and watched the Clinton Tunnel one - I was JUST there over the past week for a new video. Great spot for drone shots.

[@MattEastwood]

@@JasonAllard Funny ... people seemed frustrated that I took too long to get to the tunnel visuals themselves. Try flying the drone into the tunnel for your opening shot :)

[@evana6313]

Came from the news. Love it.

[@toni-marieschofield3009]

Luv watching this I'm from Rhode Island remembered when it was a dmv😆

[@sheagirard2656]

dude this is awesome, you did the research so I don't have to. Must subscribe lol keep up the great videos :)

[@cmenjivar813]

You gotta direct a movie! Amazing video bruv.

[@CarterBoyz]

Sick place.

[@walterjimenez6565]

impressive video guys, I would like to check out that place as well.

[@Mroceanstate401]

That’s dope ! Perfect for a music vid! Is the basement the only way in? 🙅🏽‍♂️🙅🏽‍♂️🙅🏽‍♂️ lmao

[@pexieleru]

Ahh fuck yes been wanting to explore this place for a little while now. Great video!

[@brandonalfaro5456]

Do u know where is it at

[@sojih]

@@brandonalfaro5456 ~ I think it's in Woonsocket near Main Street

[@counterfit5]

@@sojih right on Main Street

[@cobl18]

I need to know what the name of the piano song is when they enter the lobby, I absolutely love it. Anyone know the name? :)

[@cobl18]

I found it finally! Audiemus By: Jameson Nathan Jones

[@6delta6pmcprivatesecurity45]

Ty beautiful to bad it be an amazing place.

[@shane0clock716]

I have a bunch of vague memories from being here as a kid and it's crazy to see how it is now, but I was like IS THAT SUTHI?

[@Quadrille763]

I like the\at you tell the history and not just walk through

[@CuriousEarthMan]

Nice video! I came for the vaults lol On the upstairs (main floor) vault, the 2nd (rear?) door, you showed how the compression bolts were below the opening in the fixed stanchions. The things is, the compression bolts appeared horizontal, not sloping at an angle as they might from sagging. Something to remember, is as the large wheel is turned, those compression bolts rotate from a high point to fit into the stanchions, then rotate down into the stanchions (they are eccentric) to act like a cam and pull the door completely closed before the long, black lever is thrown, allowing the combination locks to be turned. Do you think maybe the compression bolts only appeared to be sagging, but in fact the wheel and been turned, and they had been rotated into a lower position instead? This would have prevented the door from being closed by someone accidentally when the building was vacated. Any debris under the tight clearance door, or rust between the door and the frame, or in the hinges themselves would have made the door virtually impossible to open without mechanical assistance, and/or lubing everything up for days before trying to open it. Thanks for the great video!!

[@CuriousEarthMan]

Here's a crazy thought if you guys go back there: bring a couple of metal wedges, like for splitting wood, and tie or duct tape them thick side down, in between the compression bolt ends and the fixed stanchions. Then turn the wheel, if it is free, and it may, possibly, as a long shot, give you the torque/force/leverage you need to maybe make the door budge open lol or move even a little. The large hand wheel and the gearing inside may give you that torque! If the wheel is free, maybe rotate the bolts up to the top to give you more travel to move the door, if that makes sense to you, how I'm saying it. Just a thought! AND maybe bring a level and hold it on one of the bolts or door top edge to see if the door is actually sagging or not :)

[@Lave_cake]

How have i never ben here 😶

[@clintwilliams3818]

Jason- If you see this, have you ever heard anything about a supposed very old bank vault nearby, in the basement of the Chan's building? I don't remember if i was told what year it was from, but probably even older than 1929 like this video. I heard this from a long time employee of Chan's, so i have no reason to doubt it...

[@JasonAllard]

Haven't heard about that but wonder what they keep in it...

[@kb1kos]

Reminiscent of Geraldo Rivera going through Al Capone's vault.

[@darkostrain185]

The vault in the lobby used to always be open as of 8 years ago. That’s really odd someone was able to close it like that

[@shawnready6567]

Probably was done intentionally ;)

[@jamesdarrow9801]

I know where the basement enterance is how did you get down there I can see foot prints in the snow did you climb the wall?

[@jerryclleung]

Resembles the exactly state Woonsocket is in...

[@donseagrave]

i use to work there in the 90's ran the elevator also recorded a album of my band in there late at night... a man named Manny Sherman owned it...wow place went to hell. Think i have old videos of when it was nice...lol or better than now...thank you jason for posting this.

[@brandonalfaro5456]

Where is this At

[@davereynolds6965]

The DMV ruins everything 😮

[@user-mt9tn1ni4g]

Every single value was removed in 2005 when the last tenants left the building that was the Rhode island department of licenses and registration... All those pieces of paper on the floor that you just discarded as trash... Those are the pieces of paper that enabled that bank to be built in 1908... Tens of thousands of people's personal financial information.

[@jaredlacourse1201]

Hey do you know if there are silent alarms in this building? I went there today and cops came quick.

[@gothicjesus]

Could it be trail cams? Darn, I was hoping I could check this out :/

[@Haloguy42042]

What's the address? I want to go there but Idk where it is

[@sarayalenezian6039]

Does anyone know the best way in?

[@M.Arbogast]

Love your videos I’d be worried a rat the size of a cat would bite me

[@exkaid6381]

is there a way i can get the address to this so i can make a video on it

[@mikegrace2819]

Ahh shhh the temple

[@shawnboyle6319]

Great video - where is this?

[@shawnready6567]

@@ihavebirthdayfoot that's just incorrect

[@shawnready6567]

Woonsocket RI

[@courtney4298]

Lived in Woonsocket so long never knew this place was even slightly accessible

[@esvin8771]

Less than 10 years ago this building was for sale for less than $150,000

[@lmyrski8385]

Sad. Lots of animals who have no respect destroying those buildings.

[@robertschemonia5617]

Mmmmmm....asbestos..... The forbidden mineral.

[@dr809401]

i got to see it when it was a dmv

[@brandonalfaro5456]

Where is it at?

[@counterfit5]

I attempted to renew my license there when I turned 18. I had to do it at Warwick Mall later because I didn’t bring my Soc Sec card, and I had a rehearsal at Toll Gate later.

[@kevinlevesque6942]

what bank was it.

[@Nintendoman2020]

Rhode Island Hospital Trust

[@riddy0108]

anybody know how the security is? Thinking of visiting.

[@brandonalfaro5456]

Where is it at?

[@riddy0108]

@@brandonalfaro5456 lemme know if you go. Haven't bothered going because im not sure of the condition and if there is still a ladder for the 20 foot walls

[@riddy0108]

@@brandonalfaro5456 162 Main St. Woonsocket RI

[@brandonalfaro5456]

@@riddy0108 thank u Ima go it’s for a KZbin vid

[@riddy0108]

@@brandonalfaro5456 send me a link whenever bro, you go in thru the back but i heard they boarded it back up and removed the ladders 5 months ago, not sure about current status

[@jimmymas6858]

That building was also used as the DMV

[@fletch9004]

The place is closed off now :(

[@rolandbruno686]

location?

[@shawnready6567]

Woonsocket RI

[@brandonalfaro5456]

@@shawnready6567 what’s the adresss tho

[@shawnready6567]

@@brandonalfaro5456 it’s right on Main Street idk the number

[@Dingodoggy56]

Went here today and the entrance through the basement was completely boarded up :/

[@theodoreanderson1311]

you should check out the fort on Getty. It's all underground and full old shit from the 70s and 80s. it's got 4 main rooms and lots of tunnels.

[@deanmaker1374]

It's time to take it down.

[@user-mt9tn1ni4g]

That's downtown Woonsocket Rhode island., All you have to do is follow the money trail..it goes from A BANK.. to the department of motor vehicles??😂😂😊

[@jameslavoie1370]

I remember the hospital trust it was beautiful inside and outside. I blame all the leaders present and former of this city. It's right across from city hall. To allow vandals to take over is pathetic.

[@thatbluemiata_01]

WARNING FOR ANYONE EXPLORING THIS PLACE!! they have installed cameras in the main floor as you come up the stairs from the basement. if you want to check out the inside, definitely stay in the basement.

[@AutoWorldzz]

"Nice and creative Videos，I can see A lot of thought has been put into the content and editing of the video， This is really my favorite channel.:) .🌴🌴🌴excellent 👍👌👍👌👍 🌴🌴🌴 🌴🌴🌴 🌴🌴🌴 🌴🌴🌴 " Randolph Cattaraugus 2021

[@sallyannburke2607]

It’s weird seeing urbex that’s local to me. Woonsocket is probably a goldmine for urbex content though

[@BrianCady-Welch]

For sure !

[@rickchapman9232]

There is still thousands left in that building.

[@milkjuice]

money wise?!??

[@asn413]

did you happen to you happen to find fallout shelter stuff?

[@garymckee8857]

What I have noticed about your videos that there must be a shortage of cans of spray paint in your area.

[@deanmaker.4916]

Just blow it up.

[@shootmalones]

Even though the spots roached you still shouldnt go showing people how to get in. Thats how it got to this point

[@user-mt9tn1ni4g]

2 minutes and 39 seconds.. I can't believe it was a basement and it is pitch Black. 😂😂😂

[@user-mt9tn1ni4g]

Lead paint and asbestos..

[@14moldyhamsandwich]

wd40 and a pry bar.

[@kentservant5631]

dude... what do you expect to find in an old bank....... billions of dollars? you probably found dead rats ...

[@oldRoyaltypewriter]

The world was a better place before the invention of aerosol spray paint.

[@julietkeily5306]

He is one in a million, best among many, most trusted , I almost gave up on trading then I met him through a friend, Austin is the most trusted trading expert who helped the life of my family and I ,.