News Summary
The I-195 Redevelopment District Commission in Providence has given the green light for the Art & Design Center, which will include apartments and public creative spaces. This initiative aims to boost urban revitalization and provide housing options, including affordable units for creative workers. The design team behind the project, Design Center Partners, has a vision that aligns with the local aesthetic while fostering community collaboration. The center, located on former I-195 land, is expected to transform the area into a vibrant hub for arts and culture.
Providence has taken a significant step towards urban revitalization as the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission has approved a proposal for the establishment of an Art & Design Center. Planned for a site on former I-195 land, the center will feature 150 apartments, 25 condominiums, and a 50,000-square-foot hub designed for creatives. This development aims to enhance the city’s artistic and community landscape.
The chosen proposal, led by the design team Design Center Partners—a collaboration between Boston-based Ionic Development Company, a woman-owned business, and Providence’s Wade Keating Architects—outshone competing bids from Transom Real Estate and Bluedog Capital Partners LLC. The commission’s decision was made during a recent meeting, where the plans were outlined for Parcel 5, a 1.5-acre area set between South Main and South Water streets on the east side of the Providence River.
The envisioned complex will include diverse housing options, featuring a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Select units will boast private outdoor patios to enhance residents’ living experience. The project will also allocate 5% of the housing units to “creative workforce housing,” underscoring its commitment to affordability amidst a rising cost of living.
Alongside the residential component, the development will provide over 70 underground parking spaces and 15,000 square feet dedicated to public open space. Tenants already expressing an interest in the creative spaces include local businesses such as Air & Anchor, DesignxRI, Myrth, Open Projects, and Angel’s Kitchen, indicating a robust demand for collaboration and innovation within the space.
This project arrives on the heels of the previous abandonment of a $70 million initiative to create a new headquarters for Bank Rhode Island, a decision influenced by soaring interest rates and material costs. The commission will continue with the development without needing to initiate a new bidding process, streamlining progress towards the Art & Design Center.
The 195 District, established in 2011 to take advantage of land freed from the rerouting of Interstate 195, has successfully redeveloped nearly 30 acres over the years, resulting in the addition of approximately 1,000 housing units and 270,000 square feet of specialized wet lab space.
The architectural vision for the Art & Design Center will resonate with the neighboring Fox Point area’s aesthetic, creating a harmonious integration with its surroundings. Newmark, a Boston-based commercial real estate firm, has been engaged as the commercial leasing partner for the project, ensuring professional and strategic marketing of the spaces.
Facing competition from proposals such as Bluedog’s “Vital on the River,” which focused solely on luxury multifamily housing, and Transom’s plan that included 220 apartments and retail outlets, the selection of Design Center Partners highlights an inclination towards mixed-use developments that foster community interaction and support local creativity.
The development team is required to respond within 60 days to invitations for potential discussions about future projects by Bluedog and Transom regarding Parcel 5. The opportunities presented by this ongoing process reflect an adaptable approach towards urban development, as Providence continues to evolve and respond to both community needs and economic conditions.
As the city looks forward, the Art & Design Center stands to not only provide essential living spaces but also serve as a vibrant core for artistic collaboration and innovation, securing Providence’s position as a burgeoning hub for arts and culture.
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Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Providence RI Redevelopment
- Wikipedia: Urban Revitalization
- Providence Journal: RISD Censorship Controversy
- Google Search: Art and Design Centers
- World Atlas: Best College Town in Rhode Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Art Education
- WhatsUpNewp: Arts Scholarships
- Google News: Providence Art Development
