Cranston Demolishes Historic Buildings for New Developments

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Demolition crews work on the historic Welcome Arnold building as part of Cranston's modernization efforts.

News Summary

Cranston, R.I. is undergoing significant changes with the demolition of the historic Welcome Arnold building, part of efforts to clear the Pastore Campus for new developments. This includes plans for a large industrial warehouse and a potential Costco store. Meanwhile, work has begun on a new Budlong Pool facility funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, highlighting the city’s commitment to community needs amidst concerns over heritage preservation.

Cranston Demolishes Historic Buildings to Make Way for New Developments

Cranston, R.I. is witnessing the demolition of the historic Welcome Arnold building, an important structure built in 1936 that once housed hospital services as part of the former Rhode Island State Hospital for Mental Diseases. This action is part of a broader strategy by state officials to clear outdated structures from the Pastore Campus in order to make way for new developments.

A spokesperson from the Department of Administration has confirmed the demolition of the Welcome Arnold building. Crews have also commenced preparations for the demolition of the former Adult Correctional Institutions building, which has been slated for a different utilization.

Cranston’s Chief of Staff, Anthony Moretti, indicated that the city is currently in the process of obtaining a formal demolition permit for the Adult Correctional Institutions building. The site has already been approved for use as a large industrial warehouse. Recent discussions among city leaders included a potential location in the Howard Industrial Park for a new Costco store; however, a crucial approval necessary for the construction of Costco has since been retracted, leaving future developments uncertain.

In addition to the demolitions underway, Cranston is also making strides on community projects. Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins has announced that work has commenced on a new Budlong Pool facility. This project, encompassing 8,000 square feet, comes with a total price tag of $4.7 million, of which $4 million will be funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and an additional $750,000 is sourced from congressional support. Vantage Construction will be responsible for executing the majority of the work involved in the construction.

This new pool facility is intended to serve families and children in the local area, with Mayor Hopkins highlighting that the pool will be a lasting recreational amenity for decades to come. This development follows community needs and aims to enhance the quality of facilities available to residents.

The plans for demolishing historic sites like the Welcome Arnold building raise significant concerns regarding heritage preservation. This site was not only a part of the local history but also served a vital function within the mental health care system for many years. With the removal of structures like this, Cranston is navigating the delicate balance between modernization and the conservation of historical significance.

Overall, the ongoing demolition efforts and new community projects illustrate Cranston’s commitment to improving infrastructure while responding to the evolving needs of its residents. The outcomes of these initiatives will significantly affect the city’s landscape and available services in the coming years.