News Summary

The 195 Redevelopment District Commission has approved plans for a new Art and Design Center on Parcel 5 in Providence, which will include residential and retail spaces. This initiative aims to enhance the city’s creative economy, featuring 150 apartments, retail spaces, and a variety of public art offerings. Local input was incorporated into the project’s design, which seeks to create a vibrant hub for artistic collaboration, driving economic growth in the area.

Providence’s Parcel 5 to Host New Art and Design Center Featuring Residential and Retail Spaces

The 195 Redevelopment District Commission has approved a proposal for a new art and design center on Parcel 5 in Providence. The center will be located between South Main and South Water streets and will aim to boost the city’s creative economy through a combination of residential, retail, and public art offerings.

The plan for the Providence Art & Design Center includes the construction of 150 apartments and 25 condominiums, as well as approximately 30,000 square feet of retail space. Various retail and design tenants are already anticipated to occupy the new development, including DesignXRI, Air & Anchor, Myrth, Open Projects, and Angel’s Kitchen.

Design Center Partners, LLC, a joint venture between Ionic Development Company, a Boston-based woman-owned firm, and Providence-based Wade Keating Architecture, has put forth the proposal. This team was selected from three finalists out of nine original submissions, underscoring their vision for the project.

Key Features of the Project

The proposed development features a two-level parking garage with 117 parking spaces, facilitating access to the center. The design of the Art & Design Center incorporates public art exhibitions and a pedestrian walkway that will connect various storefronts, complemented by outdoor dining areas.

This initiative is seen as a significant boost for Providence, as it aims to create a vibrant public realm that appeals to new businesses while enhancing job opportunities. The project also seeks to serve as a hub for artistic collaboration and will showcase local designers and talents.

Community Engagement

Throughout the proposal process, input was solicited from local artists and designers to ensure community feedback was integrated into the center’s vision. The development plan emphasizes public engagement and aims to create spaces that resonate with the local populace while driving economic growth.

Timeline and Future Prospects

Although the project is in its early planning stages, the timeline for construction of the Providence Art & Design Center remains uncertain. Local officials view the initiative as a major win for the city, with expectations that it will enhance Providence’s status as a cultural and artistic destination.

By combining residential, retail, and public art components, the development is anticipated to play a vital role in driving economic activity, attracting visitors, and fostering a more interconnected community in Providence. The Art & Design Center is poised to become more than just a series of buildings, but a dynamic space that enriches the urban landscape and stimulates the local economy.

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Additional Resources

• Providence Journal: I-195 Land Redevelopment
• WPRI: Art and Design Center Apartments
• MassLive: I-195 Westbound Closed
• Wikipedia: Providence, Rhode Island
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Rhode Island