The Bartholomewtown Podcast (RIpodcast.com)
Providence Foundation Executive Director Cliff Wood joins Bill to discuss recent news surrounding the planned public-private rehab of the Superman Building, what it means for downtown Providence, and how to achieve both a generative and equitable city.
Read MorePROVIDENCE – The Industrial Trust Co. Building, the tallest property in Providence which has remained empty for nine years despite numerous efforts by public officials to spur economic development, is now expected to undergo a massive historic renovation.
Gov. Daniel J. McKee, state officials and building owner High Rock Development LLC on Tuesday announced a $220 million project supported by $41 million in state and city financing that will revive the former office tower into apartments, office, retail and event space.
Read MoreThe Downtown Providence Parks Network is seeking a part-time Program Manager to coordinate and support programs in the downtown Providence parks, in partnership with The Providence Foundation, City of Providence, Providence Parks Department, I-195 Commission and users of these downtown park spaces.
Read MoreJessica David, who serves as a consultant for the Providence Foundation, told Providence Business News Thursday that local parks advocates are looking to launch a new 501c3 nonprofit by the end of the year, bring to life the original vision that the Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy was supposed to be.
David said the Providence Foundation – of which the parks conservancy was originally associated with – and the city convened a 16-person steering committee to discuss the concept of a downtown parks network. The group spent the past year looking over what the network’s vision would be and how to best activate the eight to 10 public spaces that exist in downtown, David said.
Read MoreThe Central Park Conservancy Institute for Urban Parks (Institute) is pleased to announce the seven urban park organizations selected for the 2022 Partnerships Lab cohort. These organizations, representing urban park programs from around New York City and the United States, will participate in the eight-month program to learn best practices, engage in peer-to-peer mentorship, and join workshops with Central Park Conservancy subject-matter experts.
Read MoreCliff Wood is CEO of the Providence Foundation. For fifty years, the Foundation has helped advance bold, visionary initiatives that shape the present and future of downtown as the dynamic hub of a vibrant and prosperous Providence. Hear about the amazing work the Providence Foundation is doing to steward the future of Downcity in this fascinating episode.
Read More“We’re short on housing. This is meeting an obvious market demand,” Wood said. “We know now there is a strong demand for a particular type of use. … It’s obviously an iconic building for the state. We encourage any reasonable plan to see it be redeveloped. It would be really significant for the downtown and the local economy. It’s a lost opportunity to have it empty. It’s not neutral for it to be empty. It’s a negative pull.”
Read MoreMayor Jorge O. Elorza, members of the city council, the Rhode Island Foundation, the Providence Foundation, and Crossroads Rhode Island will collaborate on a new mobile diversion program for Providence residents experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Through the new program, Crossroads will assist individuals living in places not meant for human habitation to either regain permanent housing or enter a shelter or transitional housing program.
Read MoreSometimes, it’s a lack of money that can derail a good idea. Other times, it’s a lack of political will — or a lack of support.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation’s previous proposal to build a multi-hub system that would spread RIPTA buses throughout downtown Providence (rather than having a central hub like Kennedy Plaza) didn’t garner support from anyone not named Peter Alviti (the DOT director) or Joe Paolino (the former mayor and downtown real estate mogul).
Thankfully, there’s a new concept for public transit in downtown that seems to be quietly gaining momentum, appears to be affordable, and would address many of the existing concerns about Kennedy Plaza, including drug and safety issues.
Read MoreADVANCED PLANNING: Arnold “Buff” Chace Jr., managing principal of Cornish Associates LP, is co-chairman of a group called the Providence Resilience Partnership, which is looking at how to better understand and prepare the city for flood risk and secure federal funding for its priorities.
Read MoreWhen people come back to downtown Providence, they need to find it safe, active and inviting. Here are some ways business and nonprofit leaders can help make the vision a reality through their own staffs and operations.
Read MoreDowntown Providence has been severely impacted by COVID-19, as tourism and conventions came to an abrupt stop, offices emptied out, and performance venues closed to protect public health. As we plan for the recovery of downtown Providence and the future of our city, The Providence Foundation conducted an online survey of employers.
A total of 37 respondents completed the survey between April 7 and April 23, 2021.
Read MoreIn a special election taking place this March 2nd, Rhode Islander’s have an opportunity to invest in important projects that could foster the growth of its taxbase and mitigate the State’s climate change vulnerabilities.
At top-of-mind for The Providence Foundation is Phase 2 of Dredging the Providence River, inlcuded in the Enviornmental Bond on Question 2.
Read MoreAs a part of Rhode Island Commerce Corporation’s Take It Outside initiative, The Providence Foundation is making available a limited supply of push carts to help food and beverage businesses take their services outside.
Read More“We’re in an environment around this issue like no other time. On some level, it impacts all of us. For some, more strongly than others. Whether it’s social, business operations, or employee culture. This thing is moving so rapidly the reality is corporations need help. And we’re here to help them.”
Read MoreMemorial day was earlier this week, which ordinarily sees Rhode Islanders blossoming like beach roses. It is the time of year we say goodbye to the “spring of deception” “third winter” and “mud season.” It is now true spring, with one toe in the tidepools of summer. In the time of COVID-19, we may be able to confidently welcome warmer weather, but the uncertainties surrounding outdoor socializing are not entirely cleared.
Read More10 years ago, no one would have ever called the downtown ‘their neighborhood.’ Now many residential developments have waiting lists to get in, and the community has its own Downtown Neighborhood Association. It makes sense then that there is a renewed wave of effort to nail down a process to Save Superman.
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