Johnson & Wales University (JWU) today hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for a new campus parking garage at the corner of Richmond and Pine Streets in Providence. The parking garage, which will have 746 parking spots for JWU faculty, staff, and students, is expected to be completed by mid-November 2013. The ceremony was attended by JWU Chancellor John Bowen and Providence Campus President and Chief Operating Officer Mim Runey, LP.D., who were joined by RI Governor Lincoln Chafee and Providence Mayor Angel Taveras.

“Johnson & Wales University worked closely with local design firm Vision 3 Architects to ensure that the our new parking garage will complement the surrounding historical beauty of the City of Providence, and that it will function in a manner respectful of our neighbors,” said Chancellor Bowen. “In addition to providing our students, faculty and staff with a wonderful new amenity, this new parking option for our JWU community members will free up more on-street parking and lot spaces for other residents, workers and visitors in our great city.”

“This significant construction project represents Johnson & Wales’ ongoing commitment to Providence and Rhode Island,” said Governor Chafee. “As we continue to work to build upon Providence’s considerable assets, the university will remain a key partner.”

“I congratulate Johnson & Wales University as it breaks ground on this $20 million investment in our city, and I thank the university for being a strong partner in our efforts to build a stronger Providence,” said Mayor Angel Taveras. “This project is another example of JWU’s vision for growing in our city and helping to create a thriving academic, retail and business environment in the heart of Rhode Island’s capital.”

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“Today is a great day for Johnson & Wales and the Providence Campus,” said Providence Campus President Mim Runey. “It not only illustrates our investment in the community by improving the landscape of the Downcity area, but it also provides our students better access to the educational environment along with classrooms, labs and other amenities. In addition, this parking structure will provide easy access for our graduate students who will be enrolling in JWU’s Physician Assistant master degree program expected to start in fall of 2014.”