PROVIDENCE – Despite strong support for preserving the location of the popular Providence Flea, the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission chose Riverside Partners LLC as the developer for Parcel 1A during a meeting Wednesday night.
While this decision may not be exactly what the many supporters who championed Providence Flea’s bid to keep its home in the parcel, the commission’s resolution included specific language allowing the organization to relocate its outdoor operations to the 195 District Park on the other side of the Providence River.
Riverside and Providence Flea were among four developers that submitted bids for the narrow property on the riverfront and has been home to Providence Flea LLC, a weekend gathering spot for artisans and food trucks, since 2013.
Riverside’s plans include a seven-story building with 10 "family-sized" condos that would be located above commercial, retail and public spaces that include a mezzanine. However, these plans are subject to change as Riverside must now go through a design review and approval process with the commission that includes opportunities for more public comments.
Additionally, the commission’s resolution requires the developer – which presented the tallest project– should consider whether the building’s height can be reduced and still remain financially viable.
The marketplace’s plan was the only one that did not include a mixed-use building on the site and instead proposed a year-round and open-air pavilion that would be known as the Providence Open Marketplace.
Most of those who spoke during the meetings and provided written comments on the bids for Parcel 1A were in support of the flea market.
Among the supporters was Lily Bogosian, president of the Fox Point Neighborhood Association, who said the environmental benefits of the Providence Open Market would likely outweigh the economic costs of forgoing the other three development proposals, especially since there are thousands of residential units along with restaurants and commercial spaces already coming to the area.
"The signing of any apartment building on a boardwalk and green space that caters to thousands of residents and tourists every year is in effect selling out what is potentially the most environmentally beautiful walkway on the east [side of the] River and in Providence,” Bogosian said during the meeting.
Commissioners noted selecting the developer for 1A was very difficult, but ultimately they went with Riverside because it added residential units at a time when the city is facing a housing crisis while also preserving public space and the area’s so-called “emerald necklace.”
The commission on Wednesday also granted final plan approvals for the proposed developments of Parcel 2 and a pavilion located in the 195 District Park.
Renderings of Urbanica’s final plans include two buildings with 194 residential units, approximately 8,300 square feet of retail and commercial space along with 60 parking spots. These designs had been scaled back throughout the monthslong process from Urbanica’s original proposal that included 194 apartments and 15,000 square feet of ground floor retail as well as a connecting bridge between the buildings. Along with final plan approval, the commission granted the developer a height waiver from the 18-foot minimum floor height to 14 feet for the south building.
The Architecture Resource Office also presented final plans for the pavilion, which would span approximately 4,000 square feet and is meant to provide residents and visitors with year-round food and beverage space as well as public restrooms, Wi-Fi and other infrastructure upgrades.
In July, PBN reported the commission had chosen The Guild Brewery and Seven Stars Bakery as the food and beverage providers for the pavilion. Also, in April the commission signed off on a sponsorship agreement with Bally’s Corp., which includes renaming the event lawn portion of the park, to “Bally’s Event Lawn.”
Along with these votes, the commission granted Florida-based real estate and private equity investment firm, Pebb Capital, concept approval for a proposal to construct a six-story, mixed-use building on a portion of Parcel 34. The plans had already received concept approval from the Providence Downtown Design Review Committee and will continue to go through the both I-195 commission’s and the city’s development process.
(Updated throughout.)
Katie Castellani is a PBN staff writer. You may contact her at Castellani@PBN.com.
Go with the Flea, it’s the one most likely to foster a sense of community; the others will simply be places for high-end restaurants and condos/apartments for the well-off, with OUR river views now THEIR river views! Stop the rich from destroying a community and taking what’s ours for themselves! ENOUGH!
Don’t ruin such a lovely little space with some high-end monstrosity, go with the pedestrian-friendly flea market proposal!
Bad decision.
Stupid and short-sighted; bad for the community and for local small business owners.
While a nice concept the Flea Market pavilion would be dormant for over five months of year and offers interesting activity for only one day per week when it is not dormant. The proposal does nothing to raise the tax base of the city, help boost the city’s population, a definite need before the 2030 census or alleviate the housing crisis in the city. Going with a proposal that creates an active streetscape for 365 days per year and boosts the tax base is much better thinking. The selected development involves “family sized” condos which adds a more rooted, stable, prosperous community than the studio and one bedroom rentals that appeal to a more a more transient segment of population such as students never do. People currently looking for 3 bedroom apartments/condos in downtown are currently simply out of luck.
Agreed well said!
I love the building they choose going to be great on the river!! Best choice. The flea market will have an equally beautiful if not better spot on the other side of the river coupled with the new pavilion that was approved will make for an exciting marketplace. Win / win for everyone.
Great decision smart and with a view towards the long term will be great for the community as active all year long and smaller business will benefit there and in the new spot across the river. Win / win