The Downcity renaissance

Atkinson is president of Urban Marketing Collaborative, a Toronto-based company that specializes in downtown retail revitalization.

Atkinson has been hired by The Downcity Partnership to develop over the next three months a “Coordinated Arts & Retail Management Strategy” for ground floor revitalization in the Downcity. Anderson is The Downcity Partnership’s program director. She will work closely with Atkinson during her stay in Providence.

Atkinson’s first challenge is to cull as much information as possible from those of you who have a vested interest in Downcity. She needs a little of your time – and a lot of your ideas. We urge you to not only answer her questions, but to take the time to prepare for her visit.

For too long now, progress on revitalizing Downcity – the capital city’s old core, a six-by-eight block commercial district bordered by Pine, Sabin, Dorrance and Empire streets, has been painfully slow.

The economy hasn’t helped, but for years the area also seemed paralyzed by the impending development of Providence Place, as if it were too frightened to take a bold step in the shadow of the mammoth mall.

Well, Providence Place is here and thankfully it has exceeded expectations. It has been an exciting addition to Providence. But it does not represent in any way an excuse for why the Downcity arts and entertainment district has floundered.

Providence Place hasn’t pulled consumers from Downcity. It has brought to Providence visitors from every corner of Rhode Island and our neighboring states. Downcity was dormant long before Providence Place opened its doors.

Downcity needs to carve its own niche – develop its own following. And it can.

Atkinson has seen similar revitalization efforts work in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Houston and many other places. There is no reason it can’t work here.

It’s all about carving out a niche, clustering retail establishments that can succeed and making people feel comfortable about visiting.

There are tangible reasons why now just might be an ideal time for the renaissance of Downcity to take hold.

First and foremost, Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline wants to see it happen and he stands to reap huge political benefits if it does. Remember that politicians yearn to leave a legacy. Improving the city’s public schools and its neighborhoods is high on Cicilline’s agenda, but don’t think for a second he wouldn’t love to be seen as the architect of a rebirth of the city’s old core.

Also, Providence Police Chief Dean Esserman has embarked on a community policing program that should bring real change to the public perception of downtown. Crime is, without question, a serious downtown issue. But it is also one that can be addressed. It simply needs to be made a priority and the proper resources must be committed to it. That already seems to be happening.

It is worth noting that some important steps in this renaissance have already been taken. Luxury apartments are being built in several historic buildings. The arts community is gaining strength, with Trinity Rep poised to open additional theater space on Empire Street and the Providence Black Repertory Company has purchased a 30,000-square-foot building at 276 Westminster St., which will house a café on ground level and a 150-seat theater.

The Downcity Partnership has already committed $150,000 to this project. That’s a good start. But the organization needs your help. So when Atkinson and Anderson come calling, set aside some time and provide them with all that you can. Tell them what’s right and what’s wrong with Downcity.

And start believing that Downcity can shine.