PROVIDENCE – The former Benny’s site on Branch Avenue will be redeveloped as part of a significant project that will also incorporate the historic Dryden Mill.
Altogether, the new site would accommodate more than 98,000 square feet of retail and office space, according to David Taglianetti, vice president of development for the Carpionato Group LLC.
Taglianetti, who spoke recently to the Providence City Plan Commission, said the plan is for a combination of retail, office and medical office space, with access and parking improvements.
The former retail store will be partially demolished, and an 8,200-square-foot addition placed on the mill, according to city documents. The Dryden Mill will be redeveloped for medical offices and other commercial uses, according to the plan. A new parking deck will be accessible off Dryden Lane. A total of 104 parking spaces are proposed.
The project covers properties at 66 and 76 Branch Ave., as well as 178 Printery St. and 27 Dryden Lane.
The development proposes a new signalized intersection at Branch Avenue, including a left-turn lane into the site for travelers heading west on Branch Avenue.
This will be coordinated with the R.I. Department of Transportation. The project requires additional city approvals, as well as permission from the Narragansett Bay Commission for sewer and stormwater needs, according to the developer.
In its Nov. 19 meeting, the plan commission granted preliminary approval for the site plan, including permission for a large sign.
Mary MacDonald is a staff writer for the PBN. Contact her at macdonald@pbn.com.
