The open space slated to be created in Providence by the relocation of Interstate 195 has been called the “next great frontier” for residential and commercial developers. Befitting the opportunity, city and state officials unveiled a “once-in-a-lifetime” process designed to reclaim some of that land for public use.
Speaking under a canopy at the intersection of Eddy and Ship streets last Monday, Mayor David N. Cicilline invited the public to submit designs for a $4.5 million park on land freed up by the highway relocation.
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The site will include two areas: a western portion on six acres of land adjacent to the Providence River and bordered by the city’s Riverwalk, Peck Street, Dyer Street and National Grid property, and two acres on the east side of the river between James and Point streets.
The designs will be judged by a newly created, 11-member Waterfront Design Competition Committee in an open process. After public hearings, the R.I. Department of Transportation, which is paying for the project, will develop the park based on the winning design.
Cicilline said the city opened the process to the public because it’s a unique opportunity to help shape Providence’s future. It also provides an opportunity to draw recognition to local design firms and put Providence’s artistic talent to work, he said.
“The relocation of Interstate 195 presents us with a tremendous, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop the waterfront and continues the city’s revitalization efforts,” Cicilline said. “Imagine a spectacular new waterfront park filled with families and children in the area.”
Edmund T. Parker, chief engineer at the DOT, said the department is excited to collaborate on a project that could provide a crucial link between the Fox Point and India Point areas of Providence.
“Now we have the opportunity to go back and recreate some of the parks that were discussed in the [highway relocation] environmental impact study and contribute toward some of the beautification of the city,” Parker said.
The DOT is slated to open the new section of Route 195 and start demolishing the old one in about three years. However, development of the open land likely will not begin until after the demolition and reconnection of roads is completed, in 2012. About 20 of the 34.9 acres to be opened up by the project are earmarked for commercial and residential development, with the balance taken up by infrastructure.
While Cicilline said the city has no specific visions for the park, designers are encouraged to create a design that fits into the area and connects to the waterfront.
Suggested components include gathering areas, places for children to play, restrooms, storage for equipment, lighting and rails along the walls of the river and a small performance venue on the west side of the park for up to 300 people. Fountains, athletic fields, larger performance spaces and river walls are discouraged.
Design teams will pay a $100 fee to compete and must include at least one licensed landscape architect, architect or civil engineer. Collaboration with students, artists or organizations is allowed.
The winning design team will receive a $3,000 prize, while finalists will receive $1,000.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, June 30. A winning design will be selected in September.
