E. Butcher Block mill project wrapping up

PROVIDENCE – The Eastern Butcher Block Corp. mill in Providence is on the cusp of a new life as the host of an artist community as its renovation draws to a close.
Rachel Rafaelian and Erik Bright, partners behind the rehab project, announced last week that the mill is expected to be ready for occupancy in about a month. The two aim to recruit creative and industrial start-up businesses. Bright said nine artists have expressed interest in occupying a portion of the 40,000-square-foot mill.
Rafaelian and Bright say they want to turn the mill into an anchor for the emerging arts activity in the Valley section of Providence. Rafaelian purchased the former golf ball factory-turned-furniture mill in July for $530,000 and launched a major renovation project including repairs to the roof, windows and interior.
“It is our firm belief that this development will complement the industrial character and much of the recent historic preservation work in the Promenade District,” Rafaelian said.
The Partnership for Creative Industrial Space will then become the master tenant, subleasing its space to tenants. The partnership – headed by Bright – already manages similar spaces at Conley’s Wharf in Providence and at the former Nicholson File Co. building down the road from the Butcher Block mill.
“One of the priorities of this project is to provide accessible, affordable space for small start-up businesses, which would result in the creation of sustainable jobs in Providence,” Bright said. “We believe it supports long-term economic growth and it is our intent to partner with educational institutions throughout Providence in an effort to provide adequate space for entrepreneurial graduates and to help stimulate the creative economy.”
While phase I is almost complete, Bright said it’s unclear when phase II will start. The phase includes the renovation of part of the mill into five live-work units, the installation of a solar hot water system and the addition of a walkway along the Woonasquatucket River.