PROVIDENCE – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza on Thursday presented what he called a new vision for Kennedy Plaza that takes into account two planned projects that will change how public buses move through the plaza.
Elorza envisions a plaza that is more of a walkable park than it currently is, connecting the Biltmore Hotel and Burnside Park.
“Vibrant public spaces are a big part of Providence’s reputation as a fun and captivating destination,” Elorza said in a news release. “I’m thrilled that this vision will help transform Kennedy Plaza into a true civic heart for our city by taking into account what we have heard directly from the public.”
Phase I proposed park changes include:
- Between the Alex and Ani City Center skating rink and Burnside Park, East Approach will be closed to buses and cars creating a single connected park space between Biltmore and Burnside Parks.
- A new crosswalk will be created in the center of the plaza, improving pedestrian safety in an attempt to create a welcoming entrance from Fulton Street to the Plaza and across Washington Street through to Burnside Park.
- To the east of the new crosswalk location, the plaza between Fulton and Washington Streets will be transformed into a new public space with shaded seating, landscaping and public art.
- Fulton Street will be converted to a two-way street with parallel parking on both sides to improve vehicular circulation surrounding the plaza.
- R.I. Public Transit Authority service and bus berth locations will be concentrated on Washington Street, making it two-way for buses only, rerouting car travel to Fulton Street.
Proposal not included in Phase I:
- Redesigning the plaza in front of the skating rink to increase the visibility of the rink.
- Buildings will be built around the skating rink, providing additional space for cafes, offices, bathrooms, and warming areas for rink patrons which will also increase capacity for events at the rink.
The city will now work with RIPTA and the R.I. Department of Transportation, as they navigate the changes to the transit hubs expected to be created by the Downtown Transit Connector and Providence Intermodal Transportation Center.
A representative for the city said Friday that the first phase of the Kennedy Plaza overhaul project is expected to cost $4.98 million, but said that the project will be taken one step at a time.
The funding for Phase I comes from the Downtown Transit Connector project, RIPTA and the city’s Capital Improvement Plan.
The Downtown Transit Connector project is expected to begin in Spring 2018. RIDOT said it planned to begin work on the Providence Intermodal Transportation Center by Fall 2018, but the project details have not yet been finalized. It has received only one response to its Request of Quotation for the project so far.
Chris Bergenheim is the PBN web editor.
