PROVIDENCE – Gov. Gina M. Raimondo and Mayor Jorge O. Elorza welcomed a 110,000-square-foot greenhouse farm at 555 Harris Ave. for Gotham Greens Holdings LLC Thursday.
The farm is expected to create 60 full-time jobs and 100 construction jobs and is expected to open by the fall. The location had been vacant for two decades, formerly being occupied by a General Electric Co. Providence Base Works factory that manufactured lamp bases.
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“We are thrilled to partner with the city of Providence and state of Rhode Island on this project,” remarked Gotham Greens Co-Founder and CEO Viraj Puri. “Providence is the perfect location for us, strategically located at the gateway to New England, the city has a rich legacy of manufacturing, world-class institutes of higher education, and a thriving local food culture.”
The project is expected to cost $12.5 million and the company has been approved for roughly up to $2.23 million in tax credits by the R.I. Commerce Corp., $250,000 from the R.I. Department of Environmental Management for brownfield remediation and $200,000 from the Providence Department of Economic Opportunity for job creation and training.
“Rhode Island’s green economy is growing, and we’re emerging as a national leader in sustainability,” said Raimondo in prepared remarks. “Gotham Greens’ commitment to reducing their environmental impact makes them a perfect fit for our state.”
The facility will provide locally grown greens year-round to local vendors and restaurants. The company says that its method yields 30 percent more than conventional agriculture per acre and use 90 percent less water, and that the facility will be energy efficient.
“Gotham Greens is a shining example of the type of innovative, sustainable and community-minded businesses we envision will help to reinvigorate the Woonasquatucket River Corridor,” stated Elorza. “By supplying fresh, healthy produce and well-paying jobs for Providence residents, Gotham Greens will serve as a driver of economic growth in the capital city while generating a creative source of energy that will help better connect the neighborhoods along the river.”
