Home Economy Officials break ground on 195 District Park Pavilion

Officials break ground on 195 District Park Pavilion

By

Christopher Allen

-

09/24/2024

thumbnail_IMG_5499 — CITY OFFICIALS ON TUESDAY held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of the 195 District Park Pavilion./PBN PHOTO/CHRIS ALLEN

PROVIDENCE – City officials on Tuesday held a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction on the 195 District Park Pavilion situated along the Providence River. The roughly 3,500 square-foot-long pavilion will further transform the park, which Caroline Scuncik, executive director of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission said was at one time a “dusty, rock-filled

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PROVIDENCE – City officials on Tuesday held a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction on the 195 District Park Pavilion situated along the Providence River. The roughly 3,500 square-foot-long pavilion will further transform the park, which Caroline Scuncik, executive director of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission said was at one time a “dusty, rock-filled site," into the long-planned permanent public space offering outdoor dining, drinks, infrastructure upgrades and free Wi-Fi, among other amenities. The commission in July selected Shawmut Design and Construction as the general contractor to construct the pavilion. And the Guild, which has operated the PVD Beer Garden within the park since 2020, is partnering with Seven Stars Bakery to operate food and beverage service. Mayor Brett P. Smiley, who has made economic development a pillar of his administration’s agenda, said a “favorable tax environment," competitive bidding and partnership with the state has made the section of the city particularly “welcoming and embracing of new development and new business.” “Great public space requires great amenities...our goal twenty years from now is that you won’t be able to tell it was once part of a special economic development district," he said. “It is clear that people want to be in Providence. That doesn't just happen. It's hard to see sometimes. But those pieces are coming together." Marc Crisafulli, 195 Redevelopment District Commission chairman, said the transformation of the park - which now has roughly 5,000 daily visitors - is one of several projects setting the groundwork for "future economic success” in the city by fostering "place making" and community building. “We are proudly embracing those objectives today,” he said. "This is only the beginning." The $4 million project is being modeled after New York City’s Bryant Park and other public spaces across the country that mix community events with recreational and hospitality elements. A portion of the funds were provided by the “Beach, Clean Water, and Green bond” approved by voters in a special election held in 2021. In April the commission approved a sponsorship agreement with Bally's to rename the event lawn portion of the park “Bally’s Event Lawn.” Construction will begin immediately and the pavilion is scheduled to be complete by summer of 2025. "Too often in Rhode Island we feel we either don't get or don't deserve nice things,” said Smiley. “Well we are about to get a very nice thing.” Christopher Allen is a PBN staff writer. You may contact him at Allen@PBN.com