PROVIDENCE – An Upper South Providence building that city preservationists had identified as culturally significant but “endangered” will be knocked down to make way for a community hub.
Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and other officials on Monday unveiled plans to redevelop the former Urban League of Rhode Island property at 246 Prairie Avenue for community use.
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The quasi-public Providence Redevelopment Agency plans to buy and demolish the Prairie Avenue building, which was constructed in the 1970s and is now “largely underutilized.” It will be turned into a space for organizations focused on community needs, recreation and social services, according to a statement from the city.
The initial work, including site preparation and assessments, is being paid for with $1.6 million of the city’s American Rescue Plan Act funds, as well as $1 million in federal funding secured by Whitehouse, the release stated.
The city will solicit bids from consultants with expertise in community engagement to determine the best future use for the site, with a request for proposals expected to be approved in January 2023. The redevelopment project aims to honor the work of the Urban League, which acquired the building in 1990 to develop community programs for the city’s Black residents.
The building was named on Providence Preservation Society’s 2022 Most Endangered Properties List for its architectural, historical and cultural significance. “If the site were to be redeveloped in the future, however, plans should consider the significance of this site’s 20th-century place in local history,” the preservation society said at the time.
Nancy Lavin is a PBN staff writer. Contact her at Lavin@PBN.com.
