Providence developments

[Lrfox]

Maximizing exterior pedestrian connection will bring the plaza back to life. Hopefully thats the priority. You can have The Beatles performing there, but unless the wayfinding and view corridors into the site improve, itll remain hollow outside of church services/events. Exciting project though.

Exactly. I worry the proposal will focus on aesthetic changes only. But those won't matter unless they improve the pedestrian connectivity. I would wager many visitors to downtown have no idea this space even exists because you really have to look for it to find it.

A huge difference maker, in my opinion, would be reconnecting Westminster St. (pedestrian only between Gavitt Way and the Square). That would mean the demolition of the McVinney Auditorium and the attached building (I think the diocese of Providence owns it?), but I think it's worthwhile. Especially if the land on either side of the newly reconnected stretch of Westminster is opened for redevelopment and an improved, signaled pedestrian crossing at Gavitt Way was part of the project. It could be a critical pedestrian corridor between downtown and the West End/Fed. Hill and it would pass right through the heart of the square.

 

[nicanbot]

Bulldozing McVinney and reconnecting the street is the only way to activate this space. Anything else is lipstick on a pig, and effectively a strategy to push out the poor people that linger there. Also the trees there are perfectly fine and a shelter for said people during the unrelentless summer sun. This exercise reads as a waste of time and resources better directed at reconnecting the street somehow, or put into social services to support PVD's unhoused and in need.

Edit: it's not really a pig I guess.... I walk through all the time and it's just kinda busted but otherwise lovely fountain and pavers IMHO.

 

[Lrfox]

Bulldozing McVinney and reconnecting the street is the only way to activate this space. Anything else is lipstick on a pig, and effectively a strategy to push out the poor people that linger there. Also the trees there are perfectly fine and a shelter for said people during the unrelentless summer sun. This exercise reads as a waste of time and resources better directed at reconnecting the street somehow, or put into social services to support PVD's unhoused and in need.

Edit: it's not really a pig I guess.... I walk through all the time and it's just kinda busted but otherwise lovely fountain and pavers IMHO.

I completely agree. I DO think that it could use an aesthetic refresh (though it doesn't need an overhaul), but the looks are not the primary issue and without reconnecting the street, it's not going to improve the plaza's activation.

 

[New England Born & Raised]

The Flynn on Blackstone Street in Providence near RI Hospital - 178 units

New affordable homes unveiled in Providence

The six-story building will serve households earning between 30% and 80% Area Median Income.

www.wpri.com