Improved economic conditions spur new commercial investment - by James Moran

East Providence has experienced steady economic growth, with major new developments that have helped spur new jobs and new revenue for the city, while creating a better, more vibrant city for all of our nearly 50,000 residents. 

Development in the past two years has seen the a variety of commercial projects from retail shopping center development, to major medial office development, and a variety of service related office uses including the AAA service branch on the Wampanoag Trail that is currently under construction. 

Recent projects that are indicative of where the largest new investment activity is occurring in the city is in the realm medical office development.  A recently completed 75,000 s/f medical office building  at 375 Wampanoag Trail is being leased primarily by University Medicine to house their East Bay ambulatory healthcare facilities and general medical offices. A second, larger 85,000 s/f medical office building is currently under construction at Kettle Point. This new facility will be occupied by University Orthopedics and is expected to be ready for occupancy by spring of 2018.  High-tech industrial manufacturing also has experienced significant growth in recent years including the new Eaton Aerospace plant in Rumford, expansion of the manufacturing line at Aspen Aerogels and the construction of Igus Inc.’s new 150,000 s/f manufacturing/warehousing building and plans to expand their operation in the future with an additional 80,000 s/f. 

The city has also welcomed new high-profile retail commercial development on Highland Ave. that includes 4 commercial retail buildings within a visually appealing plaza that includes 20,000 s/f of multi-tenant retail.  Tenants at this location include an IHOP restaurant, a Moe’s Southwest Grill, a Pet Valu pet supply store, The Simple Greek Restaurant and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Customer Service Store.

Waterfront Productions LLC and music promoter, Live Nation also have brought a buzz to the city’s waterfront with number of events at their seasonal outdoor venue at Bold Point Park.  The events have included the Beach Boys, a Waterfront Reggae Festival, a Blues & BBQ Festival and a Fall Octoberfest, all of which were very successful. 

The city is eager to assist anyone looking to establish a new business or to anyone who may be seeking to expand their existing business. Business owners, developers and other parties who are interested in learning more about our economic development programs and initiatives in East Providence, visit the city’s commercial website at www.eastprovidencebusiness.com or the city’s Waterfront District website at www.eastprovidencewaterfront.com. 

James Moran is the economic planner for the City of East Providence, R.I.