Redevelopment of mill buildings helping East Providence grow

The city of East Providence is excited with the development progress of one of the city's most visible and cherished historic landmarks, the Rumford Center. The Rumford Center began in 1856 as Rumford Chemical Works, producing and shipping baking powder across the nation and around the world. Rumford Chemical Works moved elsewhere in 1968 and since that time, the building has accommodated an eclectic group of businesses. The buildings, however, generally fell into disrepair and were considered over this time, to be underutilized. Purchased in 2006 by PK Rumford LLC, the old Chemical Works is dramatically moving forward with significant changes. The site, including several historically important buildings, will occupy 8.3 acres and will accommodate a mix of apartments, condominiums, office space, retail shops, a restaurant and café on the square. For more information visit www.rumfordcenter.com. Mixed use developments and the redevelopment of facilities like Rumford Center represent the future for so many similar facilities around our State. In East Providence, a second similar facility within our waterfront district, will accomplish the same result envisioned at Rumford Center. Phillipsdale Landing will be looking to develop its own mixed use development, with preservation of existing historical structures on the site and an eclectic mix of office, retail and service sector businesses on their property. Phillipsdale Landing will also provide waterfront open space that will be available and accessible to the public. For more information regarding the economic development and/or waterfront development activities occurring in East Providence, visit www.eastprovidence.com or www.eastprovidencewaterfront.com Editorial note: A portion of the narrative used in this article was taken from the rumfordcenter website. Jim Moran is the economic planner for the city of East Providence.