Riverside Square revitalization efforts in effect - by James Moran

James Moran, City of East Providence

Riverside Square has a rich history dating back to its heyday in the late 19^th and early 20^th century. The Square served as the central hub in what was one of Rhode Island’s most bustling seaside resort communities. Amusement parks, bathing pavilions and campgrounds attracted thousands of summertime visitors and earned the area the nickname, “The Coney Island of New England” at the time.  The Riverside Square depot still stands as a reminder of the days when visitors arrived by the hundreds by train from nearby Providence to relax in the seaside community.

Unfortunately, Riverside Square has experienced its share of challenges since those days gone by. Vacancy and business turnover have plagued the square in recent years and many of the square’s buildings are showing their age. Thankfully, through the dedicated efforts of several groups and a cooperative partnership with the city, there are early signs that brighter days are in store for the square. The Riverside Renaissance Movement, in collaboration with the East Providence Arts Council and East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce are working together to promote a new vision of vibrant small businesses and new residential dwellings that would return the square to its former status as an important gathering place for the residents of Riverside and beyond.

Thanks in part to city economic development funds, a new coffee shop is being established at the train depot and through the city’s Community Development office, a major city owned property is now out to bid seeking proposals for mixed use development that could be a game changer for the square. The site of a former jewelry manufacturer, the property has been environmentally remediated and with recently enacted zoning overlay district regulations in place, the property is ripe for redevelopment.  In addition, the bid invitation contains provisions that allow the city to negotiate the property’s sale price based on the developer’s willingness to invest in other properties in the square that are available for sale by other property owners. This important provision provides a strong possibility for promoting investment in the redevelopment of additional, privately owned properties that are in need of rehabilitation, be it commercial, residential or a mix of the two. In addition, a recently awarded $15,000 Challenge Grant from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston will be utilized to develop a plan that will assist in the revitalization efforts. It is hoped that this cooperative effort succeeds in fostering a re-birth of the square and a future that is bright and truly an asset to the city and its residents. 

Business owners, developers and other parties who are interested in learning more about economic development initiatives in East Providence are urged to visit the city’s website at www.eastprovidence.com or the City’s Waterfront District website at www.eastprovidencewaterfront.com.

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