Community Development Committee
Purpose
To encourage and support quality projects that will be positive, long-term additions to our great neighborhood through a process of public discourse and expert opinion.
Overview & Background
The Community Development Committee was formed in 1990 by neighbors, many of whom had backgrounds in architecture, urban planning, development, and historic preservation. Since then, the committee has reviewed numerous neighborhood projects, initiated studies, and influenced policy.
The CDC's objective is for the neighborhood to be a place where residents and businesses want to live, work, play, and stay. Consistent with the WBNA mission, the CDC seeks to encourage vibrant main streets with restaurants, shops, and amenities, and foster a well-maintained and attractive urban environment integrated with the best green, historic, and sustainable practices.
The CDC concentrates on the geographic area roughly bounded by Broadway to the north, West Franklin Street to the east, Cranston Street to the south, and Route 10 to the west, and focuses on the following issues: new construction, renovation and adaptive reuse, infrastructure improvement, studies and plans, zoning overlays and policy.
The committee leads a formal review process of development projects whereby it evaluates the proposed project’s context, scale, economic and social contribution, and other relevant factors (see below for review process guidelines).
PROJECT REVIEW PROCESS
The CDC welcomes presentations from organizations and individuals proposing development projects in the West Broadway area, and reviews and offers feedback on development proposals. We aim to ensure that projects complement the mission of the organization and comply with existing regulations and strategic plans for the area.
As the basis for its review process, the CDC takes strongly into consideration:
• Blueprint for Responsible Development in Providence’s Historic, Urban Neighborhoods
• Neighborhood endorsed and created West Side Action Plan
• WBNA Mission and Goals
• City of Providence Zoning Ordinance
• City of Providence Federal Hill and West End Neighborhood Plan
• WBNA Neighborhood Development Guidelines
• All other relevant zoning ordinances
The CDC is comprised of local residents who are well versed in architecture, urban planning, historic preservation, economic development, and the struggles and needs of the neighborhood.
CDC ACTION & SUPPORT
If the CDC review process results in the WBNA supporting a proposed development project, the Committee can offer the following organizational support and advocacy to that project, if needed:
Letters of support
Testimony at public meetings
Independent and collaborative advocacy
Upcoming meeting dates
The Community Development Committee is currently not having public meetings. When they return CDC meetings will be open to all neighbors and will be held at WBNA’s offices, 1560 Westminster Street, Providence, during the months of February, April, June, September, November, and December 2020.
Current Projects
Big nazo labs - 1386 Westminster
Address: 1386 Westminster Street
Owner: BIG NAZO LAB
Architect: LLB Architects
Builder: Stem Contracting and Design, Inc.
Project Description: 2-story building, headquarters of BIG NAZO LAB and the Space Transformation Station
Project Status: Construction is ongoing during the project's Phase ll. The roof will be put on in the next few weeks and the installment of a 2nd floor & mezzanine, stairs, and a new first floor slab, will begin after that. Creative approaches in construction have been employed to respond to the challenge of being in such close proximity to neighbors on three sides of the building. Despite the limits of activity on any given day, the project is making steady progress. Everyone involved is excited to add to the vibrant developments in the neighborhood!
Estimated Completion Date: Work will continue through the Fall with the intention of beginning Phase lll's final exterior/interior details soon afterward.
Lucky enough - 1492 Westminster
Address: 1492 Westminster
Owner: Peter Case & Jordan Durham
Architect: Truth Box Inc.
Builder: Durham Construction
Project Description: The project involves the new construction of 7 one-bedroom apartments as well as a new restaurant and bar, “Lucky Enough,” on the ground floor. The apartment units are going to be the first certified 'Passive House' multifamily apartments in Rhode Island and will feature superior energy efficiency and modern design finishes. The bar & restaurant will have a full menu for lunch & dinner and feature craft beer and cocktails.
Project Status: The project is nearing completion with interior finishes for the restaurant and apartments well underway.
Estimated Completion Date: October 2021
