Proven Track Record
Historically, Building Bridges Providence has worked closely with the leadership of Brown University, the I-195 Commission, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, private property owners and neighborhood associations. Our representatives attend all I-195 Commission meetings, and most neighborhood association meetings, frequently speaking in support of our positions. When possible, we meet with individual government officials and community leaders to understand their positions on issues and to further advance our cause. We also work with the RI Commerce Corporation and the City of Providence on both economic development and quality of life objectives.
Past successes include:
PawSox
In 2015, we led the opposition to construct a new PawSox stadium on Parcel 4 (public park) on the I-195 land in downtown Providence.
Historically, Building Bridges Providence has worked closely with the leadership of Brown University, the I-195 Commission, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, private property owners and neighborhood associations. Our representatives attend all I-195 Commission meetings, and most neighborhood association meetings, frequently speaking in support of our positions. When possible, we meet with individual government officials and community leaders to understand their positions on issues and to further advance our cause. We also work with the RI Commerce Corporation and the City of Providence on both economic development and quality of life objectives.
Past successes include:
PawSox
In 2015, we led the opposition to construct a new PawSox stadium on Parcel 4 (public park) on the I-195 land in downtown Providence.
Bridge and public park
In 2016, work on the Pedestrian Bridge was stalled. State funding issues and policy confusion reflected that the centerpiece of the project needed an advocate. The main connection between the east and west sides of the river might never be built without one. Building Bridges Providence held public events and built a balloon bridge to call attention to the critical nature of the project. We organized a grass roots effort and encouraged the public to speak up, show up and stay involved while using the media to bring constant attention to this game-changing project. This resulted in RIDOT moving forward with funding and plans to meet a Fall, 2018 delivery of the bridge.
In 2016, work on the Pedestrian Bridge was stalled. State funding issues and policy confusion reflected that the centerpiece of the project needed an advocate. The main connection between the east and west sides of the river might never be built without one. Building Bridges Providence held public events and built a balloon bridge to call attention to the critical nature of the project. We organized a grass roots effort and encouraged the public to speak up, show up and stay involved while using the media to bring constant attention to this game-changing project. This resulted in RIDOT moving forward with funding and plans to meet a Fall, 2018 delivery of the bridge.
I-195 Activation
We believe that the I-195 Corridor will play a very significant role in the future of our neighborhoods, the City of Providence and the State of Rhode Island. Working with the I-195 Commission, we have created and curated several events which have been designed to build support for the Commission’s mandate to develop the I-195 parcels to create permanent jobs for our innovation campus.
We believe that the I-195 Corridor will play a very significant role in the future of our neighborhoods, the City of Providence and the State of Rhode Island. Working with the I-195 Commission, we have created and curated several events which have been designed to build support for the Commission’s mandate to develop the I-195 parcels to create permanent jobs for our innovation campus.
I-195 Proposals
It is not surprising that we fully support the mission of the I-195 Commission. In so doing, we collaborate with stakeholders to understand the impact of development and ancillary projects while serving as a valued advisor to the Commission. We advocate for changes to proposals, thereby improving them and influencing the final decisions to benefit all stakeholders.
It is not surprising that we fully support the mission of the I-195 Commission. In so doing, we collaborate with stakeholders to understand the impact of development and ancillary projects while serving as a valued advisor to the Commission. We advocate for changes to proposals, thereby improving them and influencing the final decisions to benefit all stakeholders.
History event
Building public support for our mission includes creating events that inform the public about our neighborhoods and objectives. To that end, we have brought together the work of Dr. Dietrich Neumann, Professor of History of Art and Architecture and Director of Urban Studies at Brown with the Jewelry District Association, Providence Preservation Society and Brown University to host a lecture titled “The Jewelry District – Past Present and Future.”. This event was well attended, received critical acclaim and led to the creation of a Jewelry District Walking Tour which is now in process. See video.
Building public support for our mission includes creating events that inform the public about our neighborhoods and objectives. To that end, we have brought together the work of Dr. Dietrich Neumann, Professor of History of Art and Architecture and Director of Urban Studies at Brown with the Jewelry District Association, Providence Preservation Society and Brown University to host a lecture titled “The Jewelry District – Past Present and Future.”. This event was well attended, received critical acclaim and led to the creation of a Jewelry District Walking Tour which is now in process. See video.
Make Music RI
Make Music is a worldwide, annual, free, outdoor day of music held on the summer solstice, June 21st. In 2017, we joined the ranks as the 39th state to participate, making it the first year Rhode Island celebrated this event! We created a platform as an annual celebration and presented music events in Providence, East Greenwich, Newport, Westerly, Lincoln, Pawtucket and East Providence with over 60 performances. We estimate over 2000 Rhode Islanders attended these events. For details.
Make Music is a worldwide, annual, free, outdoor day of music held on the summer solstice, June 21st. In 2017, we joined the ranks as the 39th state to participate, making it the first year Rhode Island celebrated this event! We created a platform as an annual celebration and presented music events in Providence, East Greenwich, Newport, Westerly, Lincoln, Pawtucket and East Providence with over 60 performances. We estimate over 2000 Rhode Islanders attended these events. For details.
Cambridge Innovation Center
The Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) will be a major tenant at the Wexford Science and Technology Complex located in the I-195 Corridor. Upon recommendation from several sources, CIC reached out to Building Bridges Providence in an attempt to gain institutional knowledge as well as local information about their new neighborhood. CIC asked us to help them transition to their new home in order to contribute to their neighborhood.
The Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) will be a major tenant at the Wexford Science and Technology Complex located in the I-195 Corridor. Upon recommendation from several sources, CIC reached out to Building Bridges Providence in an attempt to gain institutional knowledge as well as local information about their new neighborhood. CIC asked us to help them transition to their new home in order to contribute to their neighborhood.