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I-195 Redevelopment District Commission Meeting – September 26, 2017

By on September 25, 2017 in 195 Relocation Project

Rendering of proposed Parcel 1A hotel released in April 2017

I-195 Redevelopment District Commission – Notice of Public Meeting A regular meeting of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission will be held at Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, 315 Iron Horse Way, Suite 101, Providence, Rhode Island, on Tuesday September 26, 2017, beginning at 5:00 P.M., for the following purposes:

195-roundI. Public Session

  1. Welcoming Remarks by Chairperson Azrack.
  2. Approval of the Minutes of the Commission Meeting Held on August 21, 2017.
  3. Executive Director’s Report.
  4. Report and Vote on the District’s Financial Audit by the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, Chief Financial Officer, Lisa Lasky and Commission Treasurer Elizabeth Huidekoper.
  5. Presentation on the proposed development for Parcel 1A by Gerald and Jack Fandetti of the Kendall Hotel Group (followed by Public Comment).
  6. Vote to consider approval of a Level 1 application as submitted by the Kendall Hotel Group for a proposed development on Parcel 1A.
  7. Discussion and Vote to consider the allocation of funds from the I-195 Project Fund as requested by the District for the purposes related to temporary parking on Parcels 27 and 25.
  8. Chairperson’s Report/Agenda for next meeting on Monday, October 16, 2017 at 5:00 P.M.
  9. Vote to Adjourn.
Agenda
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ProJo: 195 redevelopment commission OKs temporary parking plan

By on August 22, 2017 in 195 Relocation Project

Parcels 27 and 28 are on either side of Clifford Street south of Richmond Street. Image from Google Maps

Parking issues that have arisen as perhaps the final stumbling block before a development team starts building its planned innovation center and hotel on former highway land were addressed Monday night when the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission agreed to allow temporary surface parking on some of its land, if necessary.

[…]

After a brief public hearing with few speakers, the I-195 Commission voted to allow nearly 2 acres of the former highway land — Parcels 27 and 28 — to be used for surface parking if the innovation center is ready to occupy before a nearby parking garage is ready to accommodate judges, lawyers and court officials from the J. Joseph Garrahy Judicial Complex. But that 1,200-space parking garage is also intended to accommodate 400 anticipated workers in the planned innovation center and adjacent hotel.

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Fane Organization Hope Point Tower on 195 Redevelopment District Commission Agenda Today – July 25, 2017

By on July 25, 2017 in 195 Relocation Project
I-195 Redevelopment District Commission – Public Meeting Notice
A regular meeting of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission will be held at Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, 315 Iron Horse Way, Suite 101, Providence, Rhode Island, on Tuesday July 25, 2017, beginning at 5:00 P.M., for the following purposes:

Rendering of proposed 45-story tower on Parcel 42 by the Fane Organization

195-roundI. Public Session

  1. Welcoming Remarks by Chairperson Azrack.
  2. Approval of the Minutes of the Commission Meetings Held on June 19, 2017 and July 10, 2017.
  3. Executive Director’s Report.
  4. Presentation on the proposed development on Parcel 42 by Jason Fane of The Fane Organization.
  5. Presentation by Patricia Adell of Real Estate Solutions Group, LLC regarding the proposed development on Parcel 42 by The Fane Organization.
  6. Public Comment on the proposed development on Parcel 42 by The Fane Organization.
  7. Vote to consider the Level 2 application as submitted by The Fane Organization.
  8. Informational presentation by Christopher Wangro of Zaragunda, Inc. regarding District interim use and programming.
  9. Chairperson’s Report/Agenda for next meeting on Monday, August 21, 2017 at 5:00P.M.
  10. Vote to Adjourn.
Agenda

Continue Reading →

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“River View Hotel and Gallery” proposed for 195 east side parcel

By on April 18, 2017 in 195 Relocation Project, Development

Proposed ‘River View Hotel and Gallery’ on 195 District Parcel 1A

At last night’s 195 Commission Meeting, Cambridge, Mass. based GNF Associates presented plans for a 5-story, 52-room boutique hotel at 195 District Parcel 1A on the east bank of the Providence River.

The Providence Journal reports:

The proposed “River View Hotel” would be a five-story building of approximately 30,000 square feet. Fandetti said many of the rooms and suites would offer terraces with views of the water. The plans also call for an 1,800-square-foot art gallery, a 50-plus-seat restaurant with an outdoor terrace, a cafe/bar and 16 to 20 parking spaces.

[…]

The architectural concepts presented include “a strong street side presence via art gallery, cafe and restaurant; extensive use of brick to harmonize with existing buildings in the area; step back from the river to open up space at the boardwalk and river; and many hotel rooms will have open terraces to take advantage of the river view and view of downtown.”

Providence Business News reports:

In a brief presentation to the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission Monday, Gerald Fandetti said he wanted to build an arts-infused boutique hotel in Providence that would fit into the small site fronting the river. It would incorporate the public park running along the river, and be an inviting presence, he said. The proposed art gallery would include the work of Rhode Island School of Design students and faculty, he said, and draw on the artists in the region.

[…]

The schematic design includes a two-level restaurant and art gallery at streetside, with curtain walls of glass that would be inviting to pedestrians. The floors above would be tiered back from the river in levels, allowing for guest rooms and open terraces that overlook the river and Downtown Providence.

That design is so damn retro I feel like I have to like it. What it looks like from South Water Street is a very important question. I’d also like to see a rendering of it from afar, it sits all by itself right on the riverbank, feels weird.

I think this is also the thousandth proposed or under-construction hotel in the city.

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I-195 Redevelopment District Commission Meeting – January 18, 2017

By on January 16, 2017 in 195 Relocation Project

Single tower proposal for Hope Point by The Fane Organization

A regular meeting of the l-195 Redevelopment District Commission will be held at Rhode lsland Commerce Corporation, 315 lron Horse Way, Suite 101, Providence, Rhode lsland, on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2O17, beginning at 2:30 P.M., for the following purposes:

195-roundI. Public Session

  1. Welcoming Remarks by Chairperson Azrack.
  2. Approval of the Minutes of the Commission Meetings Held on December 12, 2016.
  3. Executive Director’s Report.
  4. Vote regarding a senior project manager position.
  5. Discussion and vote regarding updates to the District Human Resource Manual.
  6. Vote to amend the Commission Bylaws Article Xl, Section 1 (Signing of Checks, Notes, etc.).
  7. Update and discussion on the proposed development on Parcel 42 (public comment welcome).
  8. Presentation by Utile, lnc. on the proposed development on Parcel 42.
  9. Presentation on proposed development on Parcel 42 by The Fane Organization.

    10. Continue Reading →

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Wexford Science & Technology Innovation Center and Hotel

By on December 13, 2016 in 195 Relocation Project

Aerial view of Wexford project at full build-out

The I-195 Redevelopment District Commission authorized a series of incentives Monday to attract Wexford Science & Technology LLC, as well as the Cambridge Innovation Center, to two prime parcels of the former highway land.

In a presentation made in public session, the principals of both companies, as well as developer CV Properties LLC, outlined their plans to collaborate in a $158 million first phase of a mixed-use, innovation district and life-sciences center.

The project will include a 170-room hotel with event space and a seven-story, 191,000-square-foot Innovation Building, which will include 66,000 square feet for the CIC, a Massachusetts-based firm that provides individual and collaborative spaces for startup companies. Brown University, as well as the CIC, have signed letters of intent to lease space in the new building, with Brown moving its School of Professional Studies into a planned, 50,000-square-foot portion.

The hotel would be developed by CV Properties LLC, which is now constructing the South Street Landing project.

WPRI reports that the hotel will be an Aloft brand.

See also:

Download Wexford’s presentation to the 195 Commission

Rendering of proposed Aloft Hotel

Continue Reading →

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I-195 Redevelopment District Commission Meeting – December 12, 2016

By on December 12, 2016 in 195 Relocation Project
PUBLIC NOTICE OF MEETING A regular meeting of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission will be held at Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, 315 Iron Horse Way, Suite 101, Providence, Rhode Island, on MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2016, beginning at 5:00 P.M., for the following purposes:

Updated rendering of single tower proposal for Hope Point project

It was my understanding that Hope Point Towers was part of the Executive Session discussion, I’m told it is not.

195-roundI. Public Session

  1. Welcoming Remarks by Chairperson Azrack.
  2. Approval of the Minutes of the Commission Meetings Held on November 14, 2016.
  3. Executive Director’s Report.
  4. Vote to adopt the 2017 Commission meeting schedule.
  5. Presentation regarding proposed Waldorf project on Parcel 30; Public hearing and Vote regarding approval of project plan and design, including proposed waiver.
  6. Presentation on proposed development on Parcels 22 and 25 by Wexford Science and Technology and CV Properties.
  7. Informational presentation by Cambridge Innovation Center.
    8. Continue Reading →
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I-195 Redevelopment District Commission Meeting – November 14, 2016

By on November 14, 2016 in 195 Relocation Project
1-195 Redevelopment District Commission Public Notice of Meeting
A meeting of the 1-195 Redevelopment District Commission will be held at Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, 315 Iron Horse Way, Suite 101, Providence, Rhode Island, on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2016, beginning at 4:00 P.M., for the following purposes:

chestnut-commons-002

Proposed Building at Parcel 30

195-roundI. Public Session

  1. Welcoming Remarks by Vice Chairperson Robert Davis.
  2. Approval of the Minutes of the Commission Meetings Held on September 19, 2016.
  3. Report on the District’s Financial Audit by the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, Chief Financial Officer, Lisa Lasky and Commission Treasurer Elizabeth Huidekoper and Vote Regarding Acceptance of Audit.
  4. Presentation by Waldorf Capital Management, LLC (“Waldorf’) on the Phase II Application for the Proposed Development on Parcel 30.

    5. II. Executive Session (Providence Room)

    To consider and act upon such matters as may be considered at a meeting closed to the public pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws, Section 42-46-5(a) (the Open Meetings Law), specifically matters permitted to be so considered under subsection (5) (disposition of public property).

  5. Review of Status of Proposals to Purchase and Develop District Property.

    6. III. Public Session

  6. Vote Regarding (a) Waldorf Level I and II Application for Parcel 30 and (b) Execution of Purchase Agreement for Parcel 30.
  7. Presentation by The Fane Organization (“Fane”) Regarding Proposed Development on Parcel 42.

    8. IV. Executive Session (Providence Room)

    To consider and act upon such matters as may be considered at a meeting closed to the public pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws, Section 42-46-5(a) (the Open Meetings Law),
    specifically matters permitted to be so considered under subsection (5) (disposition of public property).

  8. Review of Status of Proposals to Purchase and Develop District Property

    9. V. Public Session

  9. Discussion Regarding Fane Proposal.
  10. Chairperson’s Report/Agenda for next meeting on December 12, 2016 at 5:00 P.M.
  11. Vote to Adjourn.
Agenda
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Downtown Design Review Committee Special Meeting – November 7, 2016

By on October 31, 2016 in 195 Relocation Project, Buildings
Downtown Design Review Committee
Notice of Special Meeting
Monday, November 7, 2016 – 4:45pm
Doorley Municipal Building
444 Westminster Street, 1st Floor Conference Room Providence, RI 02903

drc-roundAgenda

Opening Session

  • Call to Order
  • Roll Call

New Business

chestnut-commons-001

chestnut-commons-002

Renderings of proposal for 91 Chestnut Street

1. DRC Application No. 16.30: I-195 Redevelopment District Parcel 30/91 Chestnut Street – Proposal by Waldorf Capital Management, LLC to construct a new mixed-use building on the property. The DRC will conceptually review the project and make a recommendation to the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission.

Pre-Application Review

2. 217 Washington Street (Providence Public Library) – Proposed exterior renovations to the Empire Street building (1954 addition). This item is for discussion only. No action will be taken by the DRC at this meeting.

Adjournment

Agenda
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ProJo: Construction starts on pedestrian bridge in Providence

By on October 13, 2016 in #WALKinPVD, 195 Relocation Project

providence-river-pedestrian-bridge-001

Rendering of the Providence River Pedestrian Bridge

Public officials gathered Thursday to celebrate the start of construction of the long-planned pedestrian bridge to connect former Route 195 parcels on either side of the Providence River. The bridge is expected to connect two future city parks to be built on former Route 195 land, connecting the city’s College Hill and Fox Point neighborhoods with downtown.

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I-195 Redevelopment District Commission Meeting – August 15, 2016

By on August 15, 2016 in 195 Relocation Project
A meeting of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission will be held at Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, 315 Iron Horse Way, Suite 101, Providence, Rhode Island, on MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016, beginning at 3:00 P.M., for the following purposes:

195-roundI. Public Session

  1. Welcoming Remarks by Chairperson Joseph Azrack.
  2. Approval of the Minutes of the Commission Meetings Held on June 20, 2016.
  3. Executive Director’s Report.
  4. Report on status of District’s financial audit by Lisa Lasky, RI Commerce Corporation Chief Financial Officer.
  5. Discussion and Vote regarding proposed allocation of funds to pedestrian bridge construction budget.
  6. Presentation and discussion regarding District land use planning.

    7. II. Executive Session

    To consider and act upon such matters as may be considered at a meeting closed to the public pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws, Section 42-46-5(a) (the Open Meetings Law), specifically matters permitted to be so considered under (i) subsection (5) (disposition of public property).

  7. Review of Status of Proposals to Purchase and Develop District Property.

    8. III. Public Session

  8. Chairperson’s Report/Agenda for next meeting on September 19, 2016 at 5:00 P.M.
  9. Vote to Adjourn.
Agenda
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ProJo: Pedestrian bridge moving forward in Providence

By on August 15, 2016 in 195 Relocation Project, Parks/Open Space

providence-river-pedestrian-bridge-001

The fate of a long-delayed pedestrian bridge across the Providence River is back on track, after a flurry in recent weeks of negotiations, meetings and budget deliberations.

The Department of Transportation expects to award a bid in October so the bridge can be completed by November 2018, spokeswoman Lisbeth Pettengill told The Providence Journal.

The DOT and the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission are pledging to spend about $6 million more than the DOT’s earlier estimate to build the bridge.

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I-195 Redevelopment District Commission Meeting – May 16, 2016

By on May 16, 2016 in 195 Relocation Project
A meeting of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission will be held at Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, 315 Iron Horse Way, Suite 101, Providence, Rhode Island, on MONDAY, MAY 16, 2016, beginning at 5 P.M., for the following purposes

195-roundI. Public Session

  1. Welcoming Remarks by Chairperson Joseph Azrack.
  2. Approval of the Minutes of the Commission Public Session Meeting Held on March 21, 2016.
  3. Executive Director’s Report.
  4. Discussion on the selection of an Urban Planning and Design firm to serve as District consultant.
  5. Presentation on proposed event on Parcel P4, “The Launch” by Olin Thompson and Sharon Steele of Building Bridges Providence.

    6. II. Executive Session

    To consider and act upon such matters as may be considered at a meeting closed to the public pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws, Section 42-46-5(a) (the Open Meetings Law), specifically matters permitted to be so considered under subsection (5) (disposition of public property).

  6. Review of Status of Proposals to Purchase and Develop District Property.

    7. III. Public Session

  7. Chairperson’s Report/Agenda for June 20, 2016 meeting.
  8. Vote to Adjourn.
Agenda
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PBN: RIDOT moves up Providence River pedestrian bridge schedule

By on May 9, 2016 in 195 Relocation Project, Pedestrians, Transportation

providence-river-pedestrian-bridge-001

Rendering of the planned Providence River Pedestrian Bridge

The process for building a pedestrian bridge connecting the two sides of the Providence River in the I-195 redevelopment district, will move forward this month, the R.I. Department of Transportation announced Tuesday.

[…]

The construction schedule, described in a recent reporting by the DOT, would have preliminary work beginning in the fall. Construction of the $13.2 million bridge project is expected to span two seasons, with completion anticipated in early 2018.

Yay!

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195 Redevelopment District Commission Meeting – March 21, 2016

By on March 18, 2016 in 195 Relocation Project
I-195 Redevelopment District Commission Public Notice of Meeting
A meeting of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission will be held at Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, 315 Iron Horse Way, Suite 101, Providence, Rhode Island, on MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2016, beginning at 5 P.M., for the following purposes:

195-roundPublic Session

  1. Welcoming Remarks by Chairperson Joseph Azrack.
  2. Approval of the Minutes of the Commission Meeting held on February 15, 2016.
  3. Executive Director’s Report.
  4. Presentation by Robert Azar, City of Providence Department of Planning, regarding proposed Royal Oaks project on Parcel 8; vote regarding approval of project plan and design.
  5. Presentation of the District’s draft Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives(ABCA), and proposed cleanup for Parcel 30 by Fuss & O’Neill.
  6. Presentation by Bonnie Nickerson, City of Providence Department of Planning on the proposed Downtown Enhanced Transit Corridor.
  7. Chairman’s Report/Agenda for March 21, 2016 meeting.
  8. Vote to Adjourn.
Agenda
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Wexford Science & Technology / CV Properties enter purchase agreement for 195 parcels

By on January 24, 2016 in 195 Relocation Project

wexford-cv-2016-01-edit

Wexford/CV proposal rendering. Eddy Street bottom, Ship Street left, Dorrance Street right. Click image to enlarge.

Baltimore-based Wexford Science and Technology and real estate developer CV Properties have signed a purchase and sale agreement for two parcels of land and plan to develop a three-phase project on the vacant former highway land with research and development space, offices, hotel and residential space and other attractions.

Phasing is not really allowed by the 195 regulations, one is not allowed to land-bank. Something like this can’t really be built any other way than in phases though, so I guess we’re just ignoring that for reality. Also, I better not see any ‘temporary’ surface lots anywhere between phases.

Continue Reading →

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I-195 Redevelopment District Commission Meeting – January 11, 2016

By on January 8, 2016 in 195 Relocation Project
A meeting of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission will be held at Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, 315 Iron Horse Way, Suite 101, Providence, Rhode Island, on MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016, beginning at 3 P.M., for the following purposes

195-roundPublic Session

  1. Welcoming Remarks by Chairperson Joseph Azrack.
  2. Presentation by HR&A Advisors, Inc. on their economic development report regarding the I-195 Lands.
  3. Approval of the Minutes of the Commission Meetings Held on December 14, 2015.
  4. Executive Director’s Report.
  5. Vote regarding adoption of the final rules and regulations for the I-195 Redevelopment Project Fund.
  6. Chairman’s Report/Agenda for February 15, 2016 meeting.
  7. Vote to Adjourn.
Agenda
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Two 195 District projects advance

By on December 18, 2015 in 195 Relocation Project

195-parcel-8-kite-combined

Two renderings of Parcel 8 by Kite Architects

The 195 Commission made approvals on two projects at their meeting earlier this week. Providence Business News reports on Parcel 8:

The I-195 Redevelopment District Commission has approved the design plan for a mixed-use development that will occupy a one-third acre parcel in the Fox Point neighborhood.

The project, pursued by Royal Oaks Realty LLC, will occupy Parcel 8 in the former I-195 lands. The development will include the renovation of a historic building, part of the former Fuller Iron Works, as well as new construction of a seven-story building that will include apartments, office space and retail space.

The 195 Commission (in Executive Session) decided to enter a purchase and sale agreement with the much larger Wexford proposal on parcels 22 and 25, also reported by PBN:

The I-195 Redevelopment District Commission moved closer Monday to securing the sale of five acres of land for a biological sciences and mixed-use development.

In a vote taken in executive session, the commission agreed to authorize its executive director and chairman to execute a purchase and sale agreement for parcels 22 and 25, according to chairman Joseph F. Azrack.

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