Providence Plans Ambitious Public Space Makeover

The city of Providence recently released new design images as part of its Providence Unified Vision Plan, an ambitious effort to rethink public space in the city by focusing on Kennedy Plaza and surrounding area as well as the Woonasquatucket River waterfront, according to an article by Matthew Marani. 

The plan would "transform the [Kennedy Plaza] site into a functioning public square with substantial green landscaping, shade structures, expansion of pedestrianized areas, and amenities such as bathrooms, a cafe, a new performance stage, and a seasonal ice skating rink."

Along the Woonasquatucket River, the plan proposes improved access, a new resilient Riverwalk, a renovated performance area and an experiential mist ring installation suspended over the river.

According to Marani, the Vision Plan has been championed by Mayor Jorge Elorza. Arup worked with the city to complete the plan, creating a virtual tour of the proposed design.