The Revitalization of Providence The Capitol Center Plan and its Impact on Providence

Providence Pre-WW2 Major industrial city, 2nd largest in New England economy based on textile, manufacturing and jewelry. Active port Downtown economically healthy, with numerous shops and business offices

50’s to 70’s The suburban movement Population shifted to suburbs 1950 central cities 57% of metropolitan area residents and 70% of metropolitan area job 1990 central cities 37% of residents and 45% of jobs Population shifted to suburbs Providence population decrined 40% (100,000 residents) between 1940-1970 City center industries left for cheaper locations Lots of vacant buildings downtown Collapse of commercial district Loss of tax base causes city center to become run down and unattractive, further exacerbating the problem

70’s First plans for city revitalization begin Spurred by election of Mayor Ciccerelli Several competing plans drawn up to change downtown providence, with the capitol center project finally being selected At this time the city center continues to decline The state judicial court moves out 2 major department stores leave

80’s Capitol center project begins Rerouting of railroad track, driving much of them underground Increase in office buildings downtown, tax incentives offered to get companies to move in. Major hotels (Westin) built or refurbish old building The Wanaskitucket river is rerouted, large bridges removed and open space on river way created Old rail hub converted to bus hub. Arts district started, cultural festival (riverfire) increase

90’s Capitol center project continues Focus sifts more towards commercial and residential buildings Providence place mall More hotels High rise apartments start to be built (upper – middle income housing) Area now much more attractive, value of land increases

2000’s Continued building on reclaimed railroad land Building mostly residential (commute to Boston) Conversion of old industrial buildings to commercial uses begins on west side of city center.

Was The Capitol Center Project good for providence Questions to ask Is the city center more attractive? Is the capitol and historic downtown more connected? Are there more jobs? Has the affluence of the residents increased? Has the tax base increased? Is there a renewed pride in Providence? Are the adjoining neighborhoods enjoying benefits from the project (trickle down economics).

Affect on Low Income Neighborhoods Neighborhoods (particularly south and west of city center) have actually struggled since the capitol project began Increases in poverty and unemployment in these town Money that could have gone to revitalize these areas has gone to downtown instead Commercial business in downtown are to “high end” for these consumers Trickle down theory has not worked as hoped.

Is this changing? The industrial corridor in west providence is changing land use, from industrial to commercial This increases appearance of area Creates new jobs Restaurant boom in west providence Ground level up projects have become more powerful in improving infrastructure Wanaskatukit watershed council, for example