Governor McKee Highlights 2023 I-195 Redevelopment District Commission Accomplishments: Construction Begins on New Life Science Complex, Bally's Event Lawn Opens

Published on Wednesday, December 27, 2023

PROVIDENCE, RI – The I-195 Redevelopment District Commission has made significant progress in 2023. Key highlights include the start of construction on the 200,000 square foot life science complex which will include the new state health lab, the Bally's event lawn was officially opened, and the final section of the Providence Riverwalk, from Point Street Bridge to I-195 District Park, was completed.

“This was a year of remarkable progress in the I-195 District,” said Governor Dan McKee. “The I-195 District is a great example of how public and private partnerships can create economic development opportunities for a city and a state. I am looking forward to seeing more projects come to fruition that will grow jobs, create housing and feed our life sciences sector.”

I-195 Commission by the numbers:

  • 1.4 million square feet developed or under construction, including the Clifford Street Garage
  • 2.1 million sqaure feet developed, under construction, or planned
  • Over 130 events in the park in 2023
  • 1.6 million visits to park in 2023

I-195 District highlights in 2023 include:

Marc Crisafulli was named chair of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission in January of 2023. Crisafulli recently retired as president of Bally’s and previously was a senior executive and general counsel for GTECH Corporation, now IGT. Crisafulli has served on the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission since 2019.

Construction began on the 200,000-SF life science complex anchored by a new Rhode Island State Health Lab (RISHL) and Brown University. The building will also have private lab space. The RISHL portion of the project is funded through a grant from the CDC. The project is being developed by Ancora L&G.

Pennrose broke ground on phase one of the Parcel 9 development. Parcel 9 is a mixed-income housing development and the first phase includes a childcare center, a retail space, a public plaza and playground, and resident amenity space.

CV Properties was chosen as the preferred developer for Parcels 14 and 15. Their proposal combines I-195 land with adjacent land owned by Brown University, creating the opportunity for a three-phase master planned development that could ultimately include 500,000 SF of new space. The first phase will be a 149-unit residential building on Parcels 14 and 15 and a portion of the adjacent parcel. The later phases are currently envisioned to include commercial and life science uses.

Urbanica’s mixed-use project on Parcel 2 advanced, received concept plan approval by the Commission. The project includes housing, ground-floor commercial space, a public plaza, and affordable live-work style artist lofts.

Plans for a pavilion in I-195 District Park made significant progress. The Guild and Seven Stars Bakery were chosen as food and beverage operators for the pavilion. The Commission also approved the concept plan for the pavilion, designed by architect ARO. The project is expected to break ground in 2024.

Bally’s event lawn was opened. The event lawn is a 45,000-square foot area in I-195 District Park for events and performances.

The final section of the Providence Riverwalk, from Point Street Bridge to I-195 District Park, was completed, fulfilling a 20-year vision to complete Providence’s Urban Coastal Greenway. Wexford Science & Technology, LLC, Rhode Island Energy, and the I-195 Commission collaborated on this significant project.

“I’m very pleased with the traction we gained in 2023 and I am looking forward to the work we have ahead,” said Marc Crisafulli, Chair of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission. “I appreciate the support of Governor McKee as we continue to build this neighborhood into a destination for businesses and Rhode Islanders who are looking for a thriving place to live, work and play.”

###