1999 Grant Recipient Information
Rhode Island

Olneyville Square Inter-modal Transit Center
Providence, Rhode Island

Abstract

Providence is undertaking a major neighborhood revitalization effort in Olneyville, one of twenty-five neighborhoods in the City of Providence that is also an Enterprise Community. The approach is an innovative model for using transportation and inter-modal facilities as the back bone of a neighborhood revitalization effort that will also capitalize on an urban river, recycle brownfields, promote homeownership and support small business development. Revitalization activities in Olneyville have received national recognition, including Brownfields Showcase Community and American Heritage River designations. Olneyville has suffered considerable dis-investment over the past 30 years, yet it has many positive features in place that can be used to establish Olneyville as a vital, liveable urban neighborhood of 5,910. This project is focused on the commercial heart of the neighborhood, which was once the second largest commercial area in the City. The project has three elements: siting a public Transit Center, linking the Woonasquatucket Greenway/Bikeway project to the Transit Center, and re-connecting Olneyville Square and the Transit Center to the West Broadway neighborhood. Beyond the traditional role of providing efficient transportation, the Transit Center and inter-modal connections will strengthen the areas as a community center, support private re-investment in Olneyville Square, and stabilize residential land use.

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