CNU Legacy team proposes Health District

Less than a mile from downtown Providence, Rhode Island, the Providence Hospital District stands as one of the state’s largest employers. Encompassing two major hospitals and the Community College of Rhode Island, the district’s environment is dominated by vast surface parking lots, which have become characteristic of the area. To address the challenges and opportunities inherent in this space, the CNU Legacy team has proposed the redevelopment of nearly 50 acres of this hospital district. Their mission is to unite residents, businesses, and institutional stakeholders in designing a shared vision that not only remedies social and environmental damage but also unlocks new economic and housing possibilities.

The idea behind the Providence Community Health District is transformative. It promises the potential for approximately 2,000 new housing units within its 132 acres—a significant advancement for a city of around 190,000 residents. These new units would provide affordable living options close to major employment centers in the District, downtown, and College Hill, fostering a sense of community and reducing commuting times.

As part of this initiative, the CNU Legacy Project team has included a diverse group of stakeholders. This collaboration involves the City of Providence, Cornish Associates, Urban3, and Zimmerman/Volk & Associates, among others, demonstrating a commitment to engaging multiple perspectives in the planning process. The project aims to restore mixed-use opportunities by integrating housing, retail, services, civic buildings, and green spaces. This integrated approach could greatly enhance the quality of life for residents, hospital employees, and visitors alike.

Reflecting on the history of the Hospital District, it is crucial to recognize the significant loss it has faced over the past 80-90 years. An astounding amount of demolition—approximately 40 blocks of mixed-use residential housing—has occurred, particularly influenced by parking demands and automobile-centric planning that prevailed after World War II. The proposed plan for the Community Health District acts as an opportunity to restore some of this lost urban fabric while developing parking solutions that meet the area’s current needs.

Key components of the plan include a dedicated “main street” on Plain Street, providing a hub for retail and services. This street is poised to be revitalized with minimal intervention—a critical first step towards generating interest and economic activity in the district. Enhanced public spaces, including over a dozen new areas for community gathering and reflection, will offer healing benefits associated with nature, fostering community cohesion.

One of the significant changes proposed involves the transformation of surface parking. The plan seeks to eliminate over 5,000 existing surface parking spaces in favor of new parking structures that will be integrated with housing and commercial developments. This gradual implementation strategy allows for thoughtful development in phases while promoting a balance between necessary parking and a vibrant urban environment.

The housing density planned for the district demonstrates a strategic approach: it will be highest at the eastern end adjacent to downtown, tapering to mid-rise and low-rise options as it progresses westward. This gradient aims to connect better with existing residential neighborhoods while creating diverse ownership opportunities that meet the varying needs of future residents.

Additionally, the project highlights the importance of accessibility and mobility. Enhancements to the Eddy Street underpass—the corridor connecting downtown and the hospital district—are envisioned to create a safer and more appealing experience for pedestrians and cyclists. Improved street lighting, public art installations, and dedicated bike lanes are just a few of the proposed interventions that will foster a more inviting atmosphere.

The support for transit improvements is evident in the planning phase. Initiatives by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) aim to invest heavily in bus and rail infrastructure surrounding the district, facilitating greater accessibility for health employees and residents alike. The project acknowledges the potential for increased tax revenues, transforming the largely nonprofit area into a vibrant, mixed-use precinct that can generate long-term financial benefits for both the city and local hospitals.

Learning from successful medical and health districts across the United States, such as the Buffalo Niagara Medical District and the Memphis Medical District, the Providence Community Health District Plan seeks to emulate structures that catalyze economic uplift in their respective cities. With a blend of public-private partnerships, these successful models provide valuable insights for the planning team.

As the Providence Community Health District Plan prepares for its presentation at CNU 33, this effort outlines an opportunity not only to improve urban infrastructure and quality of life but also to craft a legacy that honors the community’s history while looking towards an inclusive future. By enhancing public health, mobility, and access, the plan aims to create a district marked by sustainability and a strong sense of identity.

This redevelopment project offers a chance to invest in mixed-income housing, retail, and community facilities, highlighting the importance of retaining existing residents and enhancing opportunities for education and employment. Ultimately, the vision for the Providence Community Health District encapsulates a forward-looking approach that respects its past while inspiring transformative growth in the heart of Southside Providence.

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