Politics & Government
Former Urban League RI Site Set For Redevelopment In Providence
City and state officials have secured over $2.5 million in funds to turn the Praire Avenue property into a "community hub."
PROVIDENCE, RI — City officials announced that the former home of the Urban League of Rhode Island will undergo a planning and redevelopment process to turn the site at 246 Prairie Ave., or Rosa Parks Drive, into a "future community hub".
The redevelopment and reimagination of the site is being facilitated through the Providence Redevelopment Agency (PRA), which will acquire the property, demolish the existing building, and, in partnership with the Office of Economic Opportunity, Urban League of RI and the community, plan for the reuse of the site.
The redeveloped site will include a combination of space for other community-based anchor organizations, as well as office space for grassroots organizations focused on advocacy, recreation and social services, city officials said.
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The first phase of investment into the project is made possible through a variety of funding sources, including $1.6M of Providence American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to acquire the site and $1M in federal community project funding, secured by Senator Whitehouse, to undergo predevelopment activities including site preparation, assessments and cleanup.
The City will also release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the facilitation of a community engagement process to reimagine future uses of the site. The RFP will invite qualified firms or consultants with experience facilitating discussions of best and current practices in affordable housing, community development, neighborhood revitalization and public engagement through the public sector.
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The City expects to submit the RFP to the Board of Contract & Supply later this week for approval in early January 2023.
"The redevelopment project, being conducted in partnership with the Urban League of RI, will honor the original work that took place at the site to develop community-serving programs and policies that serve Providence's Black residents," according to a news release.
The Urban League of Rhode Island acquired 246 Prairie Ave. (Rosa Parks Drive) in 1990.
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