About
In 1946, the State enabled the creation of redevelopment agencies in every city and town in Rhode Island. Pursuant to this authority, the Providence Redevelopment Agency was established in 1947. Currently, the Agency operates under the powers set out in Chapters 31-33 of Title 45 of the Rhode Island General Laws, the “Redevelopment Act of 1956”.
Process
The focus of the Redevelopment Agency is the elimination and prevention of blighted and substandard areas. The Redevelopment Agency is also granted broad power to foster economic development in substandard and blighted areas.
Historically, Redevelopment Agencies across the country have used their broad powers to acquire properties and clear large tracts of land for redevelopment, based on their purpose of the elimination of blight.
Today, conditions have greatly changed. Fewer dollars are available for large-scale projects. Therefore, the Agency is taking a more nuanced approach to redevelopment which fosters neighborhood revitalization and private investment.
Through the Redevelopment Agency and the Providence City Plan Commission, and with the approval of the Providence City Council, areas of the City which contain blighted and substandard conditions are established as Redevelopment Areas. Redevelopment Plans are then created to establish project areas within the larger Redevelopment Area. This process is designed to create a coordinated strategy that proposes specific improvements to an area.
General Powers and Activities of the Redevelopment Agency:
- Acquisition and lease of property; Eminent Domain;
- Relocation of individuals or businesses;
- Renovation or demolition of property;
- Sale or lease of property;
- Restrictions on use of property;
- Preparation and implementation of Redevelopment Plans;
- Design layout and install sidewalks, public utilities, parks, off-street parking areas and other public improvements through requests for proposals and direct solicitation;
- Proposal of zoning changes;
- Lending and mortgaging of property;
- Issuance of bonds; and,
- Tax Increment Financing plans.
Members
The membership of the Providence Redevelopment Agency consists of the Mayor of the City of Providence, ex officio, and seven members. Five of the members are required to be resident electors of the City and are appointed by the Mayor, and two are required to be members of the City Council, appointed by the City Council.
Current membership is:
James V. DeRentis, Chair
Jesse Kenner, Member
Manuel Cordero, Member
Diego Rodriguez, Member
Patricia Moran, Member
Mary-Kay Harris, Councilwoman
James Taylor, Councilman
Mayor Jorge Elorza, Ex-Officio
Meetings & Agendas
The Providence Redevelopment Agency typically meets on the second Thursday of every month at 4:00 p.m at 444 Westminster Street, 1st-floor conference room to review pending applications.
Click here for the 2019 meeting schedule of the Providence Redevelopment Agency.
Click here for agendas and minutes for the Providence Redevelopment Agency.
The Providence Redevelopment Agency (PRA) Requests Comment
The Providence Redevelopment Agency invites the general public to comment on the current rules and regulations for the Providence Housing Trust currently administered by the PRA. The rules and regulations may be obtained from the Providence Redevelopment Agency website at www.pra.providenceri.gov.
There will be an open meeting on Thursday July 11, 2019 at 6:00pm at the Joseph Doorley Municipal Building located at 444 Westminster Street 1st floor, Providence Rhode Island 02903.
All written comments must be submitted in writing and addressed to the Providence Redevelopment Agency. Anyone wishing to provide oral commentary may do so in person at the open meeting mentioned above.
Written commentary must be received by the Providence Redevelopment Agency no later than 12:00pm on Thursday July 11, 2019. All commentary will be reviewed by the Providence Redevelopment Agency staff and will instruct the final rules and regulations adopted by the PRA Board.
Please submit all questions in writing and address them to Colleen Dupre, Senior Real Estate Officer at or mail to PRA, 444 Westminster Street – Suite 3A, Providence, RI 02903.
The location for this meeting is handicap accessible and translation or hearing impaired services are available upon request. Please contact 401-680-8400 at least 48 hours in advance to request such services.
Click here for a copy of the Providence Housing Trust Rules & Regulations
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: FOR PURCHASE AND REDEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 327 ELMWOOD AVENUE IN PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
The Providence Redevelopment Agency invites proposals from the general public for the purchase and redevelopment of the property located at 327 Elmwood Avenue(Plat 49 Lot 603), in the City of Providence. The Request for Proposals will be available at the office of the Department of Planning and Development, 444 Westminster Street, Suite 3A, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, during the hours of 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM or at www.providenceri.gov/planning/providence-redevelopment-agency-pra. No consideration will be given to proposals that are not consistent with the information required in the information package.
Proposals must be submitted in writing and to the Providence Redevelopment Agency, 444 Westminster Street, Suite 3A, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, to the attention of Bonnie Nickerson, Executive Director, by May 17, 2019 at 12:00pm. No consideration will be given to proposals submitted after this date and time.
All questions regarding this request for proposals shall be directed by email only by April 16, 2019 before 3:00pm to Colleen Dupre, Senior Real Estate Manager, 444 Westminster Street, Suite 3A, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, .
Click here for the RFP package.
Click here for the legal notice.
SECOND AMENDED REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: CONSTRUCTION SITE WORK AT THE FORMER AMERICAN TOURISTER PROPERTY LOCATED AT 70 HOUGHTON STREET
The Providence Redevelopment Agency has amended its request for proposals from the general public for Construction Site Work at the former American Tourister property located at 70 Houghton Street, Providence, RI currently owned by the PRA. The Bid Package, as well as any and all amendments thereto, may be obtained from the Providence Redevelopment Agency website at www.pra.providenceri.gov.
This project is federally funded by the Economic Development Administration, Community Development Block Grant and Providence Redevelopment Agency. Davis Bacon/Prevailing Pay Wages will apply to this project. Please reference Department of Labor’s Federal Wage Determination web site to factor in the most recent prevailing wage rates at www.wdol.gov/dba.aspx.
Minority Business Enterprises and Women Owned Business Enterprises are encouraged to submit bids.
All bids must be submitted in Sealed Envelopes or Wrappers with the title and entity to which they are related endorsed thereon and addressed to the Providence Redevelopment Agency.
Sealed proposals must be received by the Providence Redevelopment Agency no later than 12:00pm on Friday March 22, 2019. All bids will be reviewed by the Providence Redevelopment Agency and its consultant Wood Environment& Infrastructure Solutions Inc. of Providence, RI.
The Providence Redevelopment Agency reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
Please submit all questions in writing and address them to Colleen Dupre, Senior Real Estate Officer at or mail to PRA, 444 Westminster Street – Suite 3A, Providence, RI 02903 by March 12, 2019.
AMENDED REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: CONSTRUCTION SITE WORK AT THE FORMER AMERICAN TOURISTER PROPERTY LOCATED AT 70 HOUGHTON STREET
The Providence Redevelopment Agency invites proposals from the general public for Construction Site Work at the former American Tourister property located at 70 Houghton Street, Providence, RI currently owned by the PRA. The Bid Package may be obtained from the Providence Redevelopment Agency website at www.pra.providenceri.gov.
This project is federally funded by the Economic Development Administration, Community Development Block Grant and Providence Redevelopment Agency. Davis Bacon/Prevailing Pay Wages will apply to this project. Please reference Department of Labor’s Federal Wage Determination web site to factor in the most recent prevailing wage rates at www.wdol.gov/dba.aspx.
Minority Business Enterprises and Women Owned Business Enterprises are encouraged to submit bids.
There will be a Pre-Bid Conference on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 11:00am at the Joseph Doorley Building located at 444 Westminster Street 1st floor.
All bids must be submitted in Sealed Envelopes or Wrappers with the title and entity to which they are related endorsed thereon and addressed to the Providence Redevelopment Agency.
Sealed proposals must be received by the Providence Redevelopment Agency no later than 12:00pm on Friday January 4, 2019 NEW DUE DATE 12:00pm ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019. All bids will be reviewed by the Providence Redevelopment Agency and its consultant Wood Environment& Infrastructure Solutions Inc. of Providence, RI.
The Providence Redevelopment Agency reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
Please submit all questions in writing and address them to Colleen Dupre, Senior Real Estate Officer at or mail to PRA, 444 Westminster Street – Suite 3A, Providence, RI 02903.
Click here for the Amended American Tourister legal notice and bid package.
Click here for the American Tourister Bidder’s Questions & Answers.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: FOR PURCHASE AND REDEVELOPMENT OF THE “KLITZNER” BUILDING SITE IN PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
The Providence Redevelopment Agency (“Agency”) in an effort to redevelop those certain lots more fully described in Exhibit A attached hereto (the “Property”), seeks proposals for the rehabilitation of said Property. All proposals shall include the required information enumerated in this information package, however, no proposals will be accepted unless they are developed in accordance with the Agency’s By-Laws, the City of Providence Home Rule Charter, and the Providence Code of Ordinances, as amended. AWARDS MADE HERE UNDER ARE SUBJECT TO SUCCESSFUL FORECLOSURE PROCEEDINGS BY THE AGENCY.
NOTE:
- Bidders should observe that the Property is located in the Industrial and Commercial Buildings Historic District (ICBD). As such, any proposed modifications to the exterior of the building shall be consistent with the Providence Historic District Commission’s Standards and Guidelines for the ICBD. Notwithstanding anything contained in this document, the City recognizes that the Property may be redeveloped for a reuse that is not granted as a matter of right. Bidders may provide a detailed reuse concept which requires a zoning change or zoning variance, but all proposals must comport with the City of Providence Comprehensive Plan. Proposals for demolition of the building or any portion thereof will be rejected and disqualified any potential award.
The Request for Proposals will be available at the office of the Department of Planning and Development, 444 Westminster Street, Suite 3A, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, during the hours of 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM or at http://www.pra.providenceri.gov No consideration will be given to proposals that are not consistent with the information required in the information package.
Proposals must be submitted in writing and to the Providence Redevelopment Agency, 444 Westminster Street, Suite 3A, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, to the attention of Bonnie Nickerson, Executive Director, by Friday, December 7, 2018 by 12:00pm by Friday, January 11, 2019 by 12:00pm. No consideration will be given to proposals submitted after this date and time.
All questions regarding this request for proposals shall be directed by email only to Colleen Dupre, Senior Real Estate Manager, 444 Westminster Street, Suite 3A, Providence, Rhode Island 02903,
Click here for the RFP package.
Click here for the legal notice.
Click here for amended legal notice.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: FOR PURCHASE AND REDEVELOPMENT OF 31 MANTON AVENUE, 39 MANTON AVENUE, 148 DELAINE STREET AND 160 DELAINE STREET; PLAT: 62, LOTS: 443, 573, 432 AND 430 IN PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
The Providence Redevelopment Agency (“Agency”) in an effort to redevelop those certain lots more fully described in Exhibit A attached hereto (the “Property”), seeks proposals for the rehabilitation of said Property. All proposals shall include the required information enumerated in this information package, however, no proposals will be accepted unless they are developed in accordance with the Agency’s By-Laws, the City of Providence Home Rule Charter, and the Providence Code of Ordinances, as amended.
NOTE:
- This Property has a pending State of Rhode Island Historic Tax Credit Application reserving approximately $8.8M in state tax credits. The successful bidder may have access to these credits. Additional credits may be available for an associated cost.
- Bidders should observe that the Property is located in the Industrial and Commercial Buildings Historic District (ICBD). As such, any proposed modifications to the exterior of the building shall be consistent with the Providence Historic District Commission’s Standards and Guidelines for the ICBD. Notwithstanding anything contained in this document, the City recognizes that the Property may be redeveloped for a reuse that is not granted as a matter of right. Bidders may provide a detailed reuse concept which requires a zoning change or zoning variance, but all proposals must comport with the City of Providence Comprehensive Plan. Proposals for demolition of the building or any portion thereof will be rejected and disqualified any potential award.
Proposals shall be submitted in writing to the Providence Redevelopment Agency, 444 Westminster Street, Suite 3A, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, Attention: Bonnie Nickerson, Executive Director, by 3:00pm on Friday, August 24, 2018. No consideration will be given to proposals submitted after this date and time. The Agency takes no responsibility for packages sent by mail or other means that cannot
meet the deadline. Hand delivery is acceptable. The Agency may request additional documentation to assist in making its selection.
All questions regarding this request for proposals shall be directed by email only to Colleen Dupre, Senior Real Estate Manager, 444 Westminster Street, Suite 3A, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, .
Click here for the RFP package. Please note the time of the walk-through on Thursday, July 19th has been changed to 3:00 PM.
Click here for the legal notice.
Responses to the submitted questions regarding the RFP will be posted on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, instead of Friday, July 27, 2018.
Questions & Answers for Paragon Mill RFP.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:
PURCHASE/LEASE AND REDEVELOPMENT OF 50 SIMS AVENUE (PLAT 27 LOT 293 “Lot A”)
The Providence Redevelopment Agency invites proposals from the general public for the purchase/lease and redevelopment of the property located at 50 Sims Avenue (Plat 27 Lot 293 “Lot A”) and 460 Kinsley Avenue (Plat 27 Lot 285 “Lot B”), in the City of Providence. The Request for Proposals will be available at the office of the Department of Planning and Development, 444 Westminster Street, Suite 3A, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, during the hours of 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. No consideration will be given to proposals that are not consistent with the information required in the information package.
Proposals must be submitted in writing and to the Providence Redevelopment Agency, 444 Westminster Street, Suite 3A, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, to the attention of Bonnie Nickerson, Executive Director, by Friday, August 24, 2018 by 3:00pm. No consideration will be given to proposals submitted after this date and time.
All questions regarding this request for proposals shall be directed by email only to Colleen Dupre, Senior Real Estate Manager, 444 Westminster Street, Suite 3A, Providence, Rhode Island 02903,
Click here for the RFP package.
Click here for the legal notice posted Mon, June 18, 2018.
Responses to the submitted questions regarding the RFP will be posted on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, instead of Friday, July 27, 2018.
No questions were submitted related to 50 Sims Avenue.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:
FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SPECIAL REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR VACANT HOUSES AS ADOPTED BY CITY OF PROVIDENCE ORDINANCE 2017-50 NO. 477
The Providence Redevelopment Agency (“Agency”) in an effort to redevelop those certain lots contained in that list attached to the Special Redevelopment Plan for Vacant Houses as adopted by City of Providence’s Ordinance 2017-50 No. 477 and as more fully described in the RFP attached hereto (the “Property”), seeks proposals for the rehabilitation of said Property. All proposals shall include the
required information enumerated in this information package, however, no proposals will be accepted unless they are developed in accordance with the Agency’s Special Redevelopment Plan for Vacant Houses, the Agency’s By-Laws, the City of Providence Home Rule Charter, and the Providence Code of
Ordinances, as amended. AWARDS MADE HEREUNDER ARE SUBJECT TO SUCCESSFUL FORECLOSURE PROCEEDINGS BY THE AGENCY.
Proposals shall be submitted in writing to the Providence Redevelopment Agency, 444 Westminster Street, Suite 3A, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, Attention: Bonnie Nickerson, Executive Director, by 3:00pm on Friday, March 16, 2018.
No consideration will be given to proposals submitted after this date and time. The Agency takes no responsibility for packages sent by mail or other means that cannot meet the deadline. Hand delivery is acceptable. The Agency may request additional documentation to assist in making its selection.
Click here for the RFP package.
Click here for the March 1, 2018 Pre-Bid Meeting Presentation.
Click here for Questions & Answers from the March 1, 2018 Pre-Bid Meeting.
Contact Information
The Real Estate Division provides support to the PRA.
Bonnie Nickerson, Executive Director
Providence Redevelopment Agency
401.680.8400
Samuel Budway
Deputy Director|General Counsel Providence Redevelopment Agency
Providence Redevelopment Agency
401.680.5334
Barry Sullivan, Secretary
Providence Redevelopment Agency
401.680.8526
Darcy Charleson, Recording Secretary
Providence Redevelopment Agency
401.680.8501
Providence Redevelopment Agency
Joseph A. Doorley, Jr. Municipal Building
Department of Planning & Development
444 Westminster Street, Suite 3A
Providence, RI 02903-3215
Phone: 401.680.8400
Fax 401.680.8492
Office Hours
January-June and September-December
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
July-August
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
