City of Providence invests $21 million to renovate D’Abate Elementary School
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today joined Rhode Island General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, Providence City Councilman Oscar Vargas (Ward 15), Senator Frank A. Ciccone, III (Dist. 7, Providence, North Providence), Rhode Island Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green, Providence Public Schools Superintendent Javier Montañez, Providence Public Property Director Demo Roberts and community members to break ground on a $21 million renovation project for William D’Abate Elementary School. Once complete, the renovated D’Abate School project will feature kindergarten through grade 5 classrooms, common learning areas, collaborative workrooms and learning studios.
“Providence is building the school facilities our kids deserve, preparing them to take on the challenges of the 21st century,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “Through our five-year School Capital Plan, which is the largest investment approved by the State for a district in history, we continue to make significant improvements to school buildings like D’Abate Elementary School, and I am proud to stand with our partners today to celebrate this project and the impact it will have on our students, teachers and entire community.”
The school renovations were designed by Torrado Architects and are being completed by Ahlborg Construction Corporation. Interior demolition of the D’Abate School will begin in the coming days, followed by interior building construction. The renovation is expected to be completed in the summer of 2023.
“All students deserve to attend schools that are safe, warm, dry, and equipped for 21st-century learning,” said General Treasurer Seth Magaziner. “The work to renovate D’Abate Elementary is just the latest example of the impact that the statewide school construction program we launched four years ago that has already delivered funding to repair or replace more than 200 schools statewide. We must continue this historic investment in Rhode Island students by passing the $250 million school construction bond measure on Tuesday, November 8.”
The City of Providence’s $21 million renovation project was outlined in coordination with the Providence Public School District (PPSD) and Rhode Island Department of Education’s (RIDE) School Building Authority.
“Today’s groundbreaking is yet another step forward in the Turnaround of Providence Public Schools,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “The transformation of D’Abate Elementary School and facilities across the district will provide young people the space to reach their full potential; teachers with 21st Century working space; and a place for communities to come, learn and grow together. I look forward to seeing students achieve in the new D’Abate Elementary and schools across the capital city.”
“This is an exciting time in Providence Public Schools. D’Abate Elementary is one of many buildings being transformed into a modern facility equipped with the resources our students need for academic success and social-emotional growth,” said Superintendent Javier Montañez. “These upgrades have been overdue for decades, but this work and financial commitment shows our students and educators that they are valued members of our community.”
“This is a great day for the children and families of Olneyville and all across Providence,” said Councilman Oscar Vargas (Ward 15). “This project will create a modern, healthy and secure learning environment for our City’s youth. I will continue working with my City Council colleagues, along with local and state leaders to ensure that every school in Providence is equipped with the tools needed to help our children learn and grow. A great education is the foundation of success in life, and it is our job to ensure every child has that solid foundation.”
The D’Abate School project is part of the City’s coordinated Capital Infrastructure Investments. Progress and project updates on Providence’s infrastructure projects are documented on the City’s Infrastructure Project Dashboard, which can be found at providenceri.gov/infrastructure.
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