Providence Parks

History

Cathedral Square in Providence was envisioned as a vibrant civic space during the city’s urban renewal efforts in the late 1960s. Renowned architect I.M. Pei, in collaboration with landscape architects Zion & Breen, designed the plaza to serve as a grand forecourt to the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. Inspired by European piazzas, the design featured modernist elements, including a pyramidal fountain, and the actual arboreal park space at its center – aiming to create a lively public gathering place.​ There are many theories as to why the vision for the park and plaza was never fully executed, including the conflicting construction of Interstate 95.

Updates

Led by the Department of Planning and Development, the City is working with various departments, partners and the community to re-imagine this passive square located in the center of a Public Right of Way.

Collaboratively maintained by multiple City departments, Parks maintains the square’s landscaped/ treed area south of Jackson Walkway while DPW maintains the rights-of-way. Abutting private property owners maintain the rest of the publicly accessible space.