Providence Plans Ambitious Public Space Makeover

Take a virtual tour of the new public spaces proposed in the Providence Unified Vision Plan.

1 minute read

July 21, 2021, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Waterplace Park

ESB Professional / Shutterstock

The city of Providence recently released new design images as part of its Providence Unified Vision Plan, an ambitious effort to rethink public space in the city by focusing on Kennedy Plaza and surrounding area as well as the Woonasquatucket River waterfront, according to an article by Matthew Marani. 

The plan would "transform the [Kennedy Plaza] site into a functioning public square with substantial green landscaping, shade structures, expansion of pedestrianized areas, and amenities such as bathrooms, a cafe, a new performance stage, and a seasonal ice skating rink."

Along the Woonasquatucket River, the plan proposes improved access, a new resilient Riverwalk, a renovated performance area and an experiential mist ring installation suspended over the river.

According to Marani, the Vision Plan has been championed by Mayor Jorge Elorza. Arup worked with the city to complete the plan, creating a virtual tour of the proposed design.

Thursday, July 15, 2021 in The Architect's Newspaper

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Interior of Place Versailles mall in Montreal, Canada.

Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units

Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.

May 22, 2025 - CBC

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 21, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Orange Los Angeles Metro bus passing on blurred street at night.

LA ‘Mobility Wallet’ Increased Quality of Life for Participants

The city distributed a monthly $150 transportation subsidy to 1,000 low-income Angelenos. It dramatically improved their lives.

15 minutes ago - KTLA

White Shinkansen high-speed rail train passing on bridge over pond in Japan.

Texas, California Rail Projects Seek Out Private Funding

In the wake of Trump’s cuts to high-speed rail projects, rail authorities are looking to private-public partnerships to supplement their budgets.

2 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

Aerial view of rural community of Kuttawa, Kentucky

Addressing Rural Homelessness in Kentucky

A Kentucky Lantern series focuses on the challenges unhoused Kentuckians face and efforts to provide support and assistance.

4 hours ago - WEKU