Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation Moves into American Locomotive Works Development
January 11, 2007 | Print this page | Share This | Email this page
Leadership sees move as economic catalyst in developing neighborhood
The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) announced that its plans to relocate its offices into the American Locomotive Works (ALCO) development site will occur on January 16.
"The RIEDC Board of Directors, which I chair, set the goal to relocate the RIEDC offices in a community where our presence could make an immediate and long-term impact," said Governor Donald L. Carcieri. "By bringing the RIEDC to the ALCO site, we've realized this goal and we are setting the foundation for the revitalization of this area of Providence. This truly marks the beginning of a new era for both the RIEDC and this neighborhood. With $7 billion in development projects underway throughout our state, Rhode Island is experiencing an unprecedented investment boom. I know that the RIEDC staff will continue to drive our economy and create good-paying jobs for Rhode Islanders. I wish the RIEDC all the best in its new home."
The RIEDC's new address and contact information as of January 16 will be:
315 Iron Horse Way
Suite 101
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: (401) 278-9100
Fax: (401) 273-8270
"We firmly believe in the RIEDC as a catalyst to help stimulate economic development in this and every community across Rhode Island, and our relocation to this neighborhood exemplifies that commitment," stated Saul Kaplan, executive director of the RIEDC. "Everyone is extremely excited about this relocation, and we look forward to being the anchor tenant in this amazing development project."
ALCO's developer is Struever Bros. Eccles and Rouse, and the architect on this development is Providence-based Durkee Brown Viveiros & Werenfels, Architects.
This 25-acre revitalization project encompasses a number of rehabilitated mill buildings and new construction totaling 2 million square feet of mixed used space.
"All of us at Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse are pleased to welcome RIEDC as the first tenant in American Locomotive Works," said John Sinnott, Senior Development Director. "The EDC will be a terrific economic engine for the community and bring new jobs to the ALCO neighborhood."
In preparation for the relocation, the RIEDC held an open request for proposals to solicit bids from across the state. The RIEDC and its board of directors, chaired by Governor Donald L. Carcieri, reviewed eight possible site locations managed by five developers. After deliberation, RIEDC management concluded that the American Locomotive redevelopment site met the corporation's economic requirements and desire to relocate to an area where the RIEDC's presence would have a positive community impact. The RIEDC publicly announced its plans for relocation in March 2006. Prior to this move, the RIEDC had been located in Westin Hotel.
