Streetcars in the City

     In Providence, there is one public transportation option, the RIPTA buses (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority). With RIPTA I can't help but feel an air of uncertainty while waiting next to a pole with a small square on the top saying RIPTA. The schedule is confusing, and routes can change on a whim, leaving you standing with questions. RIPTA is quick, and easy (if you have experience with it) but with new users, it can seem confusing and overwhelming. In the past there have been major overhauls of RIPTA, with new schedules, new plans for Kennedy Plaza, and new routes.

     But, what if we went back to Providence's roots, and introduced a new public transportation system, streetcars. There has been some chatter about introducing streetcars into Providence, with routes bringing you to Thayer St. on the East Side, throughout Downtown, as well as Upper South Providence. With the presence of a track, the route cannot be changed, only the times, but without the risks involved with busses, times would change infrequently. Because of the small amount of stops, there would be a shelter for users of the system, making it more comfortable, and more expected to see a streetcar arriving in a short amount of time.

     Streetcars would also connect downtown in a way that hasn't been seen. With the fixed route, the storefronts directly around the route would see an influx of people. Examples of this working can be seen Portland, Oregon, with a 40% rise in density, and $3.5 billion in new development. The initiation of streetcars in Providence would immediately create many new jobs, and cause a surge in business in the downtown area, as well as anywhere the street cars go. With the revenue created through taxes, and the revitalization of businesses along the route Providence could have a chance at getting it's financial troubles under control.

With the ease an accessibility streetcars bring, it would be foolish to not pursue their presence throughout Providence and neighboring cities. 

Coming Soon!

The Arcade

        As I have discussed in my post on the Providence Place Mall, downtown is lacking in stores to go to, things to do, and general reasons to go there. But soon - hopefully very soon - this will all change. Downtown is going through some very big changes in the near future. New storefronts are being brought to Washington, Weybosset, as well as Westminster. As a potential customer these new areas for shopping would definitely make me want to make a trip to Downtown to shop and get lunch. These storefronts have some great potential and hopefully the spaces will be filled with creative and exciting businesses.

Proposed look for the Biltmore Garage (Washington St.)

     One of these new business ventures is the renovation to the Biltmore Garage. The renovation includes creating six commercial spaces on the ground floor of the Biltmore Garage facing Washington. The changes are already visible in the signage, changing weathered signs out for new and attractive signs with a new color scheme. One of these units will be sizably bigger than the others which could possibly become a restaurant or cafe. The rest of the units all have their own bathrooms and are the same size. If interesting stores move into these spaces this could be a great boost for revitalization of Downtown. With more stores spread around Downtown it could attract more customers, in turn attracting more businesses, creating a stronger Downtown than ever seen before.

The Arcade- Early Days

          The other business venture is the renovation of The Arcade, a beautiful and historic indoor shopping center built in 1828. The Arcade has entrances on both Weybosset, and Westminster, creating easy access from almost all angles. Throughout the years this building has changed hands and it's rumored that it has never actually produced money for any owner. This may soon change. The new Arcade is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2012. The building will have one floor for shopping and two floors with small lofts.. I love this idea frankly. Theses smaller lofts also add a level of living option diversity, instead of just having the luxury Waterplace Apartments this provides a cheaper option. This adds a centralized place for shopping in the heart of Downtown, near other shopping areas, such as the Biltmore Garage. With the economy slowly getting better, this is exactly what Providence might need. Some stores to produce jobs, even if a small amount, and a place that people will want to go to, eventually exploring the rest of Downtown and stimulating the economy. I think The Arcade will especially appeal to teenagers. Right now there are really two areas to shop in Providence: Thayer Street, and the Mall. This will allow teens to become familiar with their capital city with an easy to get to shopping center. This could also attract new RIPTA customers and make Weybosset and Westminster prime real estate for businesses.
       

To learn more about these updates check out the links below!

The Arcade

The Biltmore Garage

Feel free to tweet at @hodgepodgeprov, comment, and email hodgepodgeprov@gmail.com with any questions you may have!