Groundbreaking of new Citizens Bank corporate campus - Johnston, RIJohnston, RI Citizens Financial Group held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of its new corporate campus. The company made plans in March to build a new campus for 3,200 colleagues, primarily from a Cranston location with a lease set to expire in 2018.
Citizens Bank executives were joined by governor Gina Raimondo, mayor Joseph Polisena, Sen. Jack Reed, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Rep. Jim Langevin, Rep. David Cicilline and other state and local officials, community partners and colleagues to break ground and unveil plans for the campus.
The campus will feature collaborative work space, dining and fitness facilities for colleagues, and ball fields, tennis, and basketball courts and trails that will be available for use by the local community. The name of the street leading to the campus was also announced. Nearly 1,000 Citizens Bank colleagues took part in a survey in which “Citizens Bank Way” was chosen.
“We are excited about this new campus, which will be a state-of-the-art facility designed to foster collaboration among colleagues and to deliver an efficient and productive workplace,” said Bruce Van Saun, chairman and CEO, Citizens Financial Group.
The planned project includes infrastructure improvements along Greenville Ave. like the extension of sewer lines into the area by the Narragansett Bay Commission and the construction of a new exit for I-295, the estimated cost of which will be split by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and Citizens.
“Citizens’ remarkable corporate campus here in Johnston will contribute significant short and long-term economic activity that will add to Rhode Island’s comeback, as well as provide key infrastructure improvements that will directly benefit state and local residents,” said governor Raimondo.
The property is being designed to preserve more than 60 acres of trees and wetlands to pay homage to the natural environment of the area. As part of the project, Citizens has remediated the decades old landfill that was on the property, and plans to integrate wildlife paths for habitat circulation. The bank has also incorporated into the design an extensive storm water system for protection of wetlands and sensitive areas, as well as rainwater harvesting for irrigation of the landscape.
“This is an exciting time for our town and our state. Citizens Bank’s new corporate campus will be a staple in our community,” said mayor Joseph Polisena.
Citizens plans to open the doors at the new, 420,000 s/f corporate campus in mid-2018. It will house colleagues serving a wide range of activities, including various corporate functions and a call center. The Citizens headquarters will remain in Providence. As of now the project team includes: Dimeo Construction, general contractor; Elkus Manfredi, architect; and DiPrete Engineering, engineer.