DiPrete Engineering helps transform 40,000 s/f vacant lot

The former Stuart's Plaza in Johnston, Rhode Island has a new look. PriceRite, the first in a number of new businesses to begin doing business at the location, opened its doors last week. The area, now named Johnston Towne Centre, sits on a site that has been vacant for over 22 years on the heavily trafficked Hartford Ave. "We were excited to work on a project that will truly transform a retail area and bring more businesses and jobs to the local community," said Bradford Hart, P.E., a project engineer with DiPrete Engineering. DiPrete Engineering obtained town and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) permits for the developer, prepared site work, and developed design and engineering plans for the new 40,000 s/f location at the centre. In addition, DiPrete Engineering developed a commercial site plan and provided utility companies with an existing condition study. The firm also worked on stormwater design and water maintenance for the new plaza and PriceRite store. The developer of the project, Jeff Saletin credited DiPrete Engineering with much of the projects success. "DiPrete Engineering not only provided outstanding engineering and services, they guided us through this entire process including writing the new zoning ordinance, explaining Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to us, helping create the TIF District, selection of contractors, and keeping our project on schedule. They were more than just great engineers; they were a leader, business adviser, and essential team member," he said. PriceRite will anchor several future businesses, including a 3,100 s/f BankRI location which broke ground in June. BankRI is expected to open the new branch this month. The centre includes two pad-ready sites (each with a drive-thru capability) and three buildings providing retail spaces from 1,000 to 30,000 s/f. There is also parking for over 500 vehicles available. DiPrete Engineering provided parking lot configuration and site work for the lot. Construction for the project was provided by Cleri Construction Corporation and the construction was overseen by Jeffrey Saletin of Saletin Real Estate Group. Financing from a Tax Increment Bond helped finance and jump start the project.