Exciting private sector investments popping up throughout Pawtucket - by Donald Grebien

The City of Pawtucket is committed to promoting smart, responsible growth within our city that respects our rich history of economic innovation, cultural diversity, and the unique character of our community.  The birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, Pawtucket offers unique spaces and development opportunities. With an ever expanding craft brewing and arts scene, as well as the addition of a commuter rail station, Pawtucket is an ideal community to live, work, play, start a business and raise a family.

Here are just a few exciting private investment ventures in progress throughout the city. 

Pawtucket Credit Union is expanding. They are constructing a three-story office building located on Central Ave. The land was previously used for overflow parking for PCU’s multi-million dollar newly constructed headquarters located across the street. 

The Amalgamated Financial Group has owned and operated Narragansett Park Plaza for over 25 years and is seeking various zoning and development plan approvals from the city to redevelop this traditional commercial plaza into a “lifestyle center” to include a mix of commercial, restaurant, office, and residential activities.  The plaza is situated along the city line with East Providence, with approximately 10.5 acres located in Pawtucket. 

Churchill & Banks has entered into a purchase and sales agreement with the court appointed receiver of the 4.3-acre parcel of land located at 1110 Central Ave. Churchill & Banks plan to use the city’s mill building reuse district (MBRD) designation to permit the mixed-use redevelopment of underutilized mill building structures that are no longer conducive to modern industrial use.  Churchill and Banks intends to utilize the property for approximately 21 market-rate residential units and destination retail tenants.  

Located approximately one block north of the future Pawtucket-Central Falls Commuter Rail Station, 30 Beecher Street is the site of NULCO Lofts, an ongoing mill rehabilitation project, that will provide 114 market rate residential units. 

211 Columbus Avenue Associates LLC has initiated renovation of the former Rhode Island Textile property, an 88,000 s/f, two-story mill, to include 58 live/work units and 19 commercial units.  

Fuller Mill Realty was granted necessary local approvals to convert the historic Fuller Mill, on the Blackstone River, into 17 residential live work units and a commercial unit with structured parking that would be accessible from Exchange Court.  The developer is awaiting the last of their approvals at the state level confirmation prior to finalizing final plans required to initiate both interior and exterior improvements to the historic structure.  

The city continues to streamline regulations and its permitting processes to make the user experience the best it can be. The city also offers to meet monthly with developers and property owners to address regulatory issues, as well as one-one one.  

Come and join Pawtucket’s evolution. For additional information on existing development projects or opportunities please contact commerce director Jeanne Boyle at jboyle@pawtucketri.com.

Donald Grebien is mayor of the City of Pawtucket, R.I.