Providence, RI Shawmut Design and Construction celebrated the ceremonial groundbreaking for the 195 District Park Pavilion, marking the start of construction on a facility that will feature year-round dining and support space for park operations. In addition to the 3,500 s/f building, the project will include infrastructure upgrades to the park, including Wi-Fi service, grading and drainage improvements, and electrical upgrades.

“We are honored to once again contribute to the revitalization of the I-195 Redevelopment District with a project that exemplifies our commitment to the growth and transformation of Providence,” said Chris Maury, senior director of Rhode Island at Shawmut Design and Construction. “This pavilion will enhance the park and serve as a vital gathering space for the community. We are proud to bring this vision to life and support the ongoing evolution of this vibrant district.”

Designed by New York City-based Architecture Research Office (ARO), the resilient pavilion is designed for all vantage points around the park, with six sides that frame waterfront views and a canopy that provides shaded seating areas in all directions. The new pavilion’s cedar shiplap rainscreen references the coastal Rhode Island vernacular and visually connects to the wood of the adjacent pedestrian bridge. Operable storefront doors in the pavilion’s main dining area provide panoramic views of the Providence River and can open for indoor-outdoor dining service as weather allows.

“I’m excited to see the 195 District continuing to thrive as a go-to Rhode Island destination for visitors and locals to enjoy,” said governor Dan McKee. “We’re glad that two great local businesses will be featured in the new pavilion, providing park users with a taste of Rhode Island year-round. I thank Marc Crisafulli and the entire I-195 Redevelopment District Commission for their commitment to the vibrancy of the innovation district.”

“Today marks an exciting milestone as we break ground on the 195 District Park Pavilion, which will bring even more economic vibrancy to our Downtown parks,” said mayor Brett Smiley. “This project brings year-round dining, tech and infrastructure upgrades, essential amenities and a hub for community engagement to our river front, enhancing our public spaces for all neighbors to enjoy.”

“This is an exciting day for the 195 District as we break ground on the pavilion,” said Marc Crisafulli, chairman of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission. “With an average of 5,000 visitors each day, 195 District Park has become a destination in Providence and this beautiful pavilion makes this neighborhood even more attractive to residents, visitors, and those who want to be part of the exciting work happening in our innovation district.”

“The pavilion will play a vital role in activating the park year-round, serving as an amenity for park users and the surrounding community,” said Caroline Skuncik, executive director of the I-195 Redevelopment District. “The pavilion will allow us to continue to attract and sustain enriching programming that makes our park so valued.”

Key project partners include Collier’s Project Leaders as owner’s project manager; Architecture Research Office (ARO) for architecture and engineering services; Agency Landscape + Planning as landscape architect; Agora Partners as restaurant consultant; Fuss & O’Neill for civil and environmental engineering; and The Guild and Seven Stars Bakery as food and beverage operators.