Warwick: Convenience of city living with small-town feel

Warwick, Rhode Island's second largest community, offers the convenience of city living with a small-town feel and a number of opportunities to help your business grow and succeed here. City Centre Warwick (formerly known as the Warwick Station Development District) and its adjacent business innovation district offer up to 3 million s/f for mixed-use re-development located within a half-mile radius of the InterLink intermodal train station and commuter rail, T.F. Green Airport, and I-95 and 295. A recently-completed market segmentation analysis identified specific industries that will flourish in City Centre Warwick. Our vision for the area is to take advantage of its multi-modal transit options to transform the area into a vibrant commerce center with an energized neighborhood in which to live and work. Adjacent to the area is an 86-acre parcel that was home to the former Leviton Manufacturing. The area was recently subdivided into five parcels, one of which is ideal for office and industrial uses and another where class A office space is planned. Another parcel includes the historic Elizabeth Mill, which has myriad adaptive re-use potential, all within 150 feet to commuter rail and a short walk to the airport. Warwick offers a diverse economy, including a large retail and service base as well as manufacturing and is seeing continued growth throughout the city; in 2013, roughly $14.3 million was invested in commercial construction projects over $20,000, and strong partnerships with the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Administration are helping to provide a good climate for our business community. The city has streamlined permitting processes and improved "customer service" - all to make it easier for companies looking to expand in or relocate to our community. An online, searchable database offers a wealth of information regarding properties available for lease or purchase. Add to this Warwick's affordable, diverse housing mix, good schools, quality municipal services, 39 miles of spectacular shoreline, numerous recreational opportunities, and active non-profit, civic, and religious organizations, and you'll see why Warwick has been listed as one of the 100 best communities to live in the nation. We invite you to discover how your business - and employees - can thrive in Warwick. Visit movetowarwickri.com or call (401) 738-2000, ext. 6402 to learn more. Scott Avedisian is the mayor of the city of Warwick, RI.