2013-2014 Providence Syposium
Downtown Providence is at a crossroads. The last 40 years has brought significant investment into this rich historic city: major infrastructure projects have literally shifted the city’s built environment along with restoration and revitalization of its buildings, and new construction has created energy and engagement in the downtown core.
The city has been bold—in moving train tracks, rivers and highways, rejuvenating historic properties and promoting new construction. Yet challenges and questions remain in navigating the dynamic terrain on the way to becoming the next great American city.
Not Always Easy: Building the New Urban Experience stimulated an important dialogue to move our city forward. By looking at government’s role in development, the importance of open space to economic development, and the necessity of a vibrant and diverse transit system to the health of a city, PPS sparked substantive and engaging conversations in this yearlong series.