Located on Broad Street, next to the historic Roger Williams Park, the Roger Williams Gateway Center is poised to increase community access to the park; inviting visitors to celebrate this incredible public asset. Following various transit, bike, and pedestrian routes, there are many cultural, educational, and retail destinations, activities, and institutions leading from downtown Providence into Roger Williams Park. Creating a visitor center as a destination encourages new potential for patronage of these numerous businesses. Additionally, it will introduce amenities and services to invigorate, encourage, and expand the rich cultural identities found along Broad Street and its surrounding neighborhoods.
The design of the center seamlessly integrates with the street, eliminating the boundary between the park and Broad Street, making it an inclusive destination for visitors and residents. As a Net Zero Energy project, the center will produce its own energy through on-site photovoltaic panels and will be economically sustainable in the long run. Additionally, the water retention and educational opportunities provided by the gateway and visitor center are fundamental drivers and organizational tools employed throughout the site’s design. This project is removing blacktop from the city and returning it to the public as an amenity.
