East Providence initiates bid requests to renovate Odd Fellows meeting house

Council approves RFP seeking developers of historic structure

EastBayRI.com ·

EAST PROVIDENCE — The redevelopment of Watchemoket Square on Warren Avenue continued to gain momentum in recent days as the city council backed a recommendation made by acting city manager Tim Chapman and planning director Jeanne Boyle to issue a formal Request For Proposal (RFP) to renovate the Odd Fellows meeting house.

A number of developers have expressed interest in the structure, which has status with the East Providence and Rhode Island Historical Societies.

In explaining his position on the matter, Mr. Chapman told the council some three or four parties have already inquired about the property.

He added, "I think it's great developers have come forward. Right now is an opportune time to put out an RFP."

Saying interest in the building is "strong," Ms. Boyle told the council the cost of renovating the building likely exceeds $1 million.

She continued, a plausible scenario for the structure would be to make the first floor commercially viable, proposing something in the order of a coffee shop as an example, while converting the upper floor, the one-time Odd Fellows meeting room with its ornate details, into business office space.

"We're hoping to get a sense from the developers themselves about the best use for the property," Ms. Boyle said.

The planning director said it was likely any group intending to renovate the building would seek some sort of financial assistance from government agencies. Ms. Boyle said she has already been in touch with the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation in anticipation of the RFP. She also said money from federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) could be made available to developers as could the city's tax incremental financing program. Ms. Boyle noted as well any renovations must adhere to guidelines for national historic structures.

The RFP comes on the heels of other recent actions taken with the intent of turning Watchemoket Square into the official "arts district" of the city, including the approval for the construction of a seasonal amphitheater at Bold Point Park and the creation of a sculpture park by the East Providence Arts Council.