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The 195 District has launched an innovative new loan program designed to help activate vacant ground-floor commercial spaces. The program is targeted at first-generation spaces, because they typically require a higher level of investment than spaces that have previously been used by retail or restaurant tenants. By offering below-market interest rates and flexible terms, the program aims to lower the barriers to entry for the first tenants occupying a commercial space.  

A joint ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 8 to celebrate key milestones for both phases of Pennrose’s development on Parcel 9 in the 195 District. 

Recently Brown University, Wexford Science & Technology, and the 195 District celebrated the new research laboratories at Point225 with a panel discussion, research talks, and laboratory tours, highlighting the cutting- edge research being conducted by Brown faculty and students.

The 195 District celebrated the groundbreaking for the 195 District Park Pavilion to mark the start of construction on the facility that will feature year-round dining, public bathrooms, and support space for park operations. The Pavilion will open in 2025. Learn more about the project here and read the full press release here.

The 195 District has taken a proactive approach to improving the resiliency of developments in the District. As part of the 2023 update to the District’s Development Plan new standards were introduced to protect future development from climate-related flood risks. Developed in partnership with consultants and climate researchers from URI, the standards are based on detailed analysis of tidal, riverine, and storm surge flood risk for the parcels in the District.

This growth is part of Rhode Island’s broader initiative to position the “blue economy” as a key economic driver. By fostering a robust offshore wind industry, the state is not only attracting international companies but also reinforcing its commitment to sustainable economic development. The success of the offshore wind cluster at CIC Providence reflects the state’s strategic focus on leveraging its maritime resources to fuel economic growth. [Wind Turbine Photo; Revolution Wind/Ørsted]

This innovative restaurant is focused on a “pier to table” concept, emphasizing sustainable fishing practices by serving underutilized fish and supporting small, local fishermen. Today Dune Brothers is thriving and expanding into new locations and ventures, including a fish market in Fox Point, an East Providence location, and the new Track 15 food hall. Their success has not gone unnoticed—they were recently named 2024 James Beard Award semifinalists and have garnered significant media attention, including a feature in the Boston Globe.

The District’s journey with this ice cream business began when we discovered them selling their ice cream from a sidewalk cart near 195 District Park. Tizzy K’s is renowned for their unique cereal ice cream, where they infuse popular cereals into their ice cream base, steeping them before straining and churning the mixture into a delicious treat. They responded to an RFP issued by the 195 District in 2021, the 195 District recognized their potential and selected them to move forward with a semi-permanent installation within the park. Their container storefront launched later that year with assistance from the District who provided support every step of the way, including funding electrical upgrades to ensure they had everything they needed to succeed.

Another highlight is Buena Gráfica, a local minority-owned design firm that manages the District and District Park’s branding. The multilingual team aims to develop inclusive strategies that strengthen the community through effective communication design. Their work not only enhances the visual identity of the park but also contributes to the success of the artists and entrepreneurs who showcase their talents here. The 195 District partnered with both Lumuku and Buena Gráfica on the largest public art installation to date in the park – the 1,295-foot custom fence scrim around the park pavilion construction site.