The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) recently published a “Request for Expressions of Interest” online regarding the proposed Dorrance Street Transit Center in Downtown Providence.
The request seeks the expertise of private developers nationwide.
Developers are invited to submit concepts for developing the new transit center under a joint development or public-private partnership arrangement.
RIPTA also seeks industry perspectives and feedback that will be used to help plan and execute the project.
The deadline for submissions is June 20.
The Dorrance Street Transit Center will replace Kennedy Plaza as RIPTA’s central bus depot. Kennedy Plaza is spread across an urban park. The new transit center will be located in a single location and will contain RIPTA administrative offices, an enclosed intermodal transit center, multimodal accommodations for bicyclists, passenger arrival and seating area with amenities, and an adjacent mixed-use transit-oriented development.
The development will include first-floor retail and residential space on the upper floors.
The transit center is expected to serve 3 million transit users annually, with more in the future.
RIPTA is also considering adding a public meeting space with an open-air terrace and other amenities to serve the community.
The project could be completed on a phased basis.