Westminster Street Revitalization
Outstanding Smart Growth Award, 2023
(link to video)
Completed by Cornish Associates and its founder and managing partner Arnold “Buff” Chace in July 2021, the innovative and adaptive re-use of the Lapham, Wit and Trayne Buildings are the latest in a series of real estate investments that began in 1991. Now comprising twelve separate projects, the critical mass redevelopment package represents more than 300 new residential apartments, 40,000 square feet of retail space and 27,000 square feet of office space that have systematically catalyzed the revitalization of Westminster Street in the central core of Downtown Providence. Committed to the principles of New Urbanism, and Smart Growth, Cornish preserved the architectural integrity of the underutilized or vacant buildings while attracting new uses and delivering on the company’s overarching mission of creating diverse, walkable and sustainable places.
Southside Community Land Trust Headquarters
Outstanding Smart Growth Award, 2023
(link to video)
The Southside Community Land Trust’s new headquarters building at 404 Broad Street in Providence has had a profoundly positive community impact since its opening in June 2022. The 40-year old organization, dedicated to promoting urban agriculture and food justice, has created a hub for community engagement, education, and empowerment. The award-winning historic preservation project now serves as a vibrant center for numerous programs and initiatives that benefit the local community. It hosts workshops and training sessions on organic gardening, sustainable farming practices, and healthy cooking, fostering knowledge and skills among residents. Beyond its physical impact, the headquarters building has catalyzed a sense of unity and collective action within the community, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing food insecurity and promoting social equity.