Who says only bad things come in threes?
On June 22, SCLT was honored with a Smart Growth Award for the historic preservation of 404 Broad Street, our new headquarters in South Providence. This was the third recent award given to the building: In May, Union Studio Architecture & Community Design, which envisioned the $5.8 million renovation project, won a Merit Award in the Congress for the New Urbanism 2023 Charter Awards competition. And last November, the Providence Preservation Society singled out the building with its Mission-Driven Preservation Award.
Every year, Grow Smart RI recognizes local leaders and transformative projects at its annual meeting for helping “to shape strong, sustainable, and just communities across Rhode Island through innovative leadership, community, revitalization, conservation, and policy initiatives.” At their annual gathering last month, SCLT was in great company, with Outstanding Smart Growth Leader Awards presented to Carla DeStefano, executive director of SWAP, to Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera, and to the Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative. Other projects besides 404 Broad Street that were recognized were the Pawtucket Central Falls Transit Center, the Studley Commercial to Residential Conversion and the Westminster Street Revitalization, both in Providence
Founded 30 years ago, the Congress for the New Urbanism’s charter “views disinvestment in central cities, the spread of placeless sprawl, increasing separation by race and income, environmental deterioration, loss of agricultural lands and wilderness, and the erosion of society’s built heritage as one, interrelated community-building challenge.” Their prestigious Charter Award was especially meaningful for Union Studio and Case Construction, which managed the project.
“We’re honored to have worked alongside SCLT to get this building ready for its next 100 years of service,” said Union Studio Associate Ben Willis. “It’s a physical reflection of SCLT’s commitment to the neighborhood, and their talent at breathing new life into often overlooked spaces.”
The CNU jury also admired how SCLT is “offering food security for disadvantaged neighborhoods, support for small businesses and entrepreneurs of color, and including community gathering aspects.”
Staff are about to celebrate the one-year anniversary of our move into 404 Broad Street. And, in late August or early September, we will host a block party to mark the opening of the three locally owned food businesses that will be opening their doors to the public. Stay tuned for more info about this event.
Above: Grow Smart RI created this video for its annual event showcasing local leaders and projects that embody community revitalization, sustainability, and conservation best practices. Shown is Mary Worrell, Co-Chair of Southside Community Land Trust’s Grow! Campaign Committee.
Group photo: from left to right, SCLT Executive Director Margaret DeVos is joined by Grow Smart RI staff, SCLT Grants & Communications Manager Jenny Boone, Board Member Roberta Grooch, Board President Rochelle Lee, and SCLT Aggregation Program Associate Amelia Lopez at the Grow Smart RI awards in June, 2023.
