Providence Celebrates the Grand Opening of SouthSide Gateways

The development of 35 affordable apartments and 10 commercial condos brings new energy and excitement to Broad Street in Providence's SouthSide.

Doug Spikes, Head Chef of the Friendship Cafe, Mayor David Cicilline and Eileen Hayes, Executive Director of Amos House at the SouthSide Gateways grand openning.

Providence, RI (9/10/08) - Residents, city officals and community leaders gathered at 500 Broad Street today to celebrate the grand opening of SWAP's (Stop Wasting Abandoned Property) SouthSide Gateway development. This landmark transformation of the former Tire King site brings 35 affordable rental apartments and 10 retail spaces for local businesses to Providence's Southside.

Rhode Island LISC supported the development with a $1,000,000 low-interest loan, a $75,000 recoverable grant and an equity investment of $8.2 million in Low-Income Tax Credits through our affiliate, the National Equity Fund.

The street-level commercial condominiums provide office and retail spaces along the ground floor of the building, while the floors above provide affordable apartments for working individuals and families. The building and grounds are barrier free for handicap accessibility and takes advantage of public transportation on Broad Street and nearby bike paths.

After a speaking ceremony, the crowd of over 100 gathered for the ceremonial unveiling of the sign for the Friendship Cafe. This cafe/restaurant will be operated by Amos House to provide jobs and vocational training to formerly homeless individuals.

(LEFT) The view along SouthSide Gateways Broad Street facade. (RIGHT) Attendees enjoy a delicious bag lunch provided by Amos House in the outdoor seating area of the Friendship Cafe (scheduled to open by January 2009).