Shawmut Joins Civic Leaders for Ribbon Cutting at Rhode Island’s New 195 District Park Pavilion

Shawmut joined civic leaders and projects partners to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new 195 District Park Pavilion, a 3,500-square foot building that will enhance one of Rhode Island’s most vibrant public spaces as a hub for community, culture and economic activity.

Located at the heart of 195 District Park, the new pavilion creates a welcoming, year-round gathering space for residents, visitors, and workers in the growing innovation district. The project included infrastructure upgrades to the park, including WiFi service, grading and draining improvement as well as electrical upgrades.

“We are proud to deliver the 195 District Park Pavilion with our project partners and the skilled trade professionals who helped bring it to life,” said Chris Maury, Head of Rhode Island Operations and Head of Preconstruction, New England Region at Shawmut. “As a firm with deep roots in the state, projects like this reflect what we care about most: building places that matter to the communities we’re part of. This pavilion is the latest in a series of projects we’ve delivered in the I-195 Redevelopment District, including Point 225, Aloft Providence Downtown, and Emblem 125, which reflect the forward-looking projects taking shape in this part of the city.”

The pavilion is designed for all vantage points around the park, with six sides that frame waterfront views and a canopy that provides shaded seating areas in all directions. The new pavilion’s cedar shiplap rainscreen references the coastal Rhode Island vernacular and visually connects to the wood of the adjacent pedestrian bridge. Operable storefront doors in the pavilion’s main dining area provide panoramic views of the Providence River and can open for indoor-outdoor dining service as weather allows. 

Since its creation, the 195 District has transformed former highway land into a thriving mixed-use neighborhood that has attracted more than $800 million in private investment and is delivering new housing, commercial space, and public amenities.

Key project partners include Collier’s Project Leaders as owner’s project manager; Architecture Research Office (ARO) for architecture and engineering services; Agency Landscape + Planning as landscape architect; Agora Partners as restaurant consultant; Fuss & O’Neill for civil and environmental engineering; and The Guild and Seven Stars Bakery as food and beverage operators.

Mayor Brett Smiley, Governor Dan McKee, and Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi, and Chairman Louis P. DiPalma joined community leaders and project partners to mark the occasion, highlighting the importance of continued investment in public spaces that strengthen neighborhoods and support economic growth.

“The greenspace at the 195 District Park has become a central hub in the heart of Providence for community gatherings and I’m thrilled to be cutting the ribbon on the next evolution of this space,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “Inspired by exciting and successful projects in cities across the nation, this summer the pavilion will serve as an economic engine for Providence and a year-round gathering space for neighbors and visitors alike.”

“Today’s ribbon cutting of the new 195 District Park pavilion reflects our commitment to creating spaces where communities across Rhode Island can come together,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Opening just in time for the summer, the new pavilion will serve a source of pride for Providence where small businesses can grow and thrive.”

The pavilion builds on the success of 195 District Park, which has become a destination for events, performances, and community programming, including the Providence Flea and a wide range of seasonal activities. The addition of permanent food and beverage options will enhance the park experience and support increased foot traffic throughout the year.

“195 District Park has become one of Providence’s great public spaces, and this pavilion is a natural next step in its evolution,” said Marc Crisafulli, Chair of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission. “By adding year-round amenities and supporting local businesses, we are continuing to create a place where people want to gather, connect, and spend time—right in the center of our innovation district.”