The first development project on the vacant I-195 land in Providence is complete. The land has sat empty since it became available for development.
Now on one corner of the land near downtown, sits Johnson and Wales University’s new 71,000 thousand square foot science building. The $40 million, three-story building houses a combination of classroom and laboratory space.
On hand for a ribbon cutting ceremony, Governor Gina Raimondo says she hopes the area will eventually be a hub for science and technology.
“This is exciting; it’s an exciting development, but it’s part of a broader resurgence in Rhode Island’s economy that we’re starting to see,” said Raimondo.
Raimondo says she’s in talks with companies and potential development partners. Earlier this year Baltimore-based life sciences company, Wexford, announced plans for a large laboratory complex on the land, but there’s been little visible development since then.
