Providence Flea wants a permanent space. It will have to compete to get it
PROVIDENCE – Imagine this: Walking through an open-air pavilion on the Providence River with offerings from hundreds of local merchants.
Some weeks, it's a chic flea market. Other weeks, it's the site of music and film festivals, weddings, art installations and more.
That's the hope of The Providence Flea, the popular year-round market owned by Maria Tocco. But for it to become a reality, Tocco's plan will have to beat three other development proposals the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission is considering for what's been dubbed Parcel 1A. In non-developer-speak, that translates to a piece of land right on the river, alongside South Water Street. It's where the Flea sets up when it's nice out.
The commission heard the various proposals on Nov. 15 at its monthly meeting, and no votes were taken. Tocco marketed the POM – or "Providence Open Market" – as a proven idea. The Flea already hosts 350 vendors each season and now wants to secure its spot permanently, as the land is owned by the state commission.
The Flea explained its reasoning in a recent Facebook post:
"Recently, they have invited developers to submit proposals to develop this parcel," the post read, referring to the commission. "After watching unsuccessful bids over the years which could have displaced us, not knowing if we would be able to continue year after year, this go ‘round we have decided to put in our own proposal."
Who else wants the land, and what would they do with it?
A proposal from Riverwalk JV shows images of a three-story mixed-use building with a ground-floor bistro and retail space and housing above.
The sleek structure features glass walls, perforated metal siding and a green roof where vegetation would grow.
A Riverwalk JV presentation states the project would support women and minorities with construction jobs and investments, and the restaurant would create 60 new jobs.
Another presentation from Riverside Partners offers a vastly different option; a six-story development with 10 family-sized condos and three commercial units. That includes 2,410 square feet for retail and 800 square feet for CIC Providence, the co-working space downtown.
Renderings show an outdoor bar and luxurious living spaces.
Providence Architecture & Building Co., in its presentation, proposed a "boutique riverfront destination." Drawings show a Dune Brothers Seafood location, an ice cream shop and two high-end condos. The site would also hold offices for the architectural firm.
Now that proposals are in, what's next?
The commission's November meeting was intended only to take proposals under advisement. Chairman Marc Crisafulli said the group is "focused on economic development," "placemaking" and finding an economically viable option.
Crisafulli indicated that Providence Flea is expected to remain in the city even if it does not win the space.
"We think Providence Flea is outstanding and a great contribution to the city, and regardless of what decisions are made here, we don't see that changing," he said. "There is park land available across the river for it to do exactly what it does today to support all those local businesses."
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Providence Flea Market envisions permanent location on I-195 parcel
