Land Revitalization Success Stories | tPA #560-F22-284 December 2022 Planning for Sustainable Brownfield Redevelopment PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND - FORMER ATLANTIC MILLS SITE REUSE PLAN PROJECT DESCRIPTION • Community: Providence, Rl • EPA Regional Lead: Jessica Dominguez, dominguez.iessica@epa.gov • Site and Use: Feasibility of reuse and renovation of the former Atlantic Mills brownfield site • Technical Assistance: Site Reuse Plan and Financial Performa Model PROJECT BACKGROUND The historic Atlantic Mills site is a former 1800s-era textile mill complex that sits adjacent to the Woonasquatucket River in the Olneyville neighborhood, The building includes approximately 348,000 square feet on 4.75 acres, The site includes a four-story brick structure that includes two unique, domed front entryways and stairwells. The building is privately owned and operated as a commercial/industrial building with over 50 commercial tenants operating under month-to-month leases, PROJECT CHALLENGES The city's goal is to attract public and private investment that will support site cleanup, building renovation and reuse. However, the site is at risk for record flooding and frequent occurrence of nuisance flooding due changing climate conditions and site proximity to the Woonasquatucket River, which served as the original power source for mill operations. Currently, there are no system-wide flood control measures planned for the Woonasquatucket River Watershed system. Additionally, the city needs clarity as to whether the site could be eligible for state or federal historic tax credits due to the age and history of the building, EPA'S TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE EPA's Land Revitalization team supported the City by: • Creating analysis diagrams and base maps of the site and existing conditions to ensure proper planning for existing buildings and infrastructure. NEXT STEPS FOR CONSIDERATION • Engage city leaders, the community, the local watershed association, and other stakeholders in site reuse and renovation decisions. • Further characterize on-site contamination concerns and seek liability protections before taking ownership or control of the property. • Determine a strategy to support redevelopment of the property that is financially sustainable and maximizes options for continued use by existing tenants. • Design on-site stormwater and flood mitigation as part of parking lot rebuild. Figure 2: Atlantic Mills Sits Coordinating a site visit with local city officials and key stakeholders to help them develop site reuse goals and objectives. Preparing an Excel-based financial pro forma model to assist the City as they analyze the redevelopment costs and financial feasibility associated with site reuse. The financial model is flexibly designed to remain relevant even as conditions change or development scenarios advance. ------- |