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Good morning, Providence. This is PVD Current, the newsletter that’s like sipping a perfectly-brewed cup of coffee on a cozy morning. ☕️

What to expect in today’s Current:

• Tiny Shelter Village Nears Opening 🏠

• Iconic Bridge Set for Revival ⚙️

• Brown Health Downtown Relocation 🏢

Let’s get to it.

Tide Trivia

Currents & Waves

🏘️ Tiny Shelter Village Soon

Rhode Island’s first pallet shelter community, ECHO Village, is on track to welcome residents by the end of February, with Housing Secretary Deborah Goddard expressing confidence it may open even sooner. Located on Victor Street, this innovative project faced extra time for utility work and safety approvals, but final steps are now underway, including electrification testing and inspections. Officials view ECHO Village as a much-needed resource, offering stable and secure shelter and signaling progress in the state’s efforts to address housing needs.

💼 Brown Health Moves Downtown

Brown University Health (formerly Lifespan) will bring up to 600 workers together in a single office at 15 LaSalle Square in downtown Providence. This building used to be the Hasbro Inc. office. The plan combines employees from several spots, including the Coro Building and other leased spaces in South Providence. City leaders say this will add new energy to LaSalle Square and help keep jobs in Providence. Meanwhile, Hasbro is looking for a new main office after leaving this downtown location.

🏗️ Bridge Makeover Ahead

Mayor Brett Smiley wants to save the historic Crook Point Bridge, built in 1908, from being torn down. The rusted bridge, no longer used since 1976, has become a local symbol. Now, the mayor hopes the city can take control of the bridge to fix it up and explore new ways for people to enjoy it. Many residents, including the Providence Preservation Society, support the plan because of the bridge’s history and its location near popular parks and walking paths. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation says no final agreement is in place yet, but they back the city’s effort to give the bridge new life.

Harbor Homes

Charming East Side Home 🏡

This 2-family property is located in a prime area, just steps from Hope Street, Lippitt Park, and Blackstone Boulevard. Each unit has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a living/dining space with hardwood floors. Private decks, shared yard space, and a 1-car garage add convenience. Recent improvements include updated insulation and a newer furnace and oil tank. The second-floor unit features in-unit laundry, while the first-floor unit uses laundry facilities in the basement. Close to Miriam Hospital, Brown University, and RISD, this home offers easy access to local dining, shopping, and community activities. For images click here.

Seaside Skies

MONDAY

39°🌡 31° | 🌤️ | 💧 4% | 💨 WSW 14 mph

TUESDAY

39°🌡 19° | 🌤️ | 💧 3% | 💨 W 20 mph

(The forecast as of the night before this newsletter was published.)

Sound Waves

MONDAY

The Parlour | Foundation Mondays | 9pm | $5, 21+

TUESDAY

The Parlour | Metal Night | 9pm | $5

Moonshine Alley | Tuesdays with Pat Lowell and Friends | 7pm

That’s all for today…

Thank you for reading all the way through! Feel free to email us with any questions or suggestions. You’ll hear from us again on Wednesday.

Thanks,

Oscar Punchak | Publisher, PVD Current