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Good morning, Providence. This is PVD Current, the newsletter as satisfying as hearing your favorite song just as you turn on the radio.

What to expect in today’s Current:

• 🏗️ Quick update on the Washington Bridge demolition

• 🚀 New grants for minority & woman-owned RI businesses

• 🧶 Learn about Knit Club in Fox Point 

Let’s get to it.

— Oscar Punchak

Currents & Waves

🧶 Lindsay Degen Launches Knit Club in Providence 

Lindsay Degen, a celebrated designer with a global reputation, has opened Knit Club on Brook Street in Providence. Renowned for her knit-wear brand and collaborations with major names, Degen has a substantial following, with 36,000 Instagram followers and a spot on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list.

With a successful career that includes a decade at New York Fashion Week, Degen is excited to establish a local knitting shop that fosters community connections. During the pandemic, she created an online knitting club to support isolated knitters and has since returned to Providence, aiming to build a thriving space for knitting enthusiasts. With plans for regular knitting nights and hiring additional staff, Degen is eager to blend her passion for knitting with a focus on local engagement.

🏗️ Washington Bridge Demolition Underway 

Demolition of the condemned westbound span of the Washington Bridge has begun, starting with removing the asphalt surface. By the end of January, the bridge is expected to be fully dismantled, leaving only the vertical piers. Aetna Bridge Company is overseeing the $45.8 million project, which could increase to $48.8 million if completed on schedule.

The bridge is being taken apart piece by piece to minimize debris entering the Seekonk River and to protect the eastbound span. Temporary traffic disruptions may occur on Waterfront Drive and Gano Street. The project aims for substantial completion by January 29, 2025.

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Harbor Highlights

📸 A panorama of Providence in 1903. Click here to view the full image.

Coastline Commerce

🚀 $2M in Grants Available for Minority & Woman-Owned RI Businesses

The RI Minority Business Accelerator Direct Grant Program offers up to $2 million in grants to support the growth of minority and woman-owned businesses in Rhode Island. The application portal opens on September 4, 2024. Eligible businesses must be minority or woman-owned, have completed 15 hours of technical assistance, be established in Rhode Island, and meet specific financial criteria. The grant amounts vary by business size, with $5,000 for start-ups, $10,000 for businesses with 1-10 employees, and $20,000 for those with 10+ employees. Applicants must submit a SCORE Business Assessment, a budget, and proof of technical assistance completion. You can read more about the grant and how to apply here.

Seaside Skies

WEDNESDAY

78°🌡 54° | ☀️ | 💧 4% | 💨 SE 8 mph

THURSDAY

78°🌡 57° | ☀️ | 💧 7% | 💨 ESE 9 mph

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

Sound Waves

WEDNESDAY

Nick-a-Nee’s | Bluegrass Throedown | 8:30pm

THURSDAY

Bar’Lino Pizzeria | Live Music Thursdays | 7:30pm

Moonshine Alley | Kevin Herchen | 8pm

The Parlour | SOUR PUNCH/ MAN MADE HILLS/ THREE LEGGED DOG | 9pm

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 Friday.

Thanks,

Oscar Punchak | Publisher, PVD Current