Reconstructing Providence: Adaptive Reuse, Urban Revitalization, & Neighborhood Change

Summary:

Artists vs. developers vs. the city. The adaptive reuse of historic mill buildings in Providence, and all the controversy that's come with it.

Website:

http://www.artinruins.com

Additional Credits and Funding:

Edited by Paul McCarthy & Jim Moses. Original score by Alec K. Redfearn. Margie Wienk on cello, Olivia Geiger on violin. Music recorded & mixed by Frank Difficult. Vocal tracks recorded by Chris Warren at AS220. Funding from the C.V. Starr Foundation, Preserve Rhode Island & Citizen's Bank. Advice & support from Kath Connolly, Megan Hall, Beth Taylor, & Roger Mayer.

Tones:

Contemplative, Provocative, Suspenseful

Language:

English

Description:

There are over two hundred and fifty old mill buildings in Providence, left over from the city's days as an industrial powerhouse.

In recent years, renovation and adaptive reuse of the mills has sparked intense debate, revolving around the city's efforts to revitalize the neighborhoods, and the need for artists' space in a city and region that promotes the arts. It is also a battle over gentrification, about who controls change in a city that's changing fast.

In the next few years, some of the mills will be converted into retail and condominiums, some will be demolished to make way for new construction, some will be reused by artists, non-profits, and small businesses, and some will burn down.

Reconstructing Providence is a documentary about the adaptive reuse of the city's mill buildings...and all the controversy that's come with it.

Originally performed before a live audience at AS220, Providence, RI, May 10,2004. Originally broadcast on WRNI's Focus Rhode Island, August 20, 2004.

New to PRX?

Learn More | Sign Up