From the Providence Department of Planning and Development:

Request for Proposals for a Lighting Installation for the Eddy Street Underpass

Project Background and Context

The City of Providence is soliciting creative designs for a lighting installation that would activate and enhance the safety and visual appeal of the Eddy Street underpass. The improvement of this space through unique artistic design would not only make the underpass significantly safer and more inviting for pedestrians, but it would also define a sense of place, effectively connecting the City’s emerging Hospital District with the more established, pedestrian-friendly Jewelry District. Activation of this space provides a significant opportunity to establish a well-designed, identifiable connection between these two vital districts, while promoting a safe, pedestrian-oriented environment. Furthermore, this project allows for an exciting opportunity to utilize the abundant local artistic talent, further enhancing the identity of Providence as “The Creative Capital.”

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The Eddy Street underpass crosses Interstate 95 at an oblique angle, resulting in an area twice as long as it would be if it were to cross perpendicular to the highway. As a result, the underpass is unappealing to pedestrians, both visually and more importantly from a perception of safety. Despite the highway relocation project, I-95 remains one of the primary pedestrian barriers between Downtown Providence and the emerging Hospital District. Addressing and investing in the quality of the streetscape within this underutilized area will enhance the City’s overall pedestrian network.

In December of 2014, The City contracted The Urban Land Institute to assess the Hospital District area including the Eddy Street underpass, and create a Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) Report. The Report noted that “a focus should be made on making infrastructure more pedestrian and bike friendly.” In addition, the report specifically stated that “the city could improve the (Eddy Street) underpass through inexpensive improvements like artistic lighting or murals to make the underpass feel substantially safer and more inviting. This will increase foot traffic to new development on Prairie Street and make the area feel more urban.”

Project Site

The proposed site for the lighting installation is the stretch of Eddy Street that passes underneath Interstate 95 (see attached site plan and photograph).

Design Objectives

The proposed installation will be designed to further improve the experience in the underpass for pedestrians, downtown and Hospital District employees, and visitors. It is intended that the installation will:

Be visually stimulating and functional

Be able to withstand public use and all weather conditions

Enhance sense of safety and visual appeal for pedestrians in the underpass

Responses to the RFP

This RFP is an informal solicitation to gauge interest and gain information. Responses to this RFP should include:

Description of the entity responding

Description of the relevant experience of the entity in designing an installation of this nature

Description of the proposed design concept for the space

Proposed plans for developing and implementing the concept

Proposed project budget

Proposed project schedule

Selection Process

A Selection Committee will review the submissions and select a winning proposal.

Respondents may be contacted by the City as a result of their submissions to meet and discuss the concept proposed.

Schedule

Responses to this Request for Proposals (RFP) must be submitted by July 24th at 3pm EST. Responses shall be electronically submitted via email to mliander@providenceri.com.

Email submittals must have the subject line “Eddy Street underpass Installation RFP.”

Contact Information

In order to ensure an accurate and efficient flow of information, please address all questions and materials to:

Margit Liander

Principal Planner

Department of Planning and Development 444 Westminster Street

Providence, Rhode Island 02903

(401) 680-8522 – mliander@providenceri.com

Thank you in advance for your interest in this very exciting project. We look forward to receiving your design proposals.