Rumford Center named project of the year

By PBN Staff
Twitter: @ProvBusNews

EAST PROVIDENCE – The Northeastern Economic Developers Association has named the Rumford Center as its 2012 Project of the Year.

The association’s Project of the Year Award recognizes a major economic development project in the Northeast that’s based on job creation; other economic impacts; capital investments; leveraging of development resources; use of public, private or intergovernmental partnerships; benefits to the surrounding community and environment; innovation; design excellence and transportation considerations.

The Rumford Center was originally constructed in 1856 for the Rumford Chemical Works Co. In 2006, the development team of Peregrine Group and Kirkbrae Properties formed a partnership as PK Rumford LLC with a plan to convert the then-derelict property into a 8.5-acre, nine-building mill complex.

“The Rumford Center project has had an indelible positive impact on the community and has already become an important focal point for historic preservation and urban/suburban revitalization in East Providence,” James Moran, principal and economic planner for East Providence, said in a statement. “The City of East Providence is delighted that NEDA has selected Rumford Center as its premiere development project for 2012.”

The Rumford Center currently houses 112 apartment units, 60,000 square feet office space and numerous retail tenants as well as a restaurant. More than 120 people work at the center.

According to a release announcing the distinction, the Rumford Center was also the recipient of the R.I. Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission and Preserve Rhode Island with a State Preservation Project Award in 2009.