El Castillo (Cranston Street Armory)
In 2020, the State of Rhode Island issued an RFP for a developer to restore and activate an architectural and historic landmark in the West End neighborhood of Providence – the Cranston Street Armory. The RFP requested proposals to both consider the building’s impressive architectural and social history, while providing economic and community development within and around the building itself.
Scout was awarded the RFP in July 2021, and awarded a contract to begin a four-month engagement that would explore The goal of this work was to build an accurate project budget, to identify funding sources, to further understand the physical building condition, to engage with the neighborhood community, and explore test fits for prospective tenants.
Scout's concept for the reuse of the Armory was, and continues to be, to transform the historic structure into a place of invitation and generosity for Providence. The proposal includes using the drill hall for active recreation facilities and community events like art installations and markets and the towers as affordable, community workspace. The project is imagined as a phased development that aims to provide an iterative and organic redevelopment, with the goal of community interaction with the building as soon as possible.
In July 2023, Governor of Rhode Island Dan McKee's administration terminated its contract with Scout (more on that here, here, and here)and the project’s future remains unknown. At Scout, we are proud of our work so far and excited to work alongside the community to build a new “Castle for the People” – whatever the future holds.
LOCATION
Providence, Rhode Island
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SIZE
107,225 square feet
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PARTNERS
