Encourages Local Shopping, Offers Free 2-hour Holiday Parking for Shoppers
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
PROVIDENCE, RI— Mayor Jorge Elorza today joined Riffraff owners Thomas Roberge & Emma Ramadan, Troop co-owner and Revival Brewery owner Sean Larkin, Development Director of Armory Revival Seth Zeren, the City’s Director of Art, Culture + Tourism Stephanie Fortunato, Director of Business Development Michael Solomon and local business owners and community members to relaunch #ThinkPVD, announcing free holiday parking ahead of Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 24. #ThinkPVD is a campaign that encourages residents and visitors to support local small businesses during the busy holiday season and highlights the diverse and creative businesses found throughout Providence.
“We all know that cities thrive on successful small businesses,” said Mayor Jorge Elorza. “As families prepare for their holiday shopping, we urge them to #ThinkPVD, where there is something for everyone across our 25 neighborhoods. Supporting these businesses is a direct investment into our local community and economy.”
The announcement was made outside of Riffraff in the Olneyville neighborhood, one of the city’s rapidly growing districts full of creative talent, emerging design and innovative businesses. Riffraff is a popular spot among neighborhood residents, offering its patrons coffee, signature cocktails, and a thoughtfully curated book collection. Opened in 2016, Riffraff is one of many new establishments to join the bustling business ecosystem developing in the area.
“We are very thankful for the business community that we have become a part of here in Olneyville,” said Riffraff owner Thomas Roberge. “It’s something I see and feel every day- businesses supporting each other with the firm belief that we are stronger together.”
#ThinkPVD is part of an annual effort to draw residents and visitors into the various neighborhoods that make Providence unique and to explore local restaurants and stores. As the city continues to make strategic investments in innovative urban planning, neighborhoods across the city have seen the benefits of a growing economy that offers residents spaces to live, work, and play within walking distance. Troop, a street-casual restaurant located within the same complex as Riffraff, was recently recognized by Architectural Digest in their article “The Most Beautifully Designed Bar in Each State in America.” Local art gallery Yellow Peril, Sprout Coworking, clothing store Hungry Ghost Press, and newly-renovated apartment complex Rising Sun Mills are some of the other businesses nestled along Valley Street that has made it an ideal place to explore.
“When the opportunity came about for that location, we knew it was the right time to add our ideas to the fabric of the neighborhood,” said Sean Larkin, owner of Troop and Revival Brewery. “We opened Troop with the intention of having it be a place that was diverse and where all walks of life would feel welcome. I’m proud to say that I feel we have accomplished that.”
“There are so many great stores, restaurants, and other businesses opening up throughout Providence, it’s an exciting time to live, work, and shop in the City,” said Seth Zeren, Development Director for Armory Revival and managing company for the Rising Sun Mills. “From bakeries like Seven Stars, Sin, and Knead Donuts to gifts from Riffraff in the River District, White Buffalo gifts on Broadway, and many more vintage clothing, antiques, and gift shops throughout the city—more and more businesses are developing in our neighborhoods. By shopping in your neighborhood, you help support the continued revitalization of our community and important city services.”
Director of Art, Culture + Tourism Stephanie Fortunato shared details on annual events, PVD Winter Lights Market and Tree Lighting, happening downtown this holiday season. Featuring vendors, live music, and so much more, these events offer fun activities for the entire family. Tree lighting ceremonies with additional entrainment will be held this year on Friday, November 30th on the steps of Providence City Hall and Saturday, December 1st at the ALEX AND ANI CITY CENTER Skating Rink in Kennedy Plaza.
As part of the #ThinkPVD campaign, Mayor Elorza announced today that there will be two hours of free parking in designated commercial districts throughout Providence. Shoppers will be offered two-hours free parking every day from 10:00am until 9:00pm beginning Friday, November 23, 2018, through Tuesday, January 1, 2019, in the following commercial districts:
- Atwells Avenue – Bradford Street to Knight Street
- Spruce Street – Dean Street to Acorn Street
- Dean Street – Atwells Avenue to West Exchange Street
- Acorn Street – Spruce Street to Atwells Avenue
- Bradford Street – Atwells Avenue to Jones Street
- Bond Street – Atwells Avenue to Spruce Street
- Broad Street – Public Street to Montgomery Street
- Downtown Providence – bounded by Fountain Street, Memorial Boulevard, Weybosset Street, Empire Street and Friendship Street (from Dyer Street to Dorrance Street)
- Hope Street – Rochambeau Avenue to Blackstone Boulevard
- North Main Street – Thomas Street to Park Row
- Olneyville Square – Route 10 to Sydney Street and Delaine Street to Atwood Street to Magnolia Street
- South Main Street – James Street to Packet Street
- Point Street – From Eddy to East Franklin Street
- Thayer Street – Bowen Street to Waterman Street
- Wayland Square – East Angell Street/Angell Street to Gano Street and Wayland Avenue from Angell Street to Pitman Street
- Wickenden/Ives – Wickenden Street at Benefit Street to Ives Street at Preston Street
The holiday parking program is designed to encourage residents and visitors to patronize Providence-based business free of charge for two hours. The two-hour parking limit will be strictly enforced by parking enforcement officers. Cars parked illegally in prohibited areas, including crosswalks and tow zones, will be ticketed during this period, as always.
IDPVD cardholders will also enjoy additional discounts at participating businesses across the city.
Business owners, shoppers and diners are encouraged to share their experiences, favorite establishments and suggestions this season using the hashtag #ThinkPVD on social media. Local businesses are encouraged to join the conversation to share holiday shopping information.