Downtown District Development Plan Review

The Downtown Design Review Committee (DDRC) is established as a development plan review body to conduct development plan review in the D-1 Zone.

The purpose of the D-1 Zone is to encourage and direct development in the downtown to ensure that: new development is compatible with the existing historic building fabric and the historic character of downtown; historic structures are preserved and design alterations of existing buildings are in keeping with historic character; development encourages day and night time activities that relate to the pedestrian and promote the arts, entertainment, and housing; greenways and open spaces are incorporated into the downtown, and the goals of the Comprehensive Plan are achieved.

Membership

The Downtown Design Review Committee is comprised of seven members. Current membership:

General Members (Appointed by Mayor)
Chris Marsella, Chair
Bryan Michie
Gary Garabedian
Brigida Capicotto

Historic District Commission Chair or HDC Member
Rachael Dotson

First Alternate (Appointed by Mayor)
Rachel Hampton

Second Alternate (Appointed by Mayor)
Alan Chille

Meetings, Agendas and Documents

The DDRC meets on the second Monday of every month (unless otherwise indicated) at 4:45 pm at the Joseph A. Doorley, Jr. Municipal Building, 444 Westminster Street, 1st-floor conference room.

Click here for the 2025 meeting schedule

Click here for agendas & minutes of the Downtown Design Review Committee

Examine documents and materials from previous meetings in the DDRC Archive

Next Meeting

The Downtown Design Review Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, January 13, 2025 at 4:45 pm has been cancelled. The nest meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 10,2025 at 4:45 pm.

 

 

 

Administrative Review

The administrative officers in the Department of Planning and Development review certain projects administratively. These include minor subdivisions, minor land development projects, and downtown development plan review outside of the “Downcity District,” specifically major alterations and new construction. Click here to view projects submitted for administrative review.

Applications, Process, and Regulations

Applicants contact staff to discuss the project, determine how it will be reviewed, obtain application materials and arrange a site visit. Specifications or a site visit may be required to determine whether a project may be exempt from review. Confirmation of an exemption may be issued in writing.

Contact Information

Christopher Ise, Principal Planner
401.680.8521
cise@providenceri.gov

Downtown Design Review Committee
Joesph A. Doorley, Jr. Municipal Building
Department of Planning & Development
444 Westminster Street, Suite 3A
Providence, RI 02903-3215
Phone: 401.680.8400
Fax 401.680.8492

Office Hours
January-June and September-December
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

July-August
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday