PROVIDENCE — Former Providence mayor and real estate developer Joseph R. Paolino Jr. has a vision for the city’s downtown — one with a lot more trees.
Paolino, managing partner at Paolino Properties, is looking to rally support for his “beautification and greenery plan,” which aims to give a few key corridors in the heart of the city a makeover, with new sidewalks, lighting, and new plants and trees.
The upgrades would follow in the footsteps of streetscapes Paolino took in while visiting Chicago for last year’s Democratic National Convention.
“I was absolutely blown away by Chicago’s downtown atmosphere,” Paolino said in a statement.
“As a property owner in Providence, former mayor, and former Director of RI Economic Development, I immediately recognized how transformative a similar approach to urban beautification could be for our city,” Paolino continued. “It isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about creating an environment that attracts businesses, residents, and visitors to our downtown core.”
Paolino independently commissioned the plan developed by Providence-based Traverse Landscape Architects, and has since presented the proposal – complete with renderings – to Mayor Brett Smiley, “who expressed enthusiasm about its potential impact on the city,” according to a press release from Paolino Properties.
In a statement, David Salvatore, executive director of the Providence Foundation, called the plan “a compelling vision for making downtown Providence better.”
“This is an exciting starting point, and while there are many stakeholders involved, The Providence Foundation is excited to play a key role in helping bring this vision to life,” Salvatore said.
According to the plans, transformations would target Friendship Street, Dorrance Street, Pine Street, Fulton Street, Washington Street, and the area outside the Garrahy Judicial Complex.
The plan, however, does not include a cost estimate. In the press release, Paolino Properties said that building financial support and partnerships is the project’s “critical next phase.”
“A picture is worth a thousand words, and throughout my career, I’ve learned that showing people a concrete vision is often the first step,” Paolino said. “This plan gives all stakeholders something tangible to react to and refine together.”
Christopher Gavin can be reached at christopher.gavin@globe.com.