Pawtucket Revitalization

Many people have been working hard in 02860 to make Pawtucket a better place for everyone. Some of these fruits are starting to ripen. Below are some of the success stories that we would like to highlight, so that hopefully, we may attract more energetic people to give their vision a go: 

Bayley Lofts & Riverfront Lofts

These two seminal mill developments came along before the explosion of mill space and "loft living". In fact, they were some of the first residential developments in Pawtucket's abandoned textile and jewelry mills. Now, both of these mills are full of enthusiastic owners who are invested in the city and state's well-being. 

Hope Artiste Village

Another large mill redevelopment, this 13-acre site was home to one of the longest running braiding and webbing facilities in New England, and certainly the largest. Since 2004 this mill has been slowly undergoing a conversion from industrial space to smaller light industrial, office, studio, retail and residential space. A very popular Indoor Farmer's Market takes place here every Winter, and some of the better known tenants at Hope include Seven Stars Baking Facility, Ocean State Coffee Roasters, Tina's Caribbean, and Rosinha's Restaurant to name a few. 

The Grant

Along Downtucket's Main Street is the former WT Grant department store. This arcade-style retail building is a throw-back to Main Street's pre-suburban mall retail glory in the 50s and 60s. The block was home to a Kresge's, Woolworth's, Peerless and Schartenberg's department stores as well. In 2006 two business partners purchased and renovated the building for office and retail space, and now host a mix of tenants, including a Chess Club, BMX store, Kafe Lila, Flying Shuttles weaving studio, and other design-related businesses. 

Slater Cotton Mill

Slater Cotton was redeveloped and opened in late 2008. This mill was built in 1881 and used by William P. Sayles for the processing and manufacturing of cotton goods. Now it is home to 124 loft-style apartments and presumably, over 200 new residents.  Successfully developed by an out-of-state company, this project also represents some of the development that was able to happen in the City despite the slowdown of the real estate market in early 2008. 

The (New) Cup n' Saucer

The former Cup n' Saucer restaurant was vacant for about three years before the new owners took it over, redecorated, renovated and brought up to code the entire kitchen, and reopened as Plouffe's Cup n' Saucer in late 2009. A much needed and affordable downtown diner is once again on our Main Street. 

Renaissance Creative Imaging

An example of a successful business that needed to grow and was attracted to the price of real estate in Pawtucket, Renaissance moved to the City in 2009. RCI is a commercial photographic and digital imaging company serving artists, business, industry, government, and anyone who requires specialized imaging services not available through consumer labs. They provide a wide range of traditional photographic and high resolution digital processing services, many of which can't be found elsewhere. 

Artee Fabrics and Home

Late in 2009 an ambitious and whip-smart business woman and textile designer purchased the Toole building at 228 Main Street. The ground floor is now open to the public as a textile showroom, and the owner plans to offer interior design services as well as unique and custom fabrics that can not be found anywhere else. She cited the proximity to RISD as well as to Slater Mill – the birthplace of the industrial  revolution – as reasons why she wanted to locate in Pawtucket. 

Tierra Restaurant

Recently opened in the spring of 2010, the former Tabu Lounge has been given a new life as an exciting and all new mediterranean-style restaurant.