Breaking Ground on Center City Apartments Phase One in East Providence
Foster Forward was proud to join our partners, community members, and state and local leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of Center City Apartments Phase One on Taunton Avenue in East Providence.
This milestone marks the beginning of construction on a transformative affordable housing development that will bring new homes, supportive services, and long-term community investment to the city we have called home for decades.
Expanding Affordable Housing in East Providence
Phase One of Center City Apartments will create 95 new affordable apartments as part of a planned 144-unit development. This phase includes the construction of a new four-story building and the renovation of an existing four-story building. When fully complete, Center City Apartments will provide 144 much-needed homes, including apartments specifically set aside for young people transitioning out of foster care.
Forty percent of the apartments will be reserved for low- to moderate-income households, ensuring long-term affordability and access for residents with a range of incomes. Phase One is expected to be completed by January 2027, with the timeline for Phase Two dependent on future funding.
Housing Paired With Supportive Services
Center City Apartments was intentionally designed to be more than housing. The development will include on-site offices for wraparound supportive services provided by Crossroads Rhode Island, Family Service of Rhode Island, and Foster Forward.
Through these partnerships, residents will have access to services that promote stability, health, and long-term success. For young people aging out of foster care, this model helps address the significant barriers they face when navigating housing, employment, mental health, and independence.
Amenities at Center City Apartments will include a lounge and library with free Wi-Fi, a wellness room, two community rooms, outdoor greenspace, and landscaped courtyards. These shared spaces are designed to foster connection, well-being, and a strong sense of community.
Investing in the Neighborhood
In addition to creating affordable housing, Center City Apartments will bring important infrastructure improvements to the surrounding area. These include a new stormwater management system to address flooding, replacement of aging water pipes along Taunton Avenue, new streetlights and trees, and upgrades to the RIPTA bus stop to improve safety and accessibility.
These improvements reflect a commitment to both future residents and the broader East Providence community.
A Longstanding Commitment to East Providence
As Foster Forward celebrates our 30th anniversary, Center City Apartments reflects our long-standing presence and deep roots in East Providence.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Executive Director Lisa Guillette shared how proud we are to be longtime residents of this community and how excited we are for the future residents who will soon call Center City Apartments home.
This project represents the continuation of our commitment to creating stability, opportunity, and belonging for young people and families.
Gratitude for Partners and Champions
Center City Apartments is made possible through strong collaboration and shared vision. We are honored to partner with One Neighborhood Builders, Crossroads Rhode Island, and Family Service of Rhode Island on this transformative project.
We are deeply grateful to the early champions whose leadership helped bring this development to life, including Meyer and Sue Rita Goldstein, the Rhode Island Foundation, the Champlin Foundation, and Jack Reed, whose team, including Erin Arcand, helped secure a two million dollar federal appropriation to advance the project.
We were also honored to be joined by many leaders and partners who share our commitment to affordable housing and community development, including East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Representative Gabe Amo, Rhode Island Senate President Valarie Lawson, Rhode Island House Majority Whip Katherine Kazarian, Housing Secretary Deborah Goddard, James Comer of Rhode Island Housing, David Cicilline of the Rhode Island Foundation, LISC Rhode Island, and Bank of America.
Looking Ahead
Center City Apartments Phase One represents a major step forward in expanding affordable housing paired with supportive services in East Providence. As construction begins, we look forward to welcoming residents into a community designed to support stability, dignity, and opportunity.
