2024-25 Local Design Challenge
Moshassuck Court

Exciting New Project for ACE Mentor Program Students: Transforming Moshassuck Court

This year, the ACE Mentor Program in Rhode Island presents an exhilarating challenge for our aspiring architects, engineers, and builders. Students will embark on a journey to reimagine and develop the Moshassuck Court and Joslin Court areas within the Capital Center. This project not only offers a significant learning opportunity but also promises to ignite creativity and collaboration among our young talents, guided by their dedicated mentors.

The Site: A Canvas of Possibilities

The Moshassuck Court site is strategically located between Kennedy Plaza and the train station, a prime spot in the heart of Providence. Currently utilized as surface parking, this area boasts a substantial 127,438 square feet – a remarkable size for urban development in Providence. Its central location provides excellent access and the potential to become a new local attraction or a project of architectural significance.

However, this site also comes with its unique set of challenges. It is one of the most flood-prone areas in Providence due to its position between the Woonasquatucket and Moshassuck Rivers. Additionally, Joslin Street cuts through the middle of the site, presenting a significant planning constraint that the students will need to navigate.

The Challenge: Designing for Impact and Innovation

The task for this year’s participants is to develop a design that not only adheres to but also creatively interprets the Capital Center’s stringent zoning regulations. These regulations demand “solidity without massiveness and monumentality with height.” Transparency and pedestrian-friendly features are paramount, especially along the river walks, which must be fully transparent and devoted to retail and other engaging uses.

Students will be encouraged to think big and bold, envisioning a development that stands as a landmark in the city’s architectural landscape. The challenge includes designing a river walk along the Moshassuck River, an area that remains undeveloped and offers a fantastic opportunity for environmental education activities.

Mentorship and Learning: Bridging Theory and Practice

Under the guidance of experienced mentors, students will work as if they are professional teams of architects, engineers, and builders. They will gain invaluable insights into the careers and industry vocabulary of the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industry, as well as the roles different companies play. Mentors will assist students in understanding the site’s constraints and benefits, zoning requirements, and the importance of integrating functionality with aesthetic appeal.

Inspiring the Future: An Invitation to Innovate

This year’s project promises to be a transformative experience for our students. They will have the chance to contribute to a real-world development scenario, providing innovative solutions to complex urban planning challenges. The focus on pedestrian-oriented uses along Exchange Street and the river walks, along with the requirement for transparency and integration of public spaces, will push students to think creatively about how to design spaces that are both functional and visually striking.

Participants will be tasked with creating a development that enhances the Kennedy Plaza-to-train station corridor, providing a visual edge and ensuring that the design fits seamlessly into the urban fabric of Providence. The integration of commercial, residential, and public spaces will be a key aspect of the project, encouraging students to think holistically about urban development.

Huge thank you to the City of Providence Department of Planning and Development team for helping us create the program for this year.