August 06, 2015

In celebration of the Rhode Island International Film Festival taking place this week, we are highlighting Downcity in downtown Providence, the capital of Rhode Island and location of the film festival. A dense, bustling city, Providence was largely planned prior to the prolific use of the automobile, and thus is highly walkable. Downcity is the historic center of Providence, filled with beautifully-restored commercial buildings and home to hundreds of small businesses, thousands of residents, and a rich concentration of arts and culture. The Providence Arts Festival, featured below, takes place throughout the city during the summer, including the Downcity area.

Downcity refers to the area surrounded by Empire Street, Memorial Boulevard, Sabin Street, and Pine Street. It serves as a connection between many neighborhoods in Providence and, after investments in the early 2000s, has gained prominence as the commercial center of the city.