Providence, a city of approximately 178,432 persons, has slowly transformed itself from an industrial city, to one known as “a governmental, health services, educational, and financial center". Providence, Rhode Island, is located within one of the richest regions of the United States. It is also located within one of the most densely populated areas of the United States.
With its ties to the Boston Metropolitan area, Providence has recently attempted to re-brand itself as the “creative capital”. Not only the creative capital, Providence is also the government capital of Rhode Island. In 1980, the census estimated the population to be 156,804, making Providence one of only a few cities to increase in population size without annexation.
With its ties to the Boston Metropolitan area, Providence has recently attempted to re-brand itself as the “creative capital”. Not only the creative capital, Providence is also the government capital of Rhode Island. In 1980, the census estimated the population to be 156,804, making Providence one of only a few cities to increase in population size without annexation.
Much of the refocusing caused by shrinking industry was attempted in the late 70s and early 80s through urban revitalization efforts. During this time, the city of Providence spent $606 million on Community Development project.
One of the major landmark events that shaped the city of Providence was the day-lighting and relocation of two rivers which ran through the city. “For decades, the world's widest bridge had obscured the Moshassuck and Woonasquatucket Rivers, two narrow, but significant waterways which snake through the city of Providence and converge to become the Providence River, the head of Narragansett Bay. In the 1990s, the two rivers running through downtown were uncovered and moved”.