New England City Scoop: Construction Starts in Providence

New England City Scoop: Providence — Total Construction Spending Is Expected to Increase by More Than 6% in 2018

The Providence River Bridge was one of 16 individual projects that were aimed at relocating a stretch of I-195 through Providence to free up 20 acres for projects such as the $105-million Wexford Science + Technology Complex.

*PHOTO BY FRANK GIULIANI, COURTESY CDR MAGUIRE*

Dimeo Construction Co. — The third-generation, family-led firm celebrated its 87th anniversary this year. Dimeo is best known for its project planning, construction management, general contracting and design-build services across several sectors.

*PHOTO COURTESY DIMEO CONSTRUCTION CO.*

City Grill

Ed Parker
Vice President
CDR Maguire Corp.

Efforts are underway to turn Providence into “a vibrant, diversified, world-class city focused on the arts community and its many educational assets,” says Parker, a vice president at the transportation and civil engineering firm. He says programs developed to boost the local economy, fix its failing infrastructure and engage private investment have helped convert some of the city’s previously segmented neighborhoods and abandoned mills into “connected and revitalized communities.”

RIDOT’s RhodeWorks, a 10-year, $4.7-billion transportation infrastructure investment program, has “spurred an increase in Rhode Island’s overall economy while improving the condition of the state’s bridges,” Parker says. Projects include the Providence Viaduct Replacement Project, Route 6-10 Interchange reconstruction and millions in interstate bridge design-build contracts and construction of the truck-only tolling system.

Rhode Island also saw a 13.4% jump in commercial and residential building jobs during the past year, according to the Associated General Contractors of America.

Additionally, the Rebuild Rhode Island Tax Credit program has helped fund 25 developments. The $105-million Wexford Science + Technology Complex is on land made available by the relocation of I-195.

Firm in Focus

Dimeo Construction Co.
75 Chapman St., Providence
CEO: Bradford Dimeo
Employees: 250
Founded: 1930
What’s New: The third-generation, family-led firm celebrated its 87th anniversary this year. Dimeo is best known for its project planning, construction management, general contracting and design-build services across several sectors. The contractor is currently building office space for Citizens Bank in Johnston. Converting the former landfill site into a corporate campus requires extensive collaboration with the community and state. The 123-acre site includes the 425,000-sq-ft complex and a 1,300-space parking structure. The project calls for preserving more than 60 acres of wetlands, creating nature walkways, protecting wildlife preserves and incorporating recreational areas. The project also includes offsite improvements involving sewer and water services and a new access ramp from Route 295.