NEW: Demolition of Former “Shooters” Site Begins Friday
Thursday, October 06, 2011
After years of debate and waiting, the former “Shooters” nightclub located at 25 India Street in Providence is scheduled for demolition. In an announcement released today, the Department of Environmental Management and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation indicated that demolition work will begin on Friday, October 7. The entire process is expected to be completed later this fall.
Located in Fox Point on the south side of the Iway and the Hurricane Barrier, the property has 440 linear feet of frontage along the Seekonk River and 436 linear feet of street frontage along India Street. A dilapidated three-story cement and steel structure has was previously home to the former “Shooters” nightclub remains on the property.
“Having the old structure taken down is an important and visible milestone in our effort to revitalize this site,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “It is exciting to envision this area, at the top of Narragansett Bay, being developed into another attraction that invites the public to enjoy beautiful Rhode Island. DEM looks forward to seeing this next phase completed, and working with private and public partners towards a new life for the old Shooters site.”
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The old “Shooters” building will be demolished and brought down to superstructure level, leaving a one-story steel frame structure in place. The property also has a marina with approximately 1,600 linear feet of pre-fabricated floating docks that previously accommodated about 35 boats. The property and marina has been unused since 2001, when it was acquired by RIDOT for the I-195 Relocation Project.
The demolition contractor, J.R.Vinagro of Johnston, will begin to mobilize at the site on Friday. The first phase will involve demolition of the existing building. Once the building is razed, and all demolition debris and materials removed, the remains of the floating docks will take place.
Following the demolition, the property will be transferred from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to the Department of Environmental Management. This is expected to take place by the end of the year. In a Request for Information issued in July, the Department of Environmental Management has sought input from potential developers and interested parties on the future use and development of this important site located.
The Department is interested in proposals that encompass a variety of mixed uses for the property, primarily ones that will bring vibrancy, public access, and an economic boost to the area. The Department is currently reviewing responses, and a formal Request for Proposals will be advertised in the future.
