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Parkis / North Elmwood Revitalization Project Overview
Vision for Parkis Avenue
 Location and General Description:
The Parkis Avenue Redevelopment is a full block of residential redevelopment in the Parkis-Comstock Historic District of the Elmwood neighborhood. Elmwood is in the heart of the southside of Providence and is an ethnically and economically diverse residential neighborhood with a 2000 median household income of $22,816. This significant residential block is located two blocks south of the intersection of Broad Street and Elmwood Avenue, the Trinity Gateway and the Grace Church Gateway Cemetery. The full redevelopment includes twelve historic multi-family buildings, two carriage houses, one historic reconstruction and three compatible infill multifamilies on vacant lots. The Parkis Avenue area of Elmwood was originally developed in the late 19th Century with two and three story, frame, single- and multi-family residences, some considered to be the grandest and most historically significant houses in the southside. The assemblage of buildings has fallen into disrepair and many residents have grown indifferent to their deteriorated environment. The street has a reputation as a destination for drugs and prostitution; the criminal activity threatens the safety and comfort of residents. A large investment of capital, skill and care is required to restore the street to an exemplary neighborhood amenity.
 Vision of Parkis Avenue in 2009
Parkis Avenue is fully restored to its original historic beauty; the residences, street, and landscaped lots are among the most gracious blocks in Providence. Travelers along Elmwood Avenue and Broad Street look down Parkis Avenue and are struck by the stately houses, the harmony of the streetscape and the palpable emanation of neighborhood pride.
Comity of Community
The residents are a real community, sharing pride, stewardship, protection and long-term maintenance of their block. There are eighty diverse households representing the cherished mix of characteristics such as incomes, lifestyles, ethnicities, races, ages and household type and size. Their common bond is a dedication to the long-term health of their newly restored community, to each other, to the street, the buildings, and the urban neighborhood environment.
• Engaged Residents Build Community
Each resident household has happily agreed, as a condition of living on Parkis and in exchange for affordable living, to participate in building comity and community. The community of residents has also agreed to expand their neighborly influence into the blocks surrounding Parkis.
• Neighbors Provide Enriching Environment
The community of residents enjoys services and activities for a range of interests and ages:
• Residents Protect their Environment
The community demonstrates that environmental responsibility can be achieved within affordable housing and without extraordinary measures. The restored homes on Parkis are healthy, efficient, and resource-responsible while being affordable.
• Residents Walk, Take RIPTA, Ride Bicycles and Share Cars
With homes sited near public transportation, schools, offices and retail, residents have easy access to necessary goods and services.
• Residents Regularly Maintain their Properties
The neighbors have set up a maintenance equipment bank with yard and garden supplies and tools. The equipment is used regularly; residents inspect the properties and provide routine cleaning and maintenance.
• Residents Own, Manage and Protect Their Assets
Ownership of the financial and community assets of Parkis is shared among the residents. Some own their 2- or 3-unit buildings; some own their condominium apartments; some rent-to-own their condominium apartments. The developer, Greater Elmwood Neighborhood Services, provides regular asset management assistance to the governing body of the community association.
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Phase 1: 37-39, 48 and 52 Parkis
37-39 Parkis images and elevations:
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Phase 2: 25, 42, 45, 47, 48, 42, 57 Parkis Ave, 7 Congress Ave, 172 Stanwood St.
57 Parkis renderings:
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