Tall Ship Providence Scales Back Waterfront Exhibit Plans

A barge, new pier and cottages are still joining the Tall Ship Providence as part of the historical exhibit, but the pandemic has forced the ship operates to reduce the scope of their nautical ambitions.

The Tall Ship Providence Foundation is seeking city permission at a Planning Commission meeting on March 2 to amend earlier amendments to improve the planned design and layout of pier, cottages and barge. The Maritime Center section of the Tall Ship Providence was originally approved last March.

The plan remains to construct two cottages on a pier adjacent to the Providence, but the applicant said the pandemic forced them to adjust the scale of the project.

“However, while the proposed location of the improvements along the Waterfront remains the same, due to economic impacts associated with the pandemic and for engineering purposes, the proposed scope of the project, including the footprint and size of the barge and cottages, has been revised,” the Tall Ship Providence Foundation said.

Planned bathrooms and side-piers for other boats also didn’t make the cut.

In general, the application noted that the pandemic significantly hurt the planned launch of the exhibit.

“First, the pandemic has delayed the Tall Ship Providence Foundation’s Capital Campaign, which has, in turn, impacted the ability to move forward with the permitting process and the establishment of the Tall Ship Providence Maritime Heritage Center at Waterfront Park,” the applicant said. “In light of the ongoing severe economic conditions, the Applicant is reducing the scope of the proposed improvements to facilitate the opening of the Tall Ship Providence Maritime Heritage Center in the summer of 2021.”