Apponaug Village Thrives with New Development Projects Warwick’s charming Apponaug Village is experiencing a renaissance fueled by an influx of new development projects. These initiatives aim to revitalize the historic area, enhance its livability, and create a vibrant community hub. Biltmore Park’s Grand Expansion: One of the most significant developments is the expansion of Biltmore Park, a mixed-use complex that features luxury apartments, retail stores, and dining options. The new phase of the development will add hundreds of additional units, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and expanded outdoor spaces. The Lofts at Apponaug Mills: Another exciting project is the transformation of the historic Apponaug Mills into The Lofts at Apponaug Mills. This adaptive reuse project will create 60 luxury loft apartments within the former textile mill. The project aims to preserve the building’s industrial heritage while providing modern amenities and loft-style living. Riverfront Promenade and Public Park: To enhance the village’s connection to the Pawtuxet River, a new riverfront promenade and public park are planned. The promenade will offer scenic views, walking paths, and outdoor seating areas, while the park will provide green space for recreation and events. Commercial Revitalization: Alongside residential developments, Apponaug Village is also seeing commercial revitalization. New businesses, such as breweries, restaurants, and boutiques, are opening up, offering a diverse range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. The village’s historic architecture and charming ambiance provide a unique backdrop for these businesses. Economic and Community Benefits: These development projects are not only transforming Apponaug Village physically, but they are also bringing significant economic and community benefits. New jobs are being created in the construction, retail, and service sectors. The increased density and walkability are expected to attract young professionals, families, and retirees. The new amenities and public spaces will foster a sense of community and improve the quality of life for residents. Preserving History and Embracing Progress: While the development projects bring excitement and opportunity, they also face the challenge of preserving Apponaug Village’s historic character. Careful consideration is being given to maintaining the village’s unique architectural features and its connection to its textile industry past. The goal is to revitalize the village while respecting its heritage and ensuring the long-term prosperity of the community. As these new development projects come to fruition, Apponaug Village is poised to become a vibrant and thriving destination within Warwick. The revitalization efforts are breathing new life into the historic area, creating a balanced blend of modern amenities and charming character that will appeal to residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
WARWICK–If you ask City Council President Stephen McAllister for a tour of Apponaug Village, his first question would be, “Do you have children?”
WARWICK–If you ask City Council President Stephen McAllister for a tour of Apponaug Village, his first question would be, “Do you have children?”
If the answer is yes, he’ll take you to the new playground behind City Hall, where the city has invested about $600,000 to spruce it up with new swings, slides, a half basketball court, and play equipment.
Next on the route is The Social House, a new lounge serving craft cocktails that opened across the street from the Chamber of Commerce. Further down the street is St. Catherine’s Church, a historic church that has recently been privately purchased and could potentially be redeveloped into mixed-use housing.
Around the corner is the bay at Arnold’s Neck, where “you see the quahoggers going out and coming in every day.” The city installed a new swing set, with a parking spot, handicapped accessibility, safety cushions, and a seating area overlooking the water. The entire rig was financed with about $130,000 in federal funds. Two new signs also welcome visitors to Arnold’s Neck and Gorton Pond.
Even the Greene Cemetery–a historic cemetery honoring a Revolutionary War hero–is getting a makeover, with a new parking lot, educational signs, stairs, and plans to build an accessible forest trail.
And of course you shouldn’t miss the historic Sawtooth Mill. AAA Northeast bought it at auction in 2018 and renovated it into a new office building to house a call center, but the pandemic put an end to those plans. At the same time, the City of Warwick was looking for a new place for many of its employees who had been displaced from their offices due to a burst pipe. AAA’s troubles became a promising opportunity for the city, which signed a 15-year lease in 2021 to move the City Hall annex to the renovated mill.
“I lived there all my life, and it looked like this old, dilapidated mill: empty, empty. And now it is state-of-the-art,” said McAllister.
New Development Projects Revitalizing Warwick’s Apponaug Village Warwick, RI – Exciting new development projects are underway in Apponaug Village, promising to revitalize and enhance this historic neighborhood. One significant project is the redevelopment of the former Apponaug Mill complex into a mixed-use development. The project will feature 179 residential units, including affordable housing, as well as commercial and retail space. The aim is to create a vibrant and walkable community with a mix of businesses, amenities, and living options. Another major development is the construction of a new fire station on Post Road. The state-of-the-art facility will replace the existing fire station, providing firefighters and emergency responders with an improved workspace and equipment. The design incorporates energy-efficient technologies and a modern aesthetic. Additionally, the restoration of the 1885 Apponaug Library is underway. The project will preserve the building’s architectural integrity while upgrading its functionality and accessibility. The library will serve as a community hub, offering a wide range of programs, services, and resources. These development projects are not only bringing new investment into Apponaug Village but also creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. The redevelopment of the former mill complex is expected to attract new businesses and create a destination for residents and visitors alike. The new fire station will enhance public safety and provide firefighters with optimal conditions to serve the community. The restoration of the Apponaug Library will ensure that this historic landmark continues to be a vital part of the neighborhood, fostering literacy, learning, and community connections. As these projects progress, Apponaug Village is poised to become a vibrant and thriving destination within the City of Warwick. The revitalization efforts are transforming the neighborhood into a place where people want to live, work, and gather.
