Prior to 1988, the Woonasquatucket, Moshassuck and Providence Rivers, were buried beneath railroad yards and the post office in Providence, and were not considered civic assets. Providence, known as "the world's widest bridge" due to its nearly contiguous asphalt carpet of rail tracks, parking lots and bridges, was much in need of a revitalization.
Enter Providence Mayor Buddy Cianci, often credited with the re-birthing Providence as "the Renaissance City." His vision called for unearthing and moving the three Providence Rivers to create artistic river walks, a waterfront park and an amphitheater, which would serve as a focal point for tourism, arts and cultural events. Additionally, he sought to fill abandoned office buildings and construct a $350-million shopping center (now known as Providence Place.) In truth, the "Capital Center Plan" began in 1979, and was led by the Providence Foundation. It took 10 years to implement the plan, which required rerouting the rivers, diverting the rail yards, and extending Memorial Boulevard. Although many individuals, companies, and State Agencies were involved, the late Mayor Cianci continues to be reveled as "the Prince of Providence" to which most credit is given.
Back to the moving of rivers, which is no small feat and required a $40-million investment from city planners - and engineers. The plan called for the Woonasquatucket River to flow through the center of Providence, pausing at a small cove in a park, before joining the Moshassuck River to form the Providence River, all in all, moving the rivers 500 feet to the southeast.
In the end, the beauty of three rivers was recaptured, producing eleven acres of urban riverfront parks and 1.5 miles of river-walks. Additionally, the immensely popular WaterFire has become a draw for both locals and tourists far and wide.
Yes, we can move mountains ... and rivers, just ask an engineer how.
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