Brown University, the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, CV Properties, LLC, Wexford Science + Technology

South Street Landing, Providence, RI

The collaborative redevelopment and adaptive reuse of the Narragansett Power Station houses the Rhode Island Nursing Education Center—a shared state-of-the-art nursing education facility for the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College, as well as offices for Brown University. The intention was to bring together multiple user groups from “both sides of the diploma.” This unique public-private partnership creates a new model of higher education and health innovation.

The project anchored an emerging biomedical research district and served as a catalyst for improvements in a previously underdeveloped neighborhood. Ground-level amenities such as a shared cafe encourage intermingling and collaboration between the schools and the surrounding community. A key approach to the site development emphasized leveraging the project's riverfront site to enhance community connectivity and green space, as well as engage and improve the River Walk.

Tsoi Kobus developed a brand identity celebrating the past and future and connecting the mechanics of the historic building with the mechanics of the human body—celebrating both the history of the building and its new purpose. The design approach preserved the existing four-story volume by reusing the 20’ high concrete turbine support as a café/lounge. A glass curtain wall frames the end of the lounge, creating views of the roof trusses that continue through the building. The establishment of an atrium through the main corridor showcases the ornamental details of the structure, and brings natural light into the center of the building.