Riverzedge gets grant boost
Funding will help program renovate building
WOONSOCKET – Thanks to a series of state and philanthropic grants it’s received since early last year – nearly $500,000 in all – Riverzedge Arts is poised to begin transforming the former Second Avenue School into the Second Avenue Studio Complex in the spring, the educational organization announced.
Riverzedge had been leasing the school from the city since 2014 after it was forced out of 68 South Main St. – a Market Square mill the city condemned for safety reasons. Last fall, Riverzedge bought the school from the city for $10.
RiverzEdge Director Karen Barbosa said the organization will address the structural and systems upgrades needed at the Second Avenue School, in part, with a $249,000 matching grant it received from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts in early 2017. More recently Riverzedge received an additional $200,000 from the Champlin Foundation and $25,000 from the Burrillville-based June Rockwell Levy Foundation.
“What we first thought was a temporary placement became a vision for our future,” said Barbosa. “As we grew into the space, we became intimately familiar with its nooks and crannies, benefits and challenges.” Riverzedge board members and staff worked together to draft a plan for upgrading the school aimed at bringing out its fullest potential as a site for learning and artistic expression, according to Barbosa. She said, “We are excited by the promise this proud, yet unassuming brick split-level holds, and know it is the right place for us to begin our next chapter.”
Barbosa said Riverzedge Arts is “deeply appreciative” to the city for making the opportunity possible by conveying the real estate to the organization so affordably. Riverzedge has always found support for its mission among city officials – more than ever during the last few years, said Barbosa.
“The city’s investment in our organization underscores the value it places in art as a powerful source for social change and a platform for individual, community, and economic revitalization,” Barbosa said.
As owner of Second Avenue School, Riverzedge was much better positioned to seek matching grants to improve the building from philanthropic partners and other investors. The Champlin and Levy foundations notified Riverzedge of the latest grants in December. Those funds will provide the necessary match needed to tap the RISCA grant.
“We are thrilled!” said Riverzedge Board Chairman Mark Cote. “These significant contributions allow us to better serve the youth of Northern Rhode Island, providing a work space that is not only up-to-date, but stateof-the-art.”
With help from RISE Engineering and others, Riverzedge will be able to install the latest in green energy technology as well as optimize the use of their design equipment and tools, he said.
Riverzedge will also partner with Providence-based Jonathan Chamber Architects for upgrades that will include:
● Americans with Disabilities Act compliance improvements
● A new roof
● fire and smoke protection
● a new heating and ventilation system
Riverzedge intends to seek a listing for the building on the National Register of Historic Places to ensure that the structural improvements will not alter the “character and charm” of the longtime public elementary school, Barbosa said.
In April, the organiza- tion is planning a “Raise the Roof” pre-opening of the building to allow the general public to tour the building before launching the studio makeover. Another event will be held after the work is finished.
Founded in 2002, Riverzedge is built on the philosophy that art is a force for social change and works to help teenagers reach their full potential through education in design and “creative problem-solving.”
Its nationally-recognized programs have provided students throughout the state, from kindergarten through Grade 12, with after-school enrichment programs, “experiential arts learning,” job training and alternative routes to a diploma.