PROVIDENCE, R.I. — October 1, 2018 – The City of Providence has installed 15 conversation benches, designed by a Johnson & Wales University (JWU) graduate, along Wickenden Street in the Fox Point neighborhood.
In collaboration with Providence City Councilman Seth Yurdin, the Wickenden Area Merchants Association and the Fox Point Neighborhood Association, Jonathan Harris, associate professor in the JWU College of Engineering & Design, led a class project in which students submitted designs for benches and tree grates that serve as conversation spaces.
“This kind of project gives our College of Engineering & Design students an opportunity to showcase their talents and capabilities, all while making a positive impact in the community,” said Jonathan Harris, associate professor. “It also provides students a chance to help a neighborhood achieve its goals. I’m proud of this collaboration and look forward to finding other ways to partner with the community.”
“Great thanks to Johnson & Wales University, the Wickenden Area Merchants Association, and the Fox Point Neighborhood Association who worked together to make this project happen,” said Councilman Seth Yurdin, Ward One, who successfully advocated for Community Development Block Grant funding for the project. “This is great example of how our public and private sectors work together to make a better neighborhood for residents, strengthen Providence’s unique urban fabric, and support our local businesses. A special congratulations to JWU Alum, Ali Aljassas, whose design was chosen for this project.”…Click to read more