Investing in Our Communities

Investing in Our Communities

Providence and South Providence

With many other options, we chose to stay in Providence and lease space in the Allens Avenue area, in buildings that were empty and in disrepair on Baker Street, Ellenfield Street, Chapman Street, Georgia Street, Carolina Avenue, and Virginia Avenue. Because Lifespan chose to lease this space, it remains on the city tax rolls.

We recognize the importance of investing in South Providence and helping to revitalize the neighborhood. As part of the Providence Community Health Center’s major project on Prairie Avenue (former Federated Lithographers site), Lifespan will invest $5 million over 10 years to serve as an anchor tenant in one of the buildings on the site.  

Helping to Create the Knowledge District

The combined, and growing, research enterprise of Lifespan and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University has led to the rejuvenation of the Jewelry District, with the Coro and Claverick buildings now home to vibrant research labs and clinical teaching space.

Research Sector Development

In addition to the economic benefit that we bring as the city and state’s largest employer, we also generate high-paying jobs and economic development through our thriving research sector. Our external research funding has reached an all-time high of $82.9 million dollars in grants and contracts. Approximately 80 percent of this funding comes from federal agencies, such as the NIH; the remainder was provided through strategic alliances with corporate partners. More than 350 faculty members are engaged in research, and these activities employ more than 550 talented research-support staff members within Lifespan, directly impacting the Rhode Island economy and the Knowledge District.

Lifespan's research enterprises benefit Rhode Island’s economy as a whole by:

  • infusing downtown Providence with renewed productivity and vitality

  • attracting more scientists, researchers, and other professionals to our state

  • attracting national and international companies for local investment in clinical trials and basic and translational research
  • generating intellectual property in the form of patents and licenses
  • stimulating the establishment of new biotechnology companies