A Possible Vision for Quonset Point (1999)

We have the opportunity to take a fresh look at how Quonset Point could be developed. This outline reviews a possible set of goals and guidelines for Quonset. Note: This sort of vision must go hand-in-hand with governmental and tax reforms to ensure a competitive environment.

Primary Goals:

To attract hi-tech companies - computer and biotech related to RI.
To support existing on-site manufacturing.
To develop new manufacturing in accordance with zoning guidelines (to follow).
To develop port facilities (existing and/or new) that are conducive to meeting the current and foreseen shipping needs of existing businesses.

Zoning Guidelines:

Designate 70% of all unused and "designated for re-use" property that has water views for development of hi-tech campus environments. (Water-view property defined as frontage and lots adjacent to frontage.
Reserve first 100 feet of frontage for walking paths, picnic areas, and aerobic circuits.
Designate the remaining 30% water-view property for hi-end service industry (4-star restaurants, hotels, health clubs).
Cordon areas currently used for manufacturing and eliminate further heavy manufacturing development except as it directly supports existing facility expansion and/or adjunct manufacturing.
Designate remaining properties for light manufacturing and service industry

Land re-use:

Reduce airport infrastructure.
Optimize size to support light private, business jet, and small commuter aircraft.
Develop world-class repair/service facilities.
Eliminate shipping/boat operations from the old aircraft carrier piers.
Evaluate golf course for possible reduction to allow development of central park area.
Evaluate Allen harbor for hotel and lux-yacht marina complex.

Landscape Guidelines:

Landscape and terrace/contour where possible to maximize water view property.
Landscape walking paths, fountains, and open spaces throughout site.
Scenic pier/park areas along waterfront.
All buildings to meet standards for landscaping (landscape standards for each zone to be defined by landscape committee)

Building Guidelines:

Stagger buildings to facilitate water views through frontage development
2-story maximum on all frontage development
3-story maximum on 2nd-tier frontage.

Utility/infrastructure:

Bury all cabling and electrical service.
Lay out primary new development in radial fashion with space at hub reserved for train depot along side park.
Phase in overhead monorail to distribute workers throughout complex and reduce/eliminate auto traffic.
Build parking facility at old Davisville depot off route 102, and build 2 rail depots, one for commuter and the other for commercial traffic distribution.

Construction Guidelines:

All buildings to meet standards for material and design (material and design standards for each "zone" to be defined by architectural committee).

Development Committees:

Zoning, architectural, landscape and etc. committees made up of leading professionals and academics from each area.