MCKEE ADMINISTRATION AWARDS $4.8 MILLION TO SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION IN PAWTUCKET AND CENTRAL FALLS
Published on Friday, September 04, 2026
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – SEPTEMBER 4, 2026 – The McKee Administration today announced that it has awarded $4.875 million to the Pawtucket Redevelopment Agency and Central Falls Redevelopment Agency to purchase the former Conant Thread–Coats & Clark Mill Complex District from a private owner.
This multi-million-dollar award from the Housing 2030 Municipal Neighborhood Revitalization Program will also allow the two cities to seek a master developer to transform the 25-acre site into a new mixed-use neighborhood. The redevelopment is projected to include at least 1,000 new homes, including no fewer than 200 units of low- and moderate-income housing, along with commercial uses, public open space, and green infrastructure.
“This award from my administration represents an important first step in advancing the redevelopment of the former Coats & Clark mill complex property and creating a path toward its long-term revitalization,” said Governor Dan McKee. “This investment will transform a long-standing symbol of vacancy and blight into a major source of new housing, economic activity, and community investment for Pawtucket, Central Falls, and the State of Rhode Island.”
“When a site like this presents itself, this is the kind of bold, forward-looking investment we need to make to create more housing and breathe new life into communities across Rhode Island,” said Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard. “For more than two decades, this 25-acre site has sat vacant and underutilized, providing little benefit to the surrounding communities. Through this investment, the former Conant Thread–Coats & Clark Mill Complex District will become a vital community asset that will create new homes, support economic development, and build a more alive and connected community. We look forward to seeing the applicants build on this investment by applying for future state funding and working together to bring this important development to completion.”
“For years, we've looked at the Conant Thread site and known how much potential it holds for our cities,” said Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera. “This award brings us an important step closer to turning that potential into something our residents need, which is more housing and further investment to support stronger economies and communities. I’m proud of the partnership we’ve built with the City of Pawtucket, and grateful to the State for recognizing what is possible here. When neighboring communities work together and think big, we can create opportunities that neither of us could achieve alone.”
“This award recognizes what we can accomplish when we all work together,” said Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “The Conant Thread site represents an extraordinary opportunity to create new housing, support responsible redevelopment, and strengthen the connection between our two communities. We appreciate the State’s investment and look forward to working with Central Falls to move this important project forward.”
This award is contingent upon execution of a final grant agreement with the Executive Office of Housing and the redevelopment agencies.
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