By News Staff
news@abc6.com
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Providence is celebrating a new and improved look for the area around the Providence Performing Arts Center.
Mayor Angel Taveras and Gov. Lincoln Chafee joined dozens of residents and business owners Wednesday to christen the new PPAC Square outside the theater's Weybosset Street entrance.
The area around the theater received a facelift that included new sidewalks, 25 trees, planters, bike racks and new benches. The street was redesigned to allow for two-way traffic on Weybosset Street for the first time in more than 30 years. The work was part of a $5.5 million effort to improve public spaces throughout downtown Providence.
During Wednesday's ceremony, Chafee received an award from the theater for helping secure funds for the project when he served in the U.S. Senate.
