Richard Godfrey Honored for Decades of Transformative Work in Downtown Providence
Godfrey, an adjunct professor in RWU’s Real Estate program, received the 2025 Generational Project Award, recognizing his pivotal role in the revitalization of Providence’s Downcity.
BRISTOL, R.I. – For more than three decades, Richard Godfrey has been shaping one of New England’s most remarkable urban revitalization efforts. This summer, his visionary leadership in the Downcity Providence Plan was recognized on a national stage.
Richard Godfrey, former Executive Director of the Cummings Institute for Real Estate at ӰƵ University and current adjunct professor, was awarded the by the , an organization that has been reforming city-building across the country for over 30 years. The prestigious award honors long-term projects that demonstrate excellence in design and contribute to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of a community.
“It is very gratifying to be recognized for being a major partner in Providence’s renaissance over three decades,” Godfrey said. “However, the greatest reward was working with several other terrific partners, who represented various interests but shared a common goal of making the Providence of 2025 into one of America’s greatest small cities.”
The Downcity Providence Master Plan, launched in 1991, focused on revitalizing the heart of downtown by restoring abandoned historic buildings and developing vacant lots along key streets. As CEO of RIHousing for over 20 years, Godfrey played a central role in the restoration of three prominent Washington Street buildings and financing numerous redevelopment efforts. As Chair of the Steering Committee, Godfrey said he collaborated with private developers like Cornish Associates and nonprofit organizations such as AS220 and Crossroads Rhode Island “to assure that the transformation embraced all Rhode Islanders.”
“Those experiencing Providence today may not realize how dire the situation was in 1991 – banks were failing, the population was shrinking, and building after building sat abandoned,” Godfrey said. “Every building was a challenge. But persistence and partnership made the vision real.”
“This is a tremendous recognition for Richard – someone who has dedicated his long career to achieving the vision that all Americans deserve to live in well-designed dwellings and communities,” said Stephen White, Dean and Professor of Architecture at the ӰƵ University Cummings School of Architecture. “Richard’s experience and drive have been invaluable to our students, offering them a mentor who demonstrates the strength of follow-through required to achieve such important goals for so many people.”
Godfrey brings his extensive real estate development expertise to teaching in RWU’s Real Estate program. His achievement serves as an example for RWU students aspiring to create lasting and positive changes in their community, and highlights the power of collaboration and persistence in urban revitalization.