The former Charlesgate Nursing Center at 100 Randall St., off North Main Street, in Providence. (Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)
The former Charlesgate Nursing Center in Providence is now under state ownership, with the Rhode Island Department of Housing announcing the close of the $6.9 million deal Wednesday.
The acquisition comes 15 days after the State Properties Committee unanimously authorized the purchase and sale agreement for the 60-year-old building, which the state intends to use as an emergency shelter, among other, long-term potential housing needs.
“Our administration is committed to growing housing capacity in Rhode Island — from emergency shelters to affordable and workforce housing,” Gov. Dan McKee said in a statement. “Our purchase of 100 Randall Street means we will be able to better manage emergency sheltering and reduce costs in the long-term.”
The state set out to acquire the property after its owner, Davenport Associates Ltd., closed the nursing home in May 2023, citing staffing shortages. Since its closure, the state has leased 57 rooms in the building to shelter families, with support services administered by Amos House, a Providence social services organization.
Plans call for the building to provide up to 105 rooms for shelter space, Interim Housing Secretary Daniel Connors previously stated.
“This facility represents a significant investment in our commitment to addressing homelessness and enhancing support for our community,” Connors said in a statement. “By securing this space, we not only meet immediate shelter needs but also strengthen our ability to deliver long-term, effective solutions for Rhode Islanders facing housing challenges.”
The state is using a portion of the $30 million in federal pandemic aid set aside for homelessness infrastructure in its fiscal 2024 budget to pay for the purchase.
GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.