'Great' downtown Warren takes the cake

More than 100 people came together Friday afternoon to celebrate a rare honor indeed — downtown Warren’s designation as one of the top five neighborhoods in the country.

Last month, the American Planning Association released a report ranking Warren’s downtown as one of only a handful of ‘great’ neighborhoods in the nation. Its inclusion on the list was ultimately made possible by Warren Town Planner Kate Michaud, who nominated downtown for the honor earlier this year. But as Warren Town Council president Joseph DePasquale said in a recognition ceremony at the Historic Warren Armory on Jefferson Street, “this (award) belongs to all of us.”

The old armory was packed with dignitaries and regular residents, many of whom have helped shape downtown Warren. There was a table set up with Warren-made products, including a rowing machine from WaterRower and custom boxes from Taylor Box. Over at the refreshments table, Ms. Michaud set up a giant sheet cake baked by Syroya Eugene, who bakes at the Hope & Main kitchen incubator. The cake read “Congratulations Warren” in large brown script. 

“Gertrude Stein said ‘There’s no there there,’” Ms. Michaud told the crowd. “Warren is certainly a place where there is a there!”

Speakers before Ms. Michaud mentioned the hard work Warren has done to revitalize its downtown and lay out a clear plan for its future. Nate Kelly, of the American Planning Association’s Rhode Island chapter, said that planning and hard work was easy to see, and that the town was deserving of the honor. When he was a kid, his mother used to take him shopping for shoes at Jamiel’s, he said, and he sees how far the town has come.

“Warren is a tremendous example of the value of planning … and effort … to keep this downtown as eclectic, as vibrant and as beautiful as it is,” he said.

“We’re seeing no signs of Warren letting up,” added Congressman David Cicilline. “This town has really shown that when government is well-run and works closely with (the public and community groups), anything is possible.”

Downtown Warren beat out nominations from 35 other states for the honor, and it joins four other great neighborhoods on the association’s 2016 “great” list. They include downtown Santa Ana, Calif., Midtown Atlanta, Ga., Old Louisville in Louisville, Ky., and the Nob Hill neighborhood of Albuquerque, N.M.

Among other things, the association’s report celebrates Warren’s architecture, history, trendy artistic vibe, hardworking creative residents and commitment to planning.

“The eco-haven of downtown Warren is ideal for bikers and foodies alike,” the report reads. “The tiny downtown area and its highly involved community have set the green standard for active living, while local foods have set the stage for a story of urban renewal.”

After the presentation, guests mingled and had refreshments, and some took a walk to business and organization’s who’d opened up for the event. They included Hope & Main, Cutler Mills and the Washington Lodge.