Paolino Lands State Tenant for Nearly $500K in His Newly Acquired RDW Building

Paolino Lands State Tenant for Nearly $500K in His Newly Acquired RDW Building

Just days after GoLocal was first to report that one of the most visible locations in Providence on Route 95 was sold to Paolino Properties for $3.1 million -- the State of Rhode Island announced it is moving in. 

The McKee Administration said Wednesday that the Department of Human Services (DHS) will be going into the location now owned by former Mayor -- and Democratic Committeeman -- Joe Paolino. 

"The newly leased space represents 17,000 square feet in the former RDW Agency site. The state is paying $39,666.67 a month, or $476,000 annually, for the initial one-year lease. DHS will be seeking General Assembly approval for an additional 9 years, for a total of 10 year’s occupancy," said McKee's administration of the location at 125 Holden Street. "The additional lease will be determined based on market rates closer to renewal if approved by the General Assembly."

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Paolino told GoLocal that significant upgrades are planned.

"They updated that building last about 30 years ago," said Paolino. "There's going to be all new furniture."

Paolino said that parking and proximity to the State House were top reasons why DHS opted for the building lease. 

More About Lease

The McKee Administration said that with the approval of the State Properties Committee, it entered a lease agreement for DHS office space located at the location, which will serve as a second DHS customer facing office in Providence - providing a full range of services and support needed for DHS customers. 

DHS expects the site to be open to the public this summer.

According to the McKee Administration, "the addition of this new office will provide a convenient option for the community at-large. Aside from the public-facing lobby services, an in-person document scanning center, which is a key resource in helping customers initiate or complete benefits’ applications, will also be available. The new site is easily accessible via public transportation, with street-level parking, and a first-floor lobby."

“As RI DHS continues to focus on improving customer service and access to programs and services, this lease represents a significant opportunity to expand the agency’s footprint to meet the needs of our customers where they are,” said Acting Director Kimberly Merolla-Brito. “We are addressing customer satisfaction and process improvement issues agency-wide, and today’s announcement is further proof positive change is underway.”

DHS currently has regional offices in Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Warwick, Wakefield, and Middletown, as well as a customer call center. Support is available for general application status for services such as SNAP/EBT, RI Works, updating personal information, and other tasks associated with benefit status. These offices also provide customer support for Medicaid, General Public Assistance, State Supplemental Payments, and the Child Care Assistance Program.