Newport, R.I., October 9, 2025 — The City of Newport has finalized plans for the renovation of the Florence Gray Center, setting a maximum construction price of $5.5 million for the state-funded project. The funding comes from the Rhode Island Pandemic Recovery Office (RIPRO) and supports education, health, and workforce programming through the center.
The Newport City Council approved a contract amendment with Ahlborg Construction Corp. of Warwick, R.I., which was initially awarded in April for roughly $38,000 to cover pre-design construction manager services. These early-stage services included drafting building plans that align with the $5.5 million maximum and coordinating with the city, project partners, and consultants.
A mid-September council vote amended the contract to give the city legal standing in case costs exceed the maximum, while allowing adjustments through project change orders.
The renovation project, slated for completion by October 2026, will primarily focus on the building’s Gallagher wing, transforming it into a municipal learning center for residents of both Newport and nearby Middletown. The project aligns with the state’s Learn365 initiative, aimed at improving educational outcomes and boosting attendance rates in post-pandemic municipal programs.
“This project is an investment in our community’s future,” said Teresa Crean, Newport’s director of the Department of Resilience and Sustainability. “By upgrading the Florence Gray Center, we are providing residents with a state-of-the-art space for learning, health, and workforce programs.”
Councilor David Carlin, the sole dissenting vote, questioned why other bids were not presented before approving pre-design funding in April.
“You're asking this council to approve a $5.5 million request, and I have nothing regarding who those other bidders were or what their bids were,” Carlin said.
The city had formed a selection committee in February, which included representatives from Newport’s Housing Authority, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Newport County, construction consultants, and Middletown officials. The committee received four proposals, scoring them on technical and cost criteria before selecting Ahlborg Construction, according to Manny Ferreira, the city’s contracted project manager.
The Florence Gray Center project involves multiple stakeholders: the Newport Housing Authority, Boys and Girls Clubs of Newport County, and the town of Middletown, all pooling grant allocations to maximize impact.
Approximately $7.5 million has been secured for the building upgrades. Newport serves as the fiscal agent, ensuring oversight and compliance with grant requirements. The state mandates a certificate of occupancy by October 2026 to meet funding conditions.
Crean added that the city maintains active communication with the Pandemic Recovery Office and Lori Turner, Middletown’s Healthy Communities coordinator overseeing the project for that town.
The Florence Gray Center is one of 20 similar Rhode Island projects seeking to expand municipal roles in public education and workforce development. Governor Dan McKee’s Learn365 initiative, launched at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Newport County, provides the blueprint for such efforts — emphasizing improved academic outcomes and post-pandemic recovery.
By coordinating municipal funding, state grants, and local partnerships, Newport aims to create a modern, functional learning hub that strengthens education, health, and workforce programs for residents of Newport and Middletown.
Originally reported by Construction Equipment Guide.
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