The exterior passenger waiting area at the Newport Gateway Intermodal Visitors Center was badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy, during which the tent-like sails that protected bus riders from sun and rain were destroyed. Pare Corporation was a member of the design team that the RI Public Transit Authority selected to redesign the exterior waiting facility in its entirety and improve its resiliency to future storm events.

Pare provided a condition survey of the existing steel canopy frame and concrete piers to document their condition. Several roof replacement concepts were evaluated and Pare then provided final structural design for the new passenger shelters, which feature more resilient and aesthetically pleasing roofing systems.

With the entire site and surrounding residential areas located in a Flood Zone, RIPTA and the City of Newport were interested in exploring green infrastructure to maximize treatment and infiltration of stormwater runoff. Pare performed a study of drainage problems and made recommendations for incorporating green infrastructure into the design which resulted in “country-style” drainage promoting sheet flow, installation of five bio-retention areas or rain gardens, and installing porous concrete pavers in sidewalk areas. Natural, drought-tolerant plants capable of surviving periodic inundations were selected to filter pollutants.

The project was awarded the Grow Smart RI Outstanding Smart Growth Award in March 2018.