2025-26 Local Design Challenge
Tidewater Pop-Up Market and Outdoor Space

Exciting New Project for ACE Mentor Program Students: Pop-up Market at Tidewater Landing

The ACE Mentor Program in Rhode Island invites teams to participate in a design competition to develop a portion of the Tidewater Landing site.  The project will anchor the east side of a new pedestrian footbridge connecting the new RIFC soccer stadium and river walk on the east side of the Seekonk River to the planned mixed-use residential, retail, restaurant, and commercial office spaces on the east side of the river.

The Site: A Canvas of Possibilities for Community Gathering

The project will include a new building for a pop-up market that will accommodate vendor stalls and public facilities as well as outdoor space that can accommodate vendor tents and an a small amphitheater overlooking the river. 

The Challenge: Designing for Impact and Innovation

To be successful in this design challenge, your team must consider all aspects of the design and construction of a building project, including programming, site planning, architectural design, systems engineering, and construction cost estimating and scheduling. Teams should consider:

• Architectural design challenges.  How can the building open up to create an extension of the public space along the river front? 

• Ecological design challenges.  How does the site development address flood risks from the adjacent river and mitigate runoff from the proposed development to the east?

• Urban design challenges.  How does the site development promote pedestrian activity, connect visitors to the river, and foster economic development and social connection in Pawtucket?

Mentorship and Learning: Bridging Theory and Practice

Under the guidance of experienced mentors, students will work as if they are professional teams of architects, engineers, and builders. They will gain invaluable insights into the careers and industry vocabulary of the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industry, as well as the roles different companies play. Mentors will assist students in understanding the site’s constraints and benefits, zoning requirements, and the importance of integrating functionality with aesthetic appeal.

Inspiring the Future: An Invitation to Innovate

This year’s project promises to be a transformative experience for our students. They will have the chance to contribute to a real-world development scenario, providing innovative solutions to complex urban planning challenges. The focus on this prominent pedestrian-oriented site and the Seekonk River banks, along with the environmental requirements, will push students to think creatively about how to design spaces that are both functional and visually striking.

Participants will be tasked with creating a development that enhances the Tidewater Landing site, providing a visual edge and ensuring that the design fits seamlessly into the fabric of the site. The integration of these public spaces and outdoor areas will be a key aspect of the project, encouraging students to think holistically about the site development.

Huge thank you to the Fortuitous Partners for helping us create the program for this year.