The Town of Bristol has diverse business neighborhoods to suit the needs of any type of business industry. Learn more about Bristol’s different commercial and manufacturing zones below.
Bristol’s Downtown District is a commercial hub encompassing the original heart of Bristol, Rhode Island. The downtown district stretches from Washington Street to Walley Beach.
The district features restaurants, retailers, accommodations, museums, and multi-family developments. Town Hall, the Rogers Free Library, the Post Office and the Maritime Center are also located within the Downtown District.
In 2019, Seastreak began offering weekend high-speed ferry service to Bristol from Providence and Newport during the summer.
Signature Projects and Developments
Bristol Yarn Mill – This proposed project would see the redevelopment of the Thames Street Robin Rug complex into “Bristol Yarn Mill,” home to 151 rental units ranging in size from about 650 square feet to nearly 2,000 square feet. The project would also include 6,300 feet of leasable retail space, 170 interior parking spaces, and about 150 exterior spaces in lots near the complex.
Bristol Marina Expansion (2021) – A 79-slip expansion to the municipally-operated marina will include new resident spaces, transient spaces, and a fueling dock.
The Wood Street Business District is located in central Bristol between Bayview Avenue and State Street.
The area’s history goes back to the 1790s. Today, the area still has a vibrant Portuguese presence, including a Portuguese Independent Band Club to the Azorean Butcher Shop.
The residential neighborhoods around the business district is characterized by small cottages and multi-family homes.
Just south of the commercial area is the Town Common, which is a public park and gathering place for residents.
Today, the business district is experiencing a renaissance and has seen a combination of public and private investments.
Signature Projects and Developments
Unity Park (2021) – A visionary 200,000+ square foot redevelopment project.
Wood Street Neighborhood Streetscape Project (2021) – A $1.7M streetscape project to upgrade nine residential roads.
Did You Know?
Downtown Bristol has its own merchants association, which works to enhance the business environment through mutual cooperation by common marketing advocacy, event hosting and sharing of best business practices.
Did You Know?
Bristol’s Historic Downtown District and the Wood Street Business District are located within a federal Opportunity Zone. This federal program provides a tax incentive for private investors to direct capital gains into equity investments in qualified projects located within this area.
The East Bay Industrial Park is the manufacturing hub for Bristol County, Rhode Island.
Bristol has a thriving composite industry and maritime industry.
Signature Projects and Developments
Composite Energy Technologies (Formerly Goetz Composites) Expansion (2021) – A $1.3M expansion of its Bristol facility. Over the next year, the company expects to add over 50 new jobs, which is double its current workforce.
Bristol Golf Course Makeover (2021) – A $1M makeover of the municipal 9-hole golf course. The projects will result in water quality improvements and improved game play.
The Wood Street Business District is located in central Bristol between Bayview Avenue and State Street.
The area’s history goes back to the 1790s. Today, the area still Gooding Avenue is the primary connection between Bristol’s two main arteries, Route 114 and Route 136. This area includes a concentration of undeveloped land in Bristol. The corridor includes a Commuter Bus Stop and the Bristol Shopping Center.
Signature Projects and Developments
Bristol Shopping Center Improvements – Formerly a public property, site upgrades will include improved landscaping, parking lot reconfiguration, and building improvements.
Metacom Avenue (Route 136) is state-maintained and is Bristol’s most-traveled roadway. Metacom Avenue is one of two north-south roadways that lead into/out of Bristol.
Metacom Avenue features several commercial plazas and have a variety of business tenants.
The Rhode Island Veterans Home and Roger Williams University are located off of Metacom Avenue.
Signature Projects and Developments
Bristol County Water Authority Water Main Upgrades (2021) – Starting August 10th, 2021, BCWA will begin construction of new 12” water mains in Metacom Avenue.
Site Selection Assistance
The Town of Bristol offers business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors an array of resources to discover the perfect location.