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About EDFRI

Who We Are

The Economic Development Foundation of Rhode Island, Inc. (EDFRI) is a private, not-for-profit corporation established in the early 1960’s, albeit adopting a name change in 2005. Throughout its history, EDFRI primarily focused on the strategy of commercial real estate development including the development and management of industrial and corporate parks and several high-quality flex buildings. EDFRI has been directly involved in the development of over 500 acres of industrial and office park development and over $500 million of private, commercial real estate investment.

 

Understanding How

Communities & Projects Evolve

Leveraging its experience in commercial real estate development and economic development strategy planning, EDFRI saw increasing opportunity and demand for using its experience and expertise working with cities and towns in defining and advancing their economic development agendas. Some examples of these services include:

 
Innovate Newport Picture
Project

Innovate Newport

Selection by the City of Newport as the Preferred Developer for the repositioning of a vacant elementary school into $8 million innovation and co-work facility

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Service

Commercial Real Estate Planning

Providing advisory services to the Burrillville Economic Development Partnership in the development of multiple industrial buildings and the management and marketing of the Town’s Commerce Park

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Project

Town of Burrillville

Representing the Town of Burrillville in the negotiation with Daniele Foods for the company’s land acquisition and expansion into one of the world’s largest charcuterie processing facilities

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Service

Economic Development Strategy

Providing advisory services to a redevelopment agency, authoring two redevelopment plans and acting as an interim manager of a city’s planning and development department.

Make More Informed Decisions

Backed By Experience

500 +

acres of industrial and office park development

60 +

Years of Data-Driven Execution

500 M+

 of private, commercial real estate investment

Looking Forward

A New Approach

In 2022, the Board of Directors of EDFRI decided to exit its commercial real estate development and investment activities and instead focus its efforts in providing market-leading consulting and advisory services to cities and towns, small businesses, and owners and developers of industrial and commercial properties.