Governor Donald L. Carcieri was joined by state officials, Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV) employees, Cranston city officials, and members of the construction team at a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the opening of the new Division of Motor Vehicles facility, located at 600 New London Avenue, Cranston, in the Forand Building.
The new DMV headquarters has nearly 70,000 square feet of space spread across three floors, with each floor dedicated to specific DMV operations and administrative functions, allowing for more efficient operations and better customer service. The glass and steel building offers maximum natural sunlight for employees and visitor; multiple waiting areas with seating for more than 500 visitors and plasma TV screens broadcasting DMV information, news and trivia throughout the facility; ATM machines; and a café operated by the Services for the Blind.
“Over the past 7 years, we have also taken a number of steps to improve the DMV including establishing online registry renewals, instituting an initiative which is designed to give auto dealers an opportunity to register vehicles remotely and enabling AAA to provide DMV services at their offices,” said Governor Donald L. Carcieri. “With this new, state-of-the art facility, we now have the capability to better serve Rhode Islanders at this heavily relied upon state agency, and this spacious facility will give our hardworking, dedicated state employees the tools they need and deserve to do their jobs. With dedicated work areas, a café, and comfortable waiting areas featuring plasma screens, this well-designed facility will help increase efficiency and improve customer satisfaction.”
The first floor is home to Operator Control, the Disability Placard Office, the Plate Office, the Accidents Office, an ATM machine, and a café operated by the Services for the Blind. The 2nd floor is dedicated to all license and registration transactions, as well as a separate area for written exams, and includes an ATM machine. The third floor contains automobile dealer and commercial driver license transactions, as well as the title research office. Administrative offices are located on all three floors.
“This is the start of a new era for the DMV,” said Speaker Gordon Fox. We have to look no further than next door at the Traffic Tribunal as to the difference a new facility can make. I am confident that doing business at the DMV will now be a more pleasant experience for both the customers and the hard-working employees, who have had to endure hardships in the under-sized former headquarters and always tried to make the best of it.”
“Today marks a new chapter in the history of the DMV,” said Rosemary Booth Gallogly, Director of the Department of Revenue, which oversees the DMV. “We continually look to make the DMV more efficient and customer friendly. I would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding, and I encourage feedback on their experience at the DMV and ways we can improve service.” The DMV website will soon include an online survey that will help the agency to identify problem areas and develop ways to improve its services.
Booth Gallogly also extended appreciation to the DMV staff. “I would especially like to thank all DMV employees for their hard work, patience and perseverance during this time of transition.”
Construction was completed by Dimeo Construction between July 30, 2009 and August 24, 2010, with a crew of 75 to 85 construction workers employed on the project at any one time. The project came in under the budget of $17.7 million.
The building features 400 linear feet of decorative glass railing at the bridges and stairs, 1460 linear feet of steel beams, and 650 linear feet of wall covered in phenolic panel. Mechanical systems - including cooling tower, pumps, and air handlers – are energy efficient, which will result in life cycle savings and a healthier, more comfortable environment. All lighting, which includes occupancy sensors, is energy efficient, and bathrooms utilize water conserving fixtures. In addition, ecologically responsible finishes such as recycled solid surfaces, bamboo, and recyclable carpet tiles were installed.
The exterior of the building was constructed with COR-TEN steel, which is made to purposefully “rust” over time. The architect’s original design intent was to give the building a rustic, or aged, look. As the steel ages, it is expected to resist corrosion and form a protective layer from the effects of the weather.