Kennedy Plaza. Photo by Richard Bejamin, from ProvidenceRI.com.

WPRO Newsroom and the Associated Press

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Providence Mayor Angel Taveras and state and federal officials are set to unveil plans for a makeover of Kennedy Plaza into a more vibrant and pedestrian-friendly downtown square.

The mayor is expected to reveal details of the Greater Kennedy Plaza project on Thursday evening at the Biltmore Hotel. He will be joined by Gov. Lincoln Chafee, U.S. Rep. David Cicilline and members of the Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy.

Taveras last month identified the transformation of the city's central plaza as one of his top economic development priorities. He said he wants to turn the plaza from a public transit hub into a "true destination" for residents, workers and visitors.

Thursday's event is expected to draw as many as 350 business leaders, public officials, preservationists and urban planning advocates.