Recreational Equipment, Inc. plans to open a store in Cranston, R.I., in the fall of 2006 at Chapel View. The new mixed-use development, off Interstate 95 on Route 2, revives 19th century buildings at the site of the former Sockanosset Boys Training School.

“The Chapel View development restores Victorian gothic architecture in a fun and vibrant neighborhood of shops, restaurants, offices and homes,” said Janet Hopkins, REI retail regional vice president for the East and Midwest.

The 27,500 square-foot, two-story store will employ about 55 full- and part-time staff. The store will provide outdoor gear and clothing for camping, climbing, cycling, paddling, hiking, travel and snow sports, as well as all of the top outdoor brands including REI’s own line of award-winning REI gear and apparel.

“New England’s tradition of outdoor recreation includes destinations like Mount Washington to the north, Block Island to the south and Cape Cod to the east,” Hopkins said. “We are delighted to be supporting outdoor enthusiasts with our store at Chapel View.”

The Cranston store is REI’s first store in Rhode Island. REI opened its first store in New England in Reading, Mass., in 1989 and now has four stores in Massachusetts. A previously announced store planned for West Hartford, Conn., will open in 2007.