Recent construction projects in Providence
As a consequence of the city of Providence, Rhode Island's so-called "Renaissance" that started in the 1970s, free land and economic conditions became favorable to large projects in the late 1990s. How much of The New construction is genuine demand and how much is speculation is not known yet. Most of the new projects consist of hotel and condominium development in new and existing buildings, but two new office towers are underway as well. As a result, within 3 years Providence will have a new corporate headquarters, and four new buildings over 60m (200ft) in height.
While the city has welcomed opportunity for new investment with tax breaks and property deals (notably to Gtech), many local residents take exception to the new additions, worrying that the traditional historic look and older architectural styles of Providence will be spoiled by bland modern International-style edifices. Additional concerns have arisen over equitable tax policies for high income residences.
Blue Cross Headquarters
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island announced April 19th, 2007, its intention to consolidate its operations comprising 1100 employees, which had been scattered throughout the city, into one 325,000ft2 12-story building. The $114 million tower would be built on top of a parking garage currently under construction for Intercontinental's neighboring Waterplace condominimums. The project will be built by Dimeo Construction Co. of Providence, Rhode Island.
GTECH World Headquarters
GTECH has moved its headquarters (at right) to downtown Providence. The 10-story 210,000 square foot (19,500 m²) building contains about 500 people.
Waterplace Towers
Intercontinental's Waterplace Condominiums (below), to be built overlooking Providence's Waterplace Park, will consist of 193 luxury condominiums in its 17 and 19-story buildings, and is estimated to be completed in mid-2007. Skeletons on the buildings are now finished and partially clad as of April 21, 2007.
Capital Cove
A former parking lot adjacent to the state capitol is being developed into low-rise apartments. Renderings of the projects have not yet been released, as the project is said to be delayed.
The Mason Temple Building
The Masonic Temple building, the construction of which had been abandoned amidst the Great Depression and has stood uncompleted for 75 years, has been completely gutted in the largest restoration project in Rhode Island history. Having opened in June 2007, it now hosts 274 guest rooms, a restaurant, and a lounge, and preserves the original historic 1929 facade.
The Residences at the Westin
Being constructed in the space next to the city's existing Westin Hotel is an additional 31-story tower that will add 200 rooms to the existing 364 rooms (making the Westin the largest hotel in Rhode Island with 564 guest rooms) as well as 103 new luxury condominiums. As of April 21, 2007, the buildings skeleton was complete and most of the cladding was done. The building is now the 3rd tallest building in the city and the state, though not yet habitable.
OneTen
What had been planned as a 40-story 520-foot "OneTen" (at right) (110 Westminster Street) containing condominiums and a W Hotel, and would have been the new tallest for Providence was cancelled due to a soft housing market, though a 22-story building is likely to fill the spot.
Holiday Inn/Hilton
The Procaccianti Group has renovated the Holiday Inn and turned it into a Hilton as of January 29th, 2007.
The Empire at Broadway
The Procaccianti Group is also in the preliminary stages of its planning for a 22-story office tower at the current disused fire/police station. Featuring a 522 space parking garage and 496,000 ft2 of retail space, the Empire at Broadway will stand as the tallest office tower in Providence. As of December 13, 2006, the Procaccianti Group secured preliminary permission to demolish the existing building.
Dunkin' Donuts Center
Having recently been purchased by the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority, the Dunkin' Donuts Center is in the midst of a $62 million renovation. In addition to modernizing the appearance of the building, the project will add twenty luxury boxes as well as connect it to the neighboring Rhode Island Convention Center. The state wants to use the combined complex to facilitate larger meetings and conventions.
InterContinental Providence
Carpionato Properties has recently been chosen to build a 17-story high-rise in Kennedy Plaza. The building will consist of an InterContinental Hotel, condominiums, and a retail center. It is expected to begin construction in late 2007.
Others
The Jefferson condos, now known as the 903, behind Providence Place mall are a recently completed addition to the Providence condominium market. The Foundry, the former plant of Brown and Sharpe, has also become a site for new lofts, created out of the historically preserved mill. In addition, Struever Bros, Eccles and Rouse of Baltimore, which has already redeveloped several mill complexes in Providence and nearby West Warwick, has launched two large mixed-use projects. The first is a $330 million development called ALCO along the Woonasquatucket River. This development reuses a number of historic industrial buildings associated with the American Locomotive Company and Nicholson File. The same firm is also developing the $135 million Dynamo House project on the Providence River, which involves rehabbing an early 20th-century power plant.
See also
- List of tallest buildings in Providence