Recent construction projects in Providence

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Providence's existing skyline seen with condominium construction in foreground

The Providence Renaissance has caused a spurt of new development in Providence. Most of these 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 tallest building, a new corporate headquarters, and five 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.

1 GTech World Headquarters
2 Waterplace Towers
3 Capital Cove
4 The Mason Temple Building
5 The Residences at the Westin
6 OneTen
7 Holiday Inn/Hilton
8 The Empire at Broadway
9 Others
10 References

[edit] GTech World Headquarters

The new Gtech headquarters

Gtech is in the final stages of moving its headquarters (at right) to downtown Providence. Due to be completed in 2006, the 10-story 210,000 square foot (19,500 m²) building will contain about 500 people.^[1]

[edit] Waterplace Towers

Main article: Waterplace

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.^[2] Construction has finished the steel skeletons up to the 17th floor as of November 25, 2006.

Rendering of Waterplace Condominiums

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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, is currently being renovated in the largest restoration project in Rhode Island history. When completed in the summer of 2006, it will host 274 guest rooms, a restaurant, and a lounge, and will preserve the original historic 1929 facade.^[3]^[4]

[edit] The Residences at the Westin

Main article: 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.^[5] As of November 24th, 2006, the steel skeleton for the building was completed up to the 27th floor, taller than the neighboring Westin Tower, making it the 3rd tallest structure in the city, though not yet inhabitable.

Computer rendering of OneTen during one of Providence's WaterFire events

[edit] OneTen

Main article: OneTen

Estimated to be ready for occupancy by Fall 2008, the 40-story 520-foot "OneTen" (at right) (110 Westminster Street) will contain condominiums and a W Hotel, and will claim the title of the tallest building in the Providence, supplanting the 26-floor Bank of America building that was finished in 1927.^[6]^[7]

[edit] Holiday Inn/Hilton

The Procaccianti Group is recladding the Holiday Inn and will be turning it into a Hilton.

[edit] The Empire at Broadway

Main article: The Empire at Broadway

Architect's Rendering of 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.^[8]

[edit] Others

The Jefferson condos 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 condos, created out of the historically preserved mill.