Here is What Got Built, Closed and Changed in Providence During Pandemic
GoLocalProv News Team
Here is What Got Built, Closed and Changed in Providence During Pandemic
But, everything did not stop in Providence. Buildings were built, new businesses opened, and sadly — a number of well-known establishments could not sustain the impacts of the virus.
Providence has changed. As GoLocal wrote on Monday, two of the biggest projects — construction of the Fane Tower and any chance to rehab the decaying Superman building are now unlikely — in the near future, or maybe at all.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTWhat has developed is a series of projects coming online or starting development that will transform the city landscape for decades.
With PPAC and the Dunk closed, visits to the city have declined dramatically.
As many have not been back to Providence in months -- GoLocal has identified some of the transformations.
SEE SLIDES BELOW OF THE DEVELOPMENTS AND TRANSFORMATIONS
Here is What Got Built, Closed and Changed in Providence During the Pandemic
Garrahy Courthouse Parking Garage
A project that has been decades in development, the parking garage adjacent to the Garrahy Courthouse downtown is finally completed.
The multi-story garage is shockingly more attractive than the average garage. It was designed to have retail on the first floor, but leasing those spaces may be more complex during the pandemic or post-pandemic world.
Federal Hill Fountain Repaired
After more than two years of disrepair, suffering through car crashes and Providence incompetence, the fountain located at DePasquale Square is finally functioning.
It is a much-needed bright spot as restaurants bring diners back to the Hill.
Graduate Hotel (formerly the Biltmore) Closed
The historic Providence hotel is not only closed during the pandemic, but has also become a sleeping spot for the homeless.
The entrance to the vacant restaurant space -- directly across from Providence City Hall -- has been used by the homeless on a daily basis for weeks.
The Graduate is not the only Providence closed - the Omni Hotel is also closed.
Wexford Hotel Construction
The State of Rhode Island has invested more than $50 million in incentives into the Wexford Building and the adjacent hotel on the former I-195 land.
The hotel has broken ground and the steel is going up.
The Wexford innovation center has reopened, but the building's shared office space model faces an unknown future in a pandemic world.
Brown Lacrosse and Soccer Complex Completed
The state-of-the-art Brown University $25 million athletic facility is now complete.
When Announced in 2019:
The new facility will consist of 22,500 square feet and three stories
It will include dedicated team locker rooms, a training room, head, and assistant coaches' offices and team meeting spaces.
"Over the last few years, as our sport and coaching staff have expanded, we've certainly outgrown our current space. To have a much more functional area where our coaches can meet with players and recruits — that's going to have a huge impact on everything from game-planning to recruiting to day-to-day operations within our program,” said Brown lacrosse coach Mike Daly.
Spectators will enjoy an expansive, modern grandstand, a new scoreboard as well as concessions and restrooms located on a concourse level.
The building will have event space for gameday hosting and team gatherings, and players will have direct access between the center and the field through a tunnel.
1290 Westminster Apartments to Open in August
1290 is a brand new apartment complex in the historic West End/Armory neighborhood of Providence.
The property is located adjacent to Dexter park, walking distance to restaurants and cafes, and a short distance from downtown Providence.
It is now leasing.
Aquarium Shop Gone -- New Residential and Retail Almost Complete
The retail aquarium store which was a mainstay on Wickenden Street in Fox Point was closed in 2019. And, the building was demolished.
The building was hard to miss — the street level of the oversized retail and residential structure that was built in 1910 was painted with an aquarium mural.
Today, there is a new structure -- residential and retail.
Chestnut Commons is Complete and Leasing
Providence’s new apartment complex in the jewelry district features 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units.
There are multiple rooftop decks, a fitness center including a yoga and spin studio, and city skyline views.
New Brown University Wellness and Residence Hall Venue
The massive wellness building is under non-stop construction. The building is located on Brook Street - one block over from Thayer Street.
To clear the site, more than a half-dozen historic homes were demolished.
Closures
An ever-growing number of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars have shuttered.
From Nick's on Westminster to Bravo to Luxe Burger and more, many of Providence's mainstays have not survived the pandemic.
Milk Money is being forced to relocate. Retailers on Thayer Street have closed. And even one of the prime Dunkin' locations is gone.
