The Cranes Come to Providence

A couple of cranes have taken up residence downtown, and construction sites have peppered the area. Some of these projects point towards growth – new jobs, expanding downtown hotel options, the much anticipated pedestrian bridge – while others have shown signs of delay.

Station Row
The Station Row project celebrated a topping off ceremony in December. The 260,000-square-foot development, consisting of 169 residential units, is within walking distance of the train station and will incentivize commuters who work in Boston to either remain in or relocate to Providence. The project is expected to be completed by the fall and is noted for being the first project built with approved Rebuild RI tax credits.

Hilton Homewood Suites
Ground was broken in October on this $30 million Hilton hotel near Burnside Park. Bringing in 120 fully applianced suites, the project is expected to create more than 200 construction and permanent jobs and aims for a May 2018 completion date.

Marriott Residence Inn/Fogarty Building
The Fogarty Building, once a downtown icon of the Brutalist style of architecture, was demolished last May after succumbing to blight. The plan was for a 176-room Marriott Residence Inn to go up in its place. Plans there have stalled, as the developers have asked for a 12-month extension.

169 Canal Street
The crane at the base of College Hill marks the site of a mixed use commercial and residential space on a former parking lot. Construction began in late summer on the $56 million project. As per a city council approved tax stabilization deal, the developers are required to “pursue contacts” with women and minority business owners, as well as buy materials from local vendors.