Chestnut Commons completed in the Jewelry District
Since the first coronavirus case was reported in Rhode Island on March 1, Providence has suffered through a global pandemic, a shutdown of the Rhode Island economy, and a complete reexamination of racism in the United States — all in less than 150 days.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
