Rendering of the new Residence Inn by Marriott. Photo Credit: Vision 3 Architects
Upon final demolition of the Fogarty building in Downtown Providence, construction of a new nine-story hotel has begun. Owner of the property, Procaccianti Companies, Inc., says they bought the vacant City-owned half-acre property about a decade ago due to its central location.
“Our Firm’s six decades of experience in the Providence real estate market provides a unique perspective of where concentrated growth will occur in the Capital City,” said Michael A. Voccola, Corporate Vice President of Procaccianti Companies, Inc. “We recognized about a decade ago that Providence was positioned for a post-recession economic surge and this then-dormant site located in the heart of the Convention Center District – regardless of its use – would be an integral part in revitalizing this highly visible area of the City.”
The location, opposite the Rhode Island Convention Center and nearby the Dunkin’ Donuts Center and other hotels, is situated right off I-95 allowing for ease of access for those traveling to the Creative Capital.
“With new out of state companies moving downtown and the state’s economic growth initiatives fueling business travel, and strong leisure demand drivers like Waterfire and the City’s vibrant restaurant, cultural and educational scenes, it’s no surprise that the need for more hotels in Providence has grown,” said Voccola. “The key to successful hotel development is delivering the right hotel brand that fills a void in the City’s hotel inventory. Realizing there were no premium-branded, upscale extended stay hotels downtown, we selected a Residence Inn by Marriott as the most appropriate hotel brand.”
The new 19,380 square foot, high-rose hotel will be comprised of 176 rooms. It will include a fitness center, small meeting rooms, Wi-Fi areas, a spacious ‘socially inspired’ lobby, valet parking and ample off-street parking. It also includes an attached, single-story retail space ideal for a restaurant use.
“Given its close proximity to the Convention Center, we’ve received multiple inquiries from high-end restaurants and retailers interested in the space,” said Voccola.
The team, made up of AVID Engineers, DiPrete Engineering, Gilbane Building Company, and Vision 3 Architects, is currently finalizing exterior foundation walls and pilings with vertical construction set to commence within the next 30 days. The hotel’s exterior has been designed to aesthetically fit the fabric of the surrounding area.
“This redevelopment is very exciting,” said Jason Clough, Senior Project Engineer/Project Manager at DiPrete Engineering. “With the growing demand for lodging in Providence, this new Residence Inn is a great brand in a prime location that will be highly attractive to both leisure and business travelers.”
The Residence Inn by Marriott is projected to open by spring of 2019.
