Downtown Providence, The Renaissance City

Providence's Downtown is known to many as "Down City". It is a city that has a history of Reinventing itself, and much lore surrounds the Buddy Cianci days, but what is known as Downtown Providence was actually once a swampy area located between the Providence River and the Great Salt Cove. Beginning early 1800's, business activity in Providence started to move Westward, away from College Hill, to what is now known as Downcity.

Providence became the commercial capital of the state following Newport's long British occupation during the Revolution.  The commercial interests of Providence started in the Maritime Trade, and following the embargo of 1807 and the war of 1812, ultimately switched to manufacturing.  In fact, the Industrial Revolution in the United States was begun at nearby Slater Mill in Pawtucket, financed with the growing wealth of Providence industrialists.  Providence quickly established itself as an important and growing economic center the addition of the railroad lines in the 1840's did much to reinforce the importance of the city as a vibrant commercial center. Throughout the Civil War, Providence enjoyed expansion by supplying the Union with weapons, uniforms, and tents.  For almost a, Providence continued to thrive and grow.  Beginning in the mid-1920's, industrial Providence began to slow down and the city began to suffer.

In the 1970's, a young and controversial new mayor, Buddy Cianci made historic preservation a priority and high-profile activity by restoring City Hall.  I twas under his leadership that the "Chinese Wall" of the 1890's railroad that separated downtown from the State House was removed, and with the River Relocation Project of the early 1990's, the downtown waterfront was claimed and put to better use for the community.

The Downtown area of Providence is now a vibrant, diverse, beautiful and exciting place to live.  It is the on-going focus of developers, retailers and business leaders.  Many new condominiums projects, like the Westin, Waterplace Park and Capital Cove have recently been developed. Under the leadership of developer Buff Chace, we have seen sucessful residential conversion projects such as the Alice Building. The arts and entertainment district are growing with venues as Trinity Rep, Providence Preforming Arts Center, and the Philharmonic.  World Class restaurants are everywhere.  The Rhode Island School of Design has recently expanded its presence in Downtown by relocating its library, retail shop and some dormatories to the Financial District just across from its campus at the base of College Hill.

Downtown Providence has traditionally distinguished itself into three functional areas, the financial district, the retail district, and and Kennedy Plaza, where City Hall is located. The financial district is home to banks, brokerages and insurance companies and is located south of Kennedy Plaza and east of Dorrance Street.  The retail district, which used to house large department stores and is now the focus of much of the re-development of Downtown with the addition of loft spaces and new retail establishments on Westminster Streets.  Kennedy Plaza is home to City Hall and the Providence Biltmore Hotel.  The Statehouse, perhaps the city's most grand public space is located up the Hill from the Providence Place Mall and near the Amtrak Station.

Homes and Condos for Sale in Downtown Providence

The Residences at the Westin, located across the street from the Providence Place Mall, offer the very best of downtown Providence condominium living.  From the Residential tower, you have panoramic views of the Narragansett Bay and the East Side of Providence and the Financial District.  What makes this project unique is the amenities of a 4 start hotel, such as 24 hour concierge, housekeeping services, room service, security, and event planning. The Westin's location has direct connections to the Dunkin Donuts Center and the Providence Place Mall.  Many people consider living in this condo, a perfect Pied-a-Terre for a second home in the city or the ultimate in luxury year-round living. Highly Recommended.

Capitol Cove is a brand new condominium project located on the Riverwalk, famous for "WaterFire".  With convenient access to numerous award winning restaurants, popular museums/exhibits, live entertainment, first-rate universities, great shopping and so much more, Capitol Cove offers a unique contrast of city and suburbia. There are 96 homes at Capitol Cove, ranging from 1 bedroom to 3 bedroom single and multi level homes.  All homes come with an indoor parking space in a heated two level secured garage underneath the building. Just a short walk from the train station, Capital Cove is perfect for those who work in Boston but want the benefits of what Providence has to offer. UPDATE - THIS PROJECT HAS NOW BEEN RENTED OUT FOR A SEVERAL YEAR PERIOD AND WILL NOT BE FOR SALE. 

Waterplace Park located in the heart of Providence in Waterplace Park, Waterplace Luxury Residences offer residents the best of downtown city living.  The project consists of 193 units which range in size and style from 1 bedroom condominums to multilevel townhouses and Penthouses.  Waterplace also features underground garage parking, concierge services, private fitness facility and a 14th floor Terrace and event room.