In a City Hall news conference with Mayor David Cicilline, Granoff Associates of Providence and BlueChip Properties of Boston unveiled plans for ‘One Ten Westminster,’ a $90 million project to build an estimated 130 new ‘City Homes’ in the heart of Providence’s Downcity historic district.

No Subsidies

The tower will abut the historic Turk’s Head Building on the East, and will be built on a site flanked by Weybosset Street, Westminster Street and The Arcade building, which links the two streets and which will connect with the new tower.

The developers said the tower is being built without any city or state subsidies, and entirely within current Downcity planning and zoning regulations.

When completed, One Ten Westminster will be the tallest residential structure in Rhode Island. The luxury condominiums will range from 900 sq. ft. to more than 3,500 sq. ft., and are expected to sell for between $500,000 and $2.5 million.

The building has been designed by Cambridge Seven Associates of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Dimeo Construction of Providence has provided pre-construction services. Hayes & Sherry has provided brokerage services and Residential Properties has been selected as the exclusive sales agent.

Cicilline Enthusiastic

“I am very excited about Granoff Associates and BlueChip Properties’ plans to develop a 32-story residential tower in our financial district,” said Providence Mayor David Cicilline.

“As we continue to attract new development and expand our tax base, Providence has been successful integrating corporate and institutional real estate while preserving the historic character of our great city.

“This is an exciting time for Providence when our downtown is transforming into a neighborhood, and our neighborhoods are becoming local economic engines. This project will bring more people to the City’s streets, every day and every night. These new residents will be invested in Providence, and have a reason to contribute to its vitality.

“This is a landmark undertaking, and I congratulate Granoff Associates and BlueChip Properties for their foresight and confidence in Providence. The City is clearly improved with this project,” said Cicilline.

Tower Complements Character AND Economic Activity

Evan Granoff, a partner in Granoff Associates, the real estate development and management firm that currently owns the parcel on which One Ten Westminster will sit, said the tower will be “a wonderful addition to the Downcity district.”

Granoff was recently elected chairman of the newly-formed Downtown Providence District Management Authority.

“The challenge for historic downtowns everywhere in the world has been to keep their character and a high level economic activity. I am very aware of this, because it is a balance I deal with every day of my working life.

“Without resorting to demolition of any large tracts of urban Providence, we have been able to achieve something very unusual: assemble a parcel of land in the heart of Downtown with a footprint large enough to site a project of this magnitude, and do it all within existing planning and zoning requirements.

“This will be a magnificent new landmark for Providence, abutting two of the most architecturally-significant buildings in the city, and surrounded by a magnificent historic district. Each will contribute positively to the other, and we believe that will be a major attraction both for those who chose One Ten Westminster as a place to live, as well as those who work or walk nearby,” he said.

World-Class Development

Lloyd Granoff, a Granoff principal who has served as chairman of the Providence Public Buildings Authority for the past 12 years, said the group had foremost focused on a development that would set Providence apart.

“Our firm has succeeded in re-developing the Turk’s Head and the Union Trust Building. Both of these are Providence landmarks.

“We set out as a matter of principle to establish One Ten Westminster as a new Providence landmark. In this regard, our selection of Cambridge Seven Associates was a carefully considered decision because they understood this goal and had a record that showed they could contribute to this objective,” Granoff said.

“One Ten will not be just another development, but a piece of notable architecture, a landmark, and a centerpiece Providence can point to and be proud of. This will be a building that Providence deserves, and one that complements the character of this important Providence neighborhood.

“Providence’s Renaissance has paved the way, and we appreciate the support we have received from City officials and the community. It has been this support and encouragement that has given us the confidence to move forward with this grand initiative.

“It will clearly change the Providence skyline, and we believe for the better,” Granoff said.

First Permits To Be Filed March 1

Eamon O’Marah, a graduate of RISD and Managing Partner of BlueChip Properties, said that further details regarding building design, floor layout and residential amenities were in development, and would be announced shortly.

“Studies we have commissioned document a high level of pent-up demand for luxury housing in downtown Providence, and we have in this building responded to buyer demands for space and interior design. And this site is ideal in terms of access, neighborhood amenities, and the opportunity for great height and great views.

“Unit sales are already being discussed, and based on the response to date, we expect steady pre-construction sales. This project is absolutely unique in Providence: top-quality city homes, in the center of the City’s historic district, within walking distance to all of the City’s attractions, and with unparalleled views of the City and Narragansett Bay.

“We expect to break ground by year’s end, and have construction completed by late 2007. A great deal of time and effort is being put into construction planning, to minimize the impact of construction on the Downcity neighborhood. There will be some inconveniences, to be sure, but we are working hard to keep them to a minimum,” O’Marah said.

Architectural Features

The building will be of cast-stone and glass curtain wall construction. Most of the building’s units will have some facing to the East or Southeast, ensuring a steady stream of sunlight into the building year-round. The East/Southeast façade of the building will be almost entirely glass above the seventh floor, while below the seventh floor, natural stone and street- and podium-level setbacks will help complement adjoining structures.

The existing brick façade of 35 Weybosset Street will be preserved and incorporated into the new building as the entrance to a ground-level, 7,500 Sq. ft. indoor groceria and market café, and some 650 sq. ft. of outdoor dining area will be provided on the Weybosset Street side. The Weybosset Street side will also feature an off-street loading area to be shared by One Ten Westminster, the Turks Head Building and The Arcade, a facility which has been unavailable until now.

The Westminster Street side of the building will be the main entrance to the tower residences, and provide resident access to the parking garage above. Private parking for tower residents will be provided on levels 2-6. The seventh floor of the podium will be devoted to a furnished fitness facility, resident’s lounge with full kitchen, and an 11,000 sq. ft. outdoor garden.

Tower residences are planned for floors eight to 32. Lower levels will accommodate five to six individual residences each, mid-levels four units, with the top four floors featuring two-story duplex condominiums.

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