Once Zara and Apple device to leave the mall is done. Those 2 stores are keeping it afloat. Plus there’s a ton of punks that roam around. Better off going to Garden City.

Fogo de Chão is so good, excited to see that empty spot put to use.

level 99 lets goooo

Great point about state tax vs city. Hadn’t thought of that. Love the idea of the Mall returning to a place to just “be” and to shop.

The lack of chains (particularly restaurants) in PVD is very diff than most cities. Would one build a mall like this in 2023? No. But it does bring people and activity to PVD - you can complain about those people but many of them are going to restaurants outside of the mall, etc. Also, walk down Westminster after 5-6 pm and none of those stores are even open. There’s been chatter about converting parts of the mall into residences, for example, which I think is interesting.

The land around the mall is developed. The Jewelry District/195 plots have been sitting vacant for sale for years.

Yet there’s still people complaining about those lots getting developed. One company was trying to build their HQ in one plot by the Shell station/Trader Joes - right off of interstate exits. And residents complained it would bring too much traffic. Yes, let’s run businesses out of PVD because of…traffic.

I wouldn’t say “growth mindset” is Providence’s forte. 🙃

A valid question, and I have no idea what the answer is. But that sales tax goes to the state, not the city, right? So it’s not like we directly benefit from it (unless I’m totally off-base there).

Agree about the mall pivoting to offer more “experiences” – the new Night Shift thing should be cool. Would love to see more food hall-style things, arcades, or event spaces, as opposed to a litany of redundant retailers.

How much would the lack of real estate tax be offset by sales tax on store purchases?

I have no idea what revenue the place generates, but am curious if the City calculates things like that.

Also glad to see more experiences coming like Level 99. Fashion and shopping alone can’t keep Malls going like they used to in the 80s/90s.

I’d argue it isn’t “economic development” if the mall is self-contained and only houses big chains. If anything, that’s taking away business from the smaller shops downtown. Nothing has been built around the mall in the almost 30 years it’s been open. That whole area surrounding the train station is rife for development, but the last buildings to be built went up 15 years ago – 2 office buildings (GTECH and Blue Cross) and 3 residential towers (2 at Waterplace, the other adjacent to the Omni).

If the mall is going to continue taking up valuable real estate and only providing a place for non-residents to easily access right off the highway, park their cars in the garage, and then go right back home without setting foot outside in the city, what’s the point of giving them tax breaks?

It’s not uncommon for cities/states to come to agreements on things that bring economic development. The trade off is obviously either economic impact (I guess a mall bringing people into the city) or solid jobs (a mall has some decent jobs but not exactly a lot of great jobs).

The mall has done a lot for PVD - I’m surprised whenever I’m there how busy it is. Now obviously places like Gap closing has little to do with Prov Place, just that Gap is struggling.

That being said, it always cracks me up how people go after the universities - without them PVD wouldn’t have a lot going for it. They have so many good jobs and bring so much economic impact (ie JWU culinary).

All I got out of this article is that the mall currently pays $500,000 / year in taxes when their bill should be $25,000,000. Makes the PILOT payments universities make look generous in comparison.

Hey asshole

Nick’s for breakfast

Definitely a must! India Point Park.

Drive to East St to near the south end of it and park. Then walk across the pedestrian bridge (has a spectacular view of Providence Harbor) and walk to the right to the Community boathouse, and begin by reading the history plaque there.

Turn around to face east and walk the entire coast of the park reading the 10 or so historical plaques. It's the entire history of Providence, the first colonial settlement in RI.

When you reach the end at Brown Boathouse, circle back just a bit to Narragansett Brewery with outdoor tables, dogs allowed.

Then make your way a couple blocks inland to Ives St. Lots of tiny eateries and cafes there to choose from. From there you'll be a few blocks from your car.

Looks like Sunday will be the better day, weather-wise. Enjoy!

They don't allow dogs to be walked there. Driving around with a dog seems to be okay / gets overlooked though.

You can’t leave your dog at the hotel for dinner?

Narragansett Brewery is dog friendly and walkable from downtown. That’s my positive contribution. 🫠🫠🫠

I didn’t say that it doesn’t suck that they’re dead. I just said I don’t feel too bad for them because they actively chose to try and traumatize other people and do things that were borderline suicidal. Play stupid games win stupid prizes. At least they didn’t kill or maim the driver.

They generally send one via regular Mail, one via Certified. If the ticket numbers match, you’re good - it’s the same ticket.

Chase Farm with the dog!

Not in Providence, but in Coventry. In the Tropical Smoothie parking lot, no less… my 14 year old gets out of the car and blurts out “Dad, those people are fucking!”

Yes, child. Yes, they are.

Take the doggo for a walk in swan point, a sprawling necropolis by the bay on the east side

Everyone is for unions until it costs them a buck.

This puts breweries at parity with wineries and distilleries. They turned an advantage into a thriving industry, now they can play by the same rules.

Don’t like it, lift the rules and everyone can own their distribution.

We deserve this exception because… is not a compelling argument here, especially when OP is warning about how this could gasp lead to sales in gas stations and grocery stores!

Eastside/Downtown:

Food: Dune Brothers** (lunch/dinner outdoor seating only); Aleppo sweets (l/d); Oberlin (d)*, Palo (d)*

Shops: Nostalgia*, Lore, Craftland, Eno Fine wines, Symposium Books, Stages of Freedom bookstore, The Vault

Coffee: Coffee Exchange, Dave's

Sights/Walks: Michael Van Leesten Pedestrian Bridge and river walk**; Benefit Street; Athenaeum; RISD Museum; Providence Public Library; Blackstone Blvd

West End/ Federal Hill:

Food/Beer: Long Live Brewery* (outdoor seating); Slow Rhode* (d, outdoor seating); Pastiche Desserts (amazing cakes and tarts, unfortunately no indoor seating since COVID); Ogie's (weekend brunch, dinner)

Shops: If you're here on a Sunday, the Providence Flea is at 10 Sims and runs from 10-3pm I think. There's also food, coffee, and ice cream in the building which is an indoor market **; White Buffalo, Nest, Frog and Toad*

Coffee and pastries: Seven Stars Bakery

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Southside:

Sights: Roger Williams Park (includes a Botanical Center, and Japanese garden area)

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*Highly suggested

**Must go!

That’s fair. It’s like less than a mile away tho, lol

This, and walk down benefit street. End with food on wickenden or near the pedestrian bridge.

Walk down Westminster, the great downtown street.

Walk down Atwells, our little Italy, and go to Venda market.

The Saturday farmers market on simms Ave is also eventful and there are good breweries next door.