PROVIDENCE | Hope Point Tower | 600 FT | 46 FLOORS

[rhuck]

Originally Posted by JManc

I wonder they're referring to the empty lot (across from Superman Building) turned parking lot with the demolished building's old facade still propped up? That's the only building I recall demolished around that area. I think at one time, PVD's tallest was to be built there.

You are correct. They approved that project but IIRC the housing market crash cancelled it just before they were going to start putting equipment in for the piles. The roof height was going to be a modest 433 ft, merely 5 feet higher than the Superman Building, although there was a pinnacle reaching 520 ft.

In other news:

Jason Fane Pitches his Tower to Providence Again

[rhuck]

Fane Tower Moves Forward— Providence City Council Approves Height Variance

It's getting closer to fruition. I think the mayor has the ability to veto the approval, which is feasible, since he's expressed he doesn't like the proposal. If he vetoes it, then the council needs a 75% vote to override, AFAIK.

[rhuck]

Elorza Vetoes Zoning Change for $300M Fane Tower, Future of Project in Peril

The future of this project relies on the city council to override his veto. It'd require 75% of the vote.

[rhuck]

Council Overrides Elorza; $300M Fane Tower Moves Forward

I think this is the last major hurdle before the piles go into the ground.

[urban_encounter]

Beautiful design.


Can’t wait to see photos of it going vertical.

[rhuck]

Originally Posted by urban_encounter

Beautiful design.


Can’t wait to see photos of it going vertical.

I'm still not holding my breath. I feel like anything can happen between now and when they start construction. Some NIMBY groups are threatening to sue to block the override, which I think would only delay the inevitable, but then if the market changes such that the developer decides it's not viable anymore, then we have another hole in the ground.

[rhuck]

Nonprofit group plans legal challenge to Fane tower in Providence

The crux of their legal argument is this constitutes spot zoning. I don't know any of the details of how this is enforced, but it'd be interesting to see what the judge says. If the superior court agrees with the argument, I believe the only resolution that would allow the tower to be built would be to make multiple blocks have the max height pushed up (highly, highly unlikely to be passed).

[rhuck]

Fane Explains his Vision for Hope Point Tower in Downtown Providence

"The building will be the tallest in 5 New England States"

I actually didn't realize that. I thought Hartford had a taller building, but it looks like this is just a few feet taller than Hartford's tallest, reviewing the chart.

[rhuck]

Prov Review Committee Opposes Fane Tower Design—195 Commission to Make Final Decision

I don't know when the 195 Commission will make this final decision. I thought that was the purpose of yesterday's meeting, but I guess not.

[Rhody]

The Design Review committee only makes recommendations, the 195 commission has the final say. Hopefully, this moves forward ASAP. Its a fantastic design.

[Urbannizer]

Positive news.

Committee votes to remove Providence's zoning authority over 195 land

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A Senate committee voted Tuesday in favor of a bill introduced after a public fight over a proposed skyscraper that was almost scuttled by a zoning veto last year.

The Providence City Council ultimately overrode Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza's veto, allowing the maximum height for parcel 42 of the former I-195 land to be raised by hundreds of feet so that New York developer Jason Fane can build the 46-story Hope Point Tower there.

[rhuck]

I'm hoping Fane isn't already discouraged from this and has checked out. I am wondering what will come next.

[Rhody]

Word is this project is still on track for shovels in the ground by 2020. Still need final 195 commission review which should be relatively soon.

[Rhody]

195 Commission reviewed the design last night voting 5-1 in favor of approval. Still a few hurdles left but that was a big one.

https://www.providencejournal.com/ne...mpression=true

[rhuck]

After some anticipation, the developer has finally submitted their tax stabilizing agreement with the city

https://turnto10.com/news/local/fane...ith-providence

[pianowizard]

Providence's current tallest building, Industrial National Bank Building, has been vacant since 2013. Is there really a need for an even taller building?

[rhuck]

Originally Posted by pianowizard

Providence's current tallest building, Industrial National Bank Building, has been vacant since 2013. Is there really a need for an even taller building?

That's a whole other ball of wax. If I understand correctly, the tower needs a lot of repairs and maintenance just to garner any interest from tenants.

I'm all for restoring it to its former glory, but this isn't an either-or thing. As far as I'm concerned, they're two very distinct projects that cater to an entirely different sector.

[Rhody]

While the Superman building is dying a slow death, we all hope to see it revived. At the same time, it shouldn't stop other developments, especially ones of this caliber in this location.

[rhuck]

Originally Posted by Rhody

While the Superman building is dying a slow death, we all hope to see it revived. At the same time, it shouldn't stop other developments, especially ones of this caliber in this location.

Considering the Masonic Temple was rotting between 1930 and 2005-ish before it was revived into a successful hotel, I have some hope.

[Rhody]

https://www.wpri.com/target-12/fane-...-he-pays-249k/