Someone is Finally Saving the Superman Building
The newly announced $220 million historic rehabilitation project would see the iconic tower become home to 285 residential units, an event space and a community/non-profit facility.
Photograph by @filmmakerdave
Someone (make that quite a few someones) has finally seen past the bumbling Clark Kent facade and recognized the full potential of the Superman Building.
For those who need a quick catchup, the long-dormant Superman Building, also known (by very few) as the Industrial Trust Building, is the Creative Capital’s tallest skyscraper and can be seen for miles while driving towards the city on 95 from either direction. The height paired with its distinctive Art Deco design easily makes it the most recognizable silhouette in a Providence cityscape rendering. First built in 1928, the historic building earned its nickname from (sadly untrue) rumors that its unique structure directly inspired the look for the Superman comics’ Daily Planet headquarters.
And like the eponymous character himself, the building has earned itself quite the fanbase, including a fan account dedicated to tracking its nightly “lit” status.
There have been many calls to “Save Superman” since Bank of America vacated the premises in 2013 (see what it’s been up to in the years since here), but no one has stepped up until now. Devoid of a cape or tights, Governor Dan McKee, along with High Rock Development, the Rhode Island Foundation, the City of Providence and other local and federal leaders, announced plans for the historic rehabilitation of 111 Westminster in a press conference on Tuesday.
Ahead of the announcement, Rhode Islanders were asking the important questions.
And many were excited for what was to come.
The anticipation was certainly warranted. The conference—which took place exactly nine years to the day when the Superman Building first succumbed to its version of Kryptonite—presented plans for a $220 million conversion of the iconic building into 285 residential apartments, 8,000 square feet of commercial office space, and a mix of retail, event and community uses. 20 percent of the apartments will be dedicated to affordable housing, and High Rock Capital shared that they have also committed to making a charitable contribution of $500,000 to Crossroads Rhode Island over a ten-year period following the completion of the project. In addition to bringing in new residents and business to the downtown area, local leaders are also looking forward to the development’s creation of nearly 1,600 construction jobs over the next couple years. Demolition is set to begin within the next six months.
Photograph by @filmmakerdave
“To many Rhode Islanders, the ‘Superman Building’ stood as a symbol of opportunity and hope,” Lt. Governor Sabina Matos said at the conference. “Which is why it’s so appropriate that we are making this announcement now as our local economy recovers, as we double down on our commitment to address our housing crisis, and as our state continues to build momentum. Our beloved ‘Superman Building’ will shine bright once again in our capital’s skyline and remind us all of what’s possible when stakeholders work collaboratively and creatively to address longstanding issues.”
The reactions have been largely positive and welcoming to the Superman Building’s new purpose.
And I, for one, can’t wait to have a definitive answer when visitors ask what that big building is for on the way into the city.
