Party Inside the Superman Building at the Providence Preservation Society’s Annual Winter Bash

Photography by Myke Yeager

Don’t be late for this very important date! The Providence Preservation Society (PPS) has scheduled its nineteenth-annual Winter Bash for Saturday, March 4, from 7:30–11:30 p.m. at the Industrial Trust Building, a.k.a. the Superman Building to most locals. And what is a five-time Best of Rhode Island award-winning party without a good theme? That night, the society will encourage attendees to don their best whimsical tea-party attire to coincide with the party’s “Through the Looking Glass” aesthetic, which is based on the Lewis Carroll-penned Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland sequel of the same name.

Photography by Myke Yeager

Traditionally, PPS — which advocates for historic preservation, thoughtful design and people centered planning in the city — changes the location of the popular social event each year in order to highlight the potential of historic sites that are in transition. Between its frequent appearance (read: nine times) on the PPS’s annual Most Endangered Properties list and the recently announced plans to convert the building into residential apartments, one could argue that no other venue better fits the bill than the Superman Building.

“This iconic Providence venue will be transformed into a magical wonderland filled with luscious scenery, stunning performances and fabulous costumes,” says event co-chairs Kristin Walcott-Matthews and Jess Powers. “Indulge in an evening of decadent dancing, succulent savories, and sweet treats from Rhode Island restaurants.”

The two are no strangers to local event planning world. Walcott-Matthews credits include former bakery owner, theatrical costume designer and operations manager for the Providence Children’s Film Festival, while Powers is a fixture on the local music scene (both solo and in the groups Route .44 and Cowboy and Lady). They’re sure to throw a fun and memorable evening worthy of the 400-500 attendees the event typically attracts.

“This is our most important event each year because it encourages the general public to engage with historic spaces in fun and unique ways,” says Brent Runyon, Executive Director of PPS. “With two incredibly creative people leading the effort and a wonderful host committee of dedicated volunteers, I’m confident that the Winter Bash will once again be the party of the year.”

Services will be provided by Briggs Nursery, DJ Ephraim Adamz, Uniquely Chic Events, WRIK Entertainment, and other performers and photographers. In-kind donations are provided by Bottles, McLaughlin and Moran, the Avery and various local restaurants. Sponsors include DarrowEverett LLP, High Rock Westminster Street, LLC, Providence Tourism Council, Waldorf Capital Management LLC, Ann Laquerre and David Franklin, Parsons Capital Management, Polacek Center for Plastic Surgery, Artpack Services, Inc., Martha and Oliver Bennett, Bluestone Bank, and TRAC Builders, as well as Bank of America, DBWV Architects, Duffy and Sweeney, Ltd., Red House Design Build, Gilbane and Withum.

Proceeds from the event support the Providence Preservation Society’s historic preservation advocacy and education work. Ticket prices are $65 for general admission and $130 for VIP. VIP ticket-holders will gain access to the Queen of Hearts’ Salon with plush seating, bottomless bubbles, exclusive entertainment and gourmet treats. Tickets can be purchased at pvdpreservation.org/bash.

Photography by Myke Yeager