If you’ve never been to Warwick’s historic Pontiac Mills, located off Route 5, across from the Warwick Mall, you’re missing one of Rhode Island’s most unique shopping experiences.
Warwick’s only textile mill, Pontiac Mills was built in the early 1800’s. In 1863 President Lincoln dedicated the bell in the tower, which is the focal point of the complex. Over 100 years ago workers were making cloth there for the Fruit of the Loom Complex. Today, the site includes a unique blend of artisans, studios, antique shops, sculptors, art dealers, and boutique galleries, each specializing in handmade, one-of-a-kind merchandise.
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“Pontiac Mills is one of Rhode Island’s best kept secrets,” says Florence Nelson, the complex’s general manager. “But it won’t be that way for long if the proposed renovations are implemented. When that happens, Pontiac Mills will become one of the most attractive commercial sites in Rhode Island.”
Lincoln Capital & Trust, a Boston-based commercial real estate development firm, plans to invest $40 million in the 150-year-old former industrial complex in order to transform the site into a park-like setting where residents may one day live, work, and enjoy the scenic view of the Pawtuxet River. The commercial real estate firm has formed a partnership with the mill’s owners to develop the property. The Pontiac Mills Limited Liability Corporation recently presented its plans to the Pontiac Village Association, which received the plans well.
Lincoln Capital’s plans are sweeping. The group wants to buy a 20-acre parcel of land just east of the mill for parking and to build an 80-to-100 room “boutique” hotel in place of the metal building now occupied by Builders Surplus. The existing buildings would house specialty shops, plus some apartments, upscale restaurants, and offices.
The developers also envision making a number of aesthetic improvements to the property including restoring the Pawtuxet River footbridge. In addition, they plan to thin out the woods on the other side of the river that buffer the mill from the Greenwich Village Apartment complex to create a walkway, picnic area, and canoe launch.
“We are encouraged by everyone’s enthusiasm for the project,” says Lincoln Chafee, Warwick’s Mayor. “We hope other individuals will come forward with similar plans to revitalize our City and help align Warwick’s future with its proud past.”
However, before there is a ground breaking on this project several issues need to be resolved:
The industrial complex needs improvements made to the deteriorating roofs, windows, and heating systems, taking into account that the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Traffic must be re-routed to serve the complex’s needs as well as those of the Pontiac Village apartments adjacent to it. Lincoln Capital is negotiating presently to secure the zone changes that will allow for a combination of residential and commercial uses on the property, which is currently zoned industrial.
“We’re optimistic about this project, which capitalizes on the property’s European ambiance and its location on the banks of the Pawtuxet River,” says Nelson. “Once the project is completed, the Pontiac Mills will become one of Rhode Island’s premier shopping sites as well as a unique destination point.
