It’s been years since Brown University and other schools began spreading into downtown Providence and the Jewelry District, but still, the news this October was big.
In a deal that could have repercussions for many years, Brown announced it would buy seven properties in the Jewelry District from Belvoir Properties, the developer/property manager that transformed much of the neighborhood from factories into prime commercial space.
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Brown officials wouldn’t disclose the buying price until after the closing, which is slated for early this year, but they did say it’s the university’s largest acquisition to date.
The properties, which include the landmark One Davol Square, small and large office buildings, a 400-car parking garage, and the home of the R.I. Department of Business Regulation, will add to Brown’s already substantial presence in the Jewelry District.
The university has molecular medicine labs at 70 Ship St., the Coro Center – a collaboration with Lifespan – plus The Education Alliance offices at 222 Richmond St., an information services office at 3 Davol Square and development offices on Elm Street.
The new acquisitions are now occupied by business, nonprofit and government tenants. Brown has not disclosed any new plans for the space yet.
— Nicole Dionne
