City looks to public to name building

PROVIDENCE – City officials are moving into 444 Westminster St. but there’s one thing missing: a name for the office building.
Last week, the city of Providence put out a call asking the public to suggest a name for the building that will house the departments of Planning and Development, Inspection and Standards, Workforce Solutions and Information Technology, among others. The city says it wants to recognize an “individual who has made a substantial contribution to the capital city.”
Mayor Angel Taveras will accept suggestions until July 24 and unveil the name during a ribbon cutting on a yet-to-be-announced date.
The brick edifice on the edge of the city’s Jewelry District once housed Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island. The health insurer left when it opened its new downtown headquarters in 2009. The building is owned by Paolino Properties, which secured a 25-year lease with the city.
Nominations should be no longer than one page and should specify why the nominee qualifies. To submit, email Yvette Jaquez at yjaquez@providenceri.com.