Post-pandemic vacancies, optimism abound in downtown Providence

Marc Larocque

08/13/2021

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES ON WESTMINSTER and Weybosset streets in downtown Providence remained empty during the summer of 2021. Vacancies at several downtown properties have been prolonged and, in at least one case, prompted by the pandemic, as a result of work stoppages and shutdowns, according to several downtown real estate investors. PBN PHOTO/MARC LAROCQUE — COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES ON WESTMINSTER and Weybosset streets in downtown Providence remained empty during the summer of 2021. Vacancies at several downtown properties have been prolonged and, in at least one case, prompted by the pandemic, as a result of work stoppages and shutdowns, according to several downtown real estate investors. / PBN PHOTO/MARC LAROCQUE

PROVIDENCE – Sign, sign, everywhere a sign: “Retail opportunity,” says one. “Prime retail space for lease,” another. “Available now.” There’s plenty of prime storefront space available for restaurants and retail in downtown Providence. And there’s also plenty of optimism among investors about the potential for downtown development, with the arrival of a couple new promising…