Ever since the first shovel hit the ground, the prevailing theory among opponents of Providence Place has been that the mall will be good for itself, and the immediate area surrounding it.
But the city’s core — where Washington, Westminster and Weybosset Streets have for years given birth to one vacancy after another – would not reap the benefits.
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Such malls, said the skeptics, are designed to draw consumers in and provide all they need, so that there is simply no reason to venture outside.
The optimists have long countered that a revitalized capital city – anchored by a state-of-the-art mall and entertainment center — can only help the overall economic landscape.
In the case of The Dress Barn, a New York-based women’s clothing retailer, score one for the optimists.
On Thursday, April 29, The Dress Barn will open at 90 Westminster St., on the ground floor of The Dorrance Building. The store will occupy space formerly home to a Blimpie sandwich shop, which is scheduled to expand and reopen next door as Blimpie & Chowderhead’s Seafood.
Armand Correia, senior vice president and chief financial officer at The Dress Barn, Inc., based in Suffern, New York, said the company expects the location to be a profitable one.
”We’ve been looking at Providence right along,” said Correia. “We think the Providence retail market has been revitalized. We’ve been looking for an ideal site in Providence for a couple of years.”
The optimists now hope that in a couple of years, people will remember The Dress Barn as being one of dozens of retailers who were lured to the city in part by the arrival of Providence Place.
Restaurateur Robert I. Burke has warmed to the idea of Providence Place.
He is starting to see the mall – and the restaurants that will come with it — as a healthy dose of competition.
Burke and his wife Ann own Pot Au Feu, on Custom House Street and along with Dennis Glass, who owns Meridian Printing in East Greenwich, they own Federal Reserve on Dorrance Street. Pot Au Feu remains one of the most popular restaurants in the region. Burke opened Federal Reserve two years ago hoping it would captivate downtown’s lunch crowd. He may have been ahead of a curve. Last May he closed the restaurant, only to unveil plans this past week to reopen Federal Reserve. Now, he describes it as “the Newport Mansions come to Providence for special events.”
Burke will use the 300-seat restaurant to cater to special functions.
”This offers something way beyond the traditional concept,” Burke said.
Like the impending arrival of The Dress Barn, Burke’s decision to reopen Federal Reserve is significant. He could have given up on the historic building. But he remains convinced that downtown – the core downtown, away from the shadow of Providence Place — is on the cusp of greatness.
”The mall’s reason for being was to revitalize the downtown district,” said Burke.
”While there are those who may have forgotten that – I don’t think that has been forgotten by Buddy Cianci. He has kept his eye on the ball.”
Burke sees the ribbon cutting for Providence Place – scheduled for late this summer – not as a finish line, but a starting point. He hopes others will see it the same way.
”The next level for downtown is when it is as busy with shoppers, diners, and audience members as the mall is,” said Burke. “As I’ve said before. The real battle for downtown will be won or lost on the three Ws. Washington, Westminster and Weybosset. If we can win on those three streets – and there is every reason to think that we can – than everybody wins.”
Burke sees the pieces falling quickly into place.
”Find me another mall in the country where you can see a Broadway show, or something the caliber of Trinity, or something like the Fleet Skating Rink half a mile away.”
Peter C. Hayes, of Hayes & Sherry, a commercial real estate firm based in Providence, hopes The Dress Barn is the start of good things to come.
”It’s a good starting point to upgrade the quality as you go up Westminster or further down Dorrance towards Johnson & Wales,” said Hayes.
Hayes points out that Dorrance Street, featuring the likes of Charles Schwab, Koch Eye Associates, AlphaGraphics Printshops and a bustling AAA office, is doing quite well. The Dress Barn, he said, adds to that mix.
”The quality and diversity of the stores is increasing,” said Hayes.
Hayes also points out that to the west of Providence Place, Wasserman Associates of Providence is moving forward with plans for a major retail development.
Laurie White, vice president of operations at the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, said the high occupancy rate among downtown office buildings is catching the attention of retailers.
“The high level of occupancy downtown is creating a demand for retail,” she said. “The mall is targeted to be a regional attraction, drawing shoppers from all over. But we continue to need services downtown.”
Stanley Weiss, who owns several downtown properties and has been outspoken in calling for the needs of downtown to be addressed, was not at all surprised to hear that The Dress Barn was investing in the city.
”The Hit & Miss on Weybosset Street is one of their best in New England for sales,” he said. “Why wouldn’t someone else want to take part in that”
Weiss thinks specialty retailers could emerge as a result of the mall. But, he said, the mall alone will not solve the ills of the inner city.
What will? Parking, said Weiss.
”In order for any venues to be successful downtown, you have to have a municipal parking garage,” Weiss said.
Correia looks at Providence and sees pedestrian traffic. He also sees more women professionals than ever before. It’s the formula for the company’s success. The Dress Barn avoids being in malls, but doesn’t mind being near them. It is a formula that has worked for companies such as Toys R Us.
“We think there is a good core of professional women in the Providence market,” Correia said. “We’re confident the store will do well.”
Burke is also confident. He’s confident about Federal Reserve. He’s confident that parking will improve. He’s confident about all that is Providence. He’s even getting used to the idea of Providence Place.
”With every shark there are pilot whales that swim,” Burke said. “That mall is a Great White. And around a Great White you always see a school of pilot fish.”
