Providence Place remains on schedule.
That’s the word coming from the developers of the $450 million project.
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“With absolute certainty the vast majority of the elements of the mall will be open at the grand opening – including the parking garage,” said Michael Doyle, a spokesman for Commonwealth Development Group.
Doyle understands the questions – he’s been getting them frequently. Passers-by are looking at the massive construction site and wondering; ‘How will it ever be done by August.’
Plans are under way for a gala celebration on Aug. 16 and the grand opening remains on schedule for Aug. 18, Doyle said.
According to Doyle, more than 90 percent of the retail space at the mall has been committed and that while it is possible a handful of specialty stores will still be in the finishing stages, the mall’s major tenants and most of its retailers will be open for business Aug. 18.
Doyle believes the parking garage section of the mall – clearly visible from the highway – is misleading, in that it appears to be far from complete. But the garage, said Doyle, is probably the simplest section of the project to complete and is, in fact, on schedule.
“I talk to the developers,” said Doyle. “And they’re adamant. At the end of this month, the steel work will be done for all retail sections of the mall.”
Robin Reibel, a spokesperson for Filene’s, said Filene’s – which will anchor Providence Place, along with Lord & Taylor and Nordstrom – expects to be up and running in August.
“That is still our expectation,” said Reibel. “I have no information to the contrary.”
Jim Miller, owner of Fire & Ice, a Cambridge restaurant that is in the process of opening at Copley Square in Boston and at Providence Place, also said that everything is on schedule.
We’re doing some design work now,” Miller said.
Miller is especially excited about bringing his restaurant to Providence.
“We have a gigantic signature – a 30-foot grill in the middle of the restaurant,” said Miller. “The concept is very innovative. It’s about as innovative as there is out there.”
