News Summary
Providence is set to welcome a new 74-unit apartment complex on Westminster Street, with plans to transform an existing building into a modern habitat. Spearheaded by WW Holdings LLC, the project aims to address the housing crisis by providing affordable living options amid soaring prices and low inventory. The development will feature mainly studio and one-bedroom units, with added commercial retail spaces, contributing positively to the West End neighborhood’s evolving landscape.
Providence is poised to see a significant increase in housing options with the proposal of a new 74-unit apartment complex on Westminster Street. The redevelopment project, spearheaded by WW Holdings LLC, aims to transform an existing two-story building into a modern three-story complex that spans a total area of 70,000 square feet.
The development will be located at 885 Westminster St. in the West End neighborhood, an area that is currently undergoing a transition. As the city grapples with a housing crisis characterized by soaring prices and low inventory, the introduction of this new complex could provide much-needed relief to residents in search of affordable living options.
The proposed plans, designed by ZDS Architecture & Interior Design, will include mainly studio and one-bedroom units, with seven two-bedroom apartments also integrated into the layout. Most units are intended to be priced at market rate, including a selection of “more premium units.” The development will provide 38 internal parking spaces for residents and a nearly 580-square-foot area dedicated for bike storage. Additionally, the project will feature two commercial retail spaces on the ground level.
A historic aspect of the project is the redevelopment of a building originally constructed in 1910. This site has a long history, previously housing Reliable Jewelry & Loan, a pawn shop, and RJL Gallery, selling antique furniture and vintage art. Both businesses shut their doors in the summer after operating for over a century. The site’s last sale was in 2010 when it changed hands for $630,000 and has since appreciated in value to over $1.8 million.
The West End is strategically located south of Federal Hill and is marked by its evolving landscape. The proposed redevelopment falls amid other developmental initiatives in the area, including the recently completed transformation of the former Citizens Bank property into The 870 Reserve, an apartment building that includes affordable housing units. Dylan Conley, an attorney for the developer, indicated that the Westminster Street proposal is aimed at fulfilling the pressing need for housing in the vicinity.
As Providence continues to address its housing shortage, the introduction of the Westminster Street complex could play an essential role in meeting demand for quality housing options. Real estate developer Bob Berle, who is overseeing the project, is part of a management team that has previously redeveloped the Atlantic Mills property for use as artist studios and second-hand stores.
The growing interest in the West End reflects a broader trend within Providence as the city works to adapt to increasing housing needs. With construction activity lagging behind demand, initiatives like the Westminster Street project are crucial for expanding the variety of residential options available to the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Providence City Council Rejects Charter School Lease Proposal
Rhode Island Attorney General Weighs Gubernatorial Bid
Providence City Council Rejects Charter School Lease Proposal
Legal Dispute Surrounds Westerly’s Winnapaug Country Club
Historic John Mawney House Sold for $1.8 Million
WDC Sues HUD Over Changes to Housing Grant Eligibility
Rhode Island Real Estate Market Surpasses $500,000 Median Price
Historic Estate Sales Record Set in Providence
Rhode Island’s Revolution Wind Project Halted Amid Concerns
Cumberland, Rhode Island Ranks Among Hottest Housing Markets
Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Westminster Street Housing Project
- PBN: Old ProJo Building Revival
- Turn to 10: High Rock Development – Superman Building
- What’s Up Newp: Superman Building Redevelopment
- GoLocalProv: Superman Building Demolition Process
- Wikipedia: Providence, Rhode Island
- Google Search: Providence housing development
- Google Scholar: Providence housing projects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rhode Island
- Google News: Providence housing crisis
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
