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Story
and photo by Eric H.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. --
For many New Englanders, the Providence Place Mall started out
as a major source of irritation by blocking the view of the emerging
and impressive Providence skyline off Route 95. With more width
than seemingly the state of Rhode Island itself, the Providence
Place Mall resembled that scene in Mel Brooks' movie Spaceballs
where the camera shot of a moving spaceship kept going on and
on and on. Approaching the Mall off Route 95 for the first time,
one had to wonder if the tail end of the complex would end up
in Mystic, Conn.
As the most expensive
downtown development project in Rhode Island history at $500
million, expectations on Providence Place Mall were high before
its opening in August of 1999. Happily, the Providence Place
Mall is hands-down the best shopping mall in New England.
Although forever controversial and either loved or hated with
no middleground, the Providence Place Mall has steadily gained
respect with its three floors of 165 shops, elegant surroundings
with plush rugs, colorful architecture, shiny walls, and something
you just won't get driving down Route 95 -- that's right, a wonderful
view of the Providence skyline, including the beloved waterfront.
Major stores include
Nordstrom, Filene's, Lord and Taylor, Pottery Barn, Abercrombie
and Fitch, as well as the Feinstein IMAX Theater and National
Amusement's 16 movie complex. There's also a phenomenal selection
of restaurants from the food court pleasers like Johnny Rockets
and Pizzeria Regina to full service quality restaurants like
Dave and Buster's, Napa Valley Grille, and Fire and Ice. Ben
and Jerry's, Dairy Queen and TCBY provide ice cream joy. It's
vibrant and festive, especially when decorated for the Christmas
and holiday season, but is full of life any time of the year.
There's something
for everyone at the Providence Place Mall, with one unifying
modality quite apparent: while many malls in urban areas have
hit hard times, the Providence Place Mall, by delivering a good
product, has integrated well into the city within a short amount
of time. The enormity of this complex, coupled with good stores,
a visual appeal and good timing -- opening during Providence's
ascent from a marginal city to one of world class, at least for
several blocks -- have made the Providence Place Mall a real
success story. Visiting the Providence Place Mall can serve on
its own as a fun day out, or in tandem with all that Providence
has to offer, including touring the stunning statehouse, walking
the charming tree-lined, victorian homes streets of Brown University,
or savoring a taste of Italy at one of the many phenomenal restaurants
on Federal Hill.
Providence Place Mall
can proudly say it is part of the vital and revitalized Providence
scene. Visit, and enjoy!
Visit
the Providence Place Mall Web Site for more information
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