Secrets Beneath the Surface: The Hidden Apartment of Providence Place Mall
History of Providence Place
Providence Place, located in Providence, Rhode Island, opened its doors in 1999 and quickly became the largest shopping mall in the state. With 1.4 million square feet of gross leasable area, the mall was designed to be a major retail hub for the region. The original anchors of the mall included Lord & Taylor, Filene’s, and Nordstrom. However, over the years, the mall underwent significant changes. Lord & Taylor closed in 2004 and was replaced by JCPenney in 2005. In 2006, Filene’s became Macy’s, following a national trend of brand consolidations.
By 2015, JCPenney closed its Providence Place location as part of a larger company-wide store reduction. The mall continued to evolve with renovations in 2016, including converting the former JCPenney space into parking, improving the garage with a new guidance system for easier parking. The mall also saw more changes when, in 2018, Boscov’s replaced Nordstrom, which had closed in early 2019 after its lease expired.
Secret Mall Apartment
In 2003, a unique and rebellious piece of Providence Place’s history unfolded. A group of artists, including Michael Townsend, secretly constructed an apartment within the mall. This hidden space, located beneath the movie theater and next to the parking lot, was designed as a statement against the mall’s encroachment on their neighborhood. For over four years, the artists lived in this 750-square-foot apartment, documenting life within the mall. Their covert lifestyle drew national attention when the apartment was eventually discovered in 2007. Townsend was charged with trespassing after the hidden apartment was found by mall security. This incident has since become a significant part of the mall’s lore, and in 2024, a documentary titled Secret Mall Apartment was released, sharing the story of this underground living arrangement.
Architectural Design and Features
Providence Place was designed to blend into its surrounding urban landscape, with the architecture reflecting the city’s industrial heritage. The exterior includes red and yellow brickwork, along with roof turrets, paying homage to Providence’s past. The mall’s architectural design was led by Friedrich St. Florian, and it includes several key features, such as a skybridge that connects the mall to the Omni Providence Hotel.
The mall spans multiple levels, with unique spaces such as the Winter Garden—an expansive, glass-walled area that stretches over the Woonasquatucket River and Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor. This area provides stunning views of the city and features a food court, as well as access to entertainment venues like Dave & Buster’s and an IMAX theater. The mall also features two large parking garages—North Garage and South Garage—which anchor both ends of the property. A bridge connects the two sides, offering seamless access across the Woonasquatucket River, linking Providence Place to the surrounding area.
Recent Challenges and Changes
In recent years, Providence Place has faced challenges, including changes in shopping habits and economic conditions. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of remote work, along with an increase in online shopping, led to a decline in foot traffic. In 2024, the mall was placed in state receivership after defaulting on $259 million in outstanding debt. This financial setback resulted in a change in management, with Centennial, a Dallas-based company, taking over from Brookfield Properties in November 2024.
Despite these setbacks, Providence Place continues to serve as a key retail and entertainment destination in Rhode Island. With its prime location, unique architectural features, and rich history, it remains a significant part of Providence’s landscape.
Matthew Christopher RI Providence Mar 20, 2025 Malls Places to Visit Retail Stores
Mar 20, 2025
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