Built in 1828, the Westminster Street Arcade is the oldest indoor mall in the United States. The Arcade may not hold that distinction much longer, as owner Granoff Properties have plans to renovate the structure into a single tenant building. However, a recent ruling by a Superior Court judge may delay that process a little longer for the two brothers.
The Granoffs are looking to turn this Providence icon into a single tenant facility.
In order to commence with their renovation plans, the Granoffs have had to evict any of the businesses that haven’t already left since their tenure began in 2006, when they purchased the Arcade from Johnson and Wales. Many of the businesses that are being evicted have not been able to find new homes in the downtown area, and thus chose to file in court to prevent the Granoffs from evicting them.
When the ruling was handed down by the Superior Court judge, four of the businesses (The Providence Cookie Co., Cafe LaFrance, Copacetic, and the Black Heritage Society) are able to remain in the Arcade, but two (Shalmar Fashion Eyewear and La Greque) have been forced out of the building without a new home.
The likely reason for the tossing of the eviction notices was that Granoff Properties wanted the businesses out by June 30. Lawyers for store owners argued that the notices should have read July 1. For the other two, things such as a late payment for Shalmar was what ended up having them kicked out.
While the latter two shops are out of luck and must find new homes downtown (or, in the case of Shalmar, closing for good, as the owner, Sal Libassi, has said that he will consider “throwing in the towel”), the first four will be able to remain in the Arcade for at least another two months. If Granoff Properties wants to evict them as well and push ahead with their plans, they will need to begin the entire eviction process again, which will likely take at least until late October or early November.
Source: Providence Journal
Image: City Data
Filed under: Providence, Renovation, Retail, Rhode Island
“Two Arcade Businesses Win, Four Lose Eviction Battle”
This headline should read “Four Arcade Businesses Win, Two Lose Eviction Battle”
Thanks for reporting on this,
Don
Wow…thanks Don. I had a rough night’s sleep and I wrote this as soon as I woke up, so I was a little groggy. I can’t believe I didn’t pick up on that when I proofread.
If you, or anyone, sees any mistakes on my part, PLEASE do not hesitate to comment or send me an e-mail.
Thanks again!