Our conference hotel, the Providence Biltmore, is a 1922 Beaux-arts fixture in the downtown cityscape. Now in the National Register of Historic Places, it was designed by Warren and Wetmore (whose other projects include Grand Central Station). Read the hotel’s history page to get a sense of the lavish events that have occurred there (e.g., Esther Williams once performed in an aquarium, live fish and all, which had been constructed on the dance floor of the Garden Room).
The story of downtown Providence begins with the manufacturing boom of the mid-19th century. The city grew westward, across the river and into what is now called Downcity. Numerous Federal and Victorian mercantile buildings from that era remain. Following several decades of postwar urban decay, urban planner began strategizing the city’s Renaissance. The revitalization of the downtown area is still unfolding, and you’ll see it all around. Waterplace Park and its companion Riverwalk are testaments to the success of Providence’s urban renewal, and can be found by the river just to the north of the Biltmore. The park is connected to the cobblestone sidewalks and Venetian-style footbridges of Riverwalk, and is a popular summertime destination for locals and tourists alike.
Shopping, dining, and entertainment abound in downtown Providence within easy walking distance from the Biltmore. For unique shops head three blocks to Westminster St., where independent and quirky establishments now flourish in the abandoned department stores of yesteryear. Examples include Craftland, featuring locally created jewelry, art, and clothes; Symposium Books, an independent bookstore with a great selection of new, used, and remaindered titles that include, among many others, excellent art, architecture, design, and photography sections, and a claim to the best graphic novel selection in town; Queen of Hearts/Modern Love, adjacent sister shops offering hip and vintage-inspired clothing, shoes, and accessories; and lots of other boutiques, bars, and cafes.
Contemporary art lovers will want to visit AS220, a non-profit community arts space with a mission to provide an unjuried and uncensored forum for the arts. It’s six blocks to the southwest on Washington St. (away from the river) and half a block south on Empire St. A number of theaters and other performing arts venues are located in the area as well. Check out the Downtown Directory for more ideas and information.
More posts on shopping, dining, and entertainment all around Providence to come!
