Providence Place Mall turns 25 while long-term future of space is unknown

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Providence Place Mall turned 25 years old on Tuesday.

Back in August of 1999, the mall first opened but now the long-term future of the space is unknown.

Currently, it’s home to many stores including Macy’s, Old Navy, Boscov’s and restaurants like P.F. Changs, The Cheesecake Factory and newly added Fogo de Chao.

“Honestly, I think this mall has evolved more than most malls have, new food places in the court,” said Rhode Island resident Jada Jones.

Some people tell ABC 6 News that they come for the activities that the mall offers at places like Dave & Buster’s and Level99.

“There’s a lot of online shopping now and nobody really comes here, they could come for games or something but not really clothes,” said shopper Sophia Milner.

Mall-goer Thomas Lacombe said it’s his first time at Providence Place in five years and does his shopping online instead.

“Shopping, it’s not going to happen at the mall,” said Lacombe. “It’s too expensive, everything is too expensive, the wages don’t match the prices, it’s too much.”

A spokesperson for Mayor Brett Smiley’s office said in a statement to ABC 6 News, “The current Tax Treaty Agreement with the Providence Place Mall ends in 2028. At this time, we do not have any active applications for an extension or a new agreement. The Mayor will reevaluate the potential for a new agreement that reflects the long-term economic goals of the city closer to that date.”