On Monday, March 26, 2018, Paolino Properties celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated Case-Mead Lofts with a ribbon cutting at the company’s former headquarters in the heart of downtown.
Joseph R. Paolino, Jr., Managing Partner of Paolino Properties, and Donna M. Paolino, Partner/Owner of Paolino Properties, were joined by Governor Gina M. Raimondo, Senator Jack Reed, and Mayor Jorge O. Elorza to celebrate the transformation of the historic Case-Mead Building into 44 micro-loft, studio, and one-bedroom apartments.
Constructed in 1859, the Case-Mead Building at 76 Dorrance Street has been a landmark of Providence’s ever-changing downtown for more than 150 years. The property’s fifth story was added in 1906, creating the building’s unique façade that is still recognizable to this day.
“Construction is a vital part of our economy. Thanks to hard work and collaboration from local leaders we now have cranes in the sky,” said Governor Gina Raimondo. “The Case-Mead building has been a part of downtown Providence for more than 150 years. What was once an office building is now home to 44 modern loft apartments, which we need because people want to live in Providence.”
In response to growing residential need in the center of Providence, the new Case-Mead Lofts offer residents functional and sophisticated spaces that complement the lifestyle of urban students and professionals. The adaptive re-use of this prominent 19th century office building seamlessly merges the old and new, providing preservation of an exterior shell juxtaposed by modern, functional apartments.
“Throughout the last few years, Downtown Providence has transformed into a thriving residential neighborhood,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “The opening of Case-Mead Lofts will help meet a rising demand for Downtown housing as more and more people fall in love with all that it has to offer. I’m excited to celebrate yet another project that adds to the vibrancy of the heart of the capital city.”
The Paolino family was honored to host family and friends at the ribbon cutting, which also marked the fiftieth anniversary of the purchase of the landmark property by Joseph R. Paolino in March of 1968 for $260,000. By transforming the space into sophisticated, modern apartments, his family fulfilled Joseph R. Paolino’s dream of seeing historic downtown Providence transformed into a vibrant place for people to live, work, and dine in.
“This building meant a great deal to my father,” said Joseph R. Paolino, Jr., Managing Partner of Paolino Properties. “I wanted our company to be able to carry on his legacy and to bring new life to a property that holds so many memories for our family. With the Case-Mead Lofts, you’re going to see more people living in the heart of downtown, dining out at local restaurants, and bringing energy to the city. That’s a dream come true.”
“This was a special project for our family,” said Donna M. Paolino, Partner/Owner of Paolino Properties. “We had our company headquarters at 76 Dorrance Street for more than forty years, so transforming this space was undertaken with a lot of care and a real focus on creating something truly unique that tells the story of our family. I believe we’ve accomplished that, and I know my dad would be proud.”
With more than 65% of the units already reserved, Paolino Properties expects the lofts to be full in the coming months and is looking forward to welcoming residents to their new home.
WPRI-12 was on-site for the celebration and you can view their full coverage here.