Paolino Properties announced plans to bring Tesla, the premier electric vehicle company, to the Reservoir Triangle neighborhood in Providence during a “Plug Into Providence” press conference at Mashapaug Commons Plaza, the future home of Tesla’s new sales, service and delivery location in Southern New England. The hub will include a repair facility, retail sales area, and delivery center, bringing nearly 30 full-time jobs to the community. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi, Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley, and Councilman James Taylor joined Paolino Properties Managing Director Joseph R. Paolino, Jr. for the announcement and ceremonial plugging in of a Tesla.
Upon completion, the location will be over 76,000 square feet making it one of the largest Tesla locations in the New England market.
“This is a big day for Providence. This development is bringing jobs at every level to the community and will be game-changing for the neighborhood,” Joseph R. Paolino, Jr., Managing Partner/Owner, Paolino Properties. “The conversion of this center into a service hub for Tesla is a meaningful milestone for the entire Southern New England region. It fills me with immense pride, as it signifies Providence’s crucial role as a key player in a national endeavor towards a brighter, more sustainable future and the expansion of a promising new industry. Partnering with Tesla on this project is truly thrilling, and we eagerly anticipate the opening of the facility, symbolizing the completion of this transformative project.”
The Providence hub will function as a service center for electric vehicles, providing new vehicle delivery, vehicle preparation, maintenance services, lease renewals, and as a parts depot for all regional locations. The location will also include a showroom and ancillary office spaces.
“With transportation responsible for 40 percent of our state’s greenhouse gas emissions, we know that welcoming Tesla to the Ocean State will be a positive for both our environment and our local economy,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I thank Joe Paolino Jr. for his commitment to Rhode Island that continues to bring economic development opportunities and new businesses such as Tesla to our capital city.”
Paolino Properties is overseeing the project’s current stage of construction. Paolino Properties will transform the former Stop & Shop, install a new rooftop HVAC, replace the roof, install a new garage door, and update the mill and pavement of the parking surface, as well as add new parking lot lighting and landscaping. The design and construction, which will be completed later this month, has supported approximately 55 jobs.
“Providence welcomes and supports innovative businesses from across the nation that strive to make our community more resilient and sustainable,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “With this new opening, Tesla is bringing new good-paying jobs to our city and further establishing Providence as a powerhouse for business in the region.”
The Tesla location in Providence will be the company’s second location in Rhode Island. The first Tesla location in Rhode Island opened in Warwick in 2019.
“As our legislature invests in the infrastructure needed to better prepare Rhode Island for the rapid growth of electric vehicles on our roadways, the opening of this Tesla Service Center is a great fit for the future,” said Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi. “Tesla has been extremely successful in my home city of Warwick for the past four years, and this expansion into Providence is great news.”
“I’m excited to see a dynamic company like Tesla occupy this space and bring new life to the Reservoir and Elmwood neighborhoods,” said Councilman and Majority Leader James Taylor (Ward 8). “My constituents work hard for their families. This facility will deliver new job opportunities, the ability to learn new skills, and be a part of the rapidly growing electric vehicle auto industry.”
“I share in Councilman Taylor’s enthusiasm for this announcement,” said City Council President Rachel Miller. “Any time an innovative business decides to create a regional hub and home in Providence, that speaks volumes to what the city can offer. While Providence delivers a diverse workforce and strategic location, the City Council, our partners in government, and the business community have shown a real commitment to supporting green energy initiatives. It’s a new day in the city.”
Tesla has a target time frame of opening its doors to the public in early 2024.