Live Downcity

by Abby Saunders

A fire broke out at 100 Washington Street in Downtown Providence this afternoon.  What is rumored to be an electrical fire burned the second and third floor units on the East side of the building, leaving the West side seemingly unharmed.

Black smoke poured into the Providence skyline around 4:30pm this afternoon, and eighteen emergency vehicles filled the streets within minutes.  The fire was contained quickly by Providence firefighters, leaving them to sort through the wreckage.

The building contains four units on the second and third floor, and several businesses on the ground floor, including Downtown Liquors. Keep reading →

by Abby Saunders

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Peter Green! Green, a Providence photographer, has made a name for himself with his Downcity Hawk exhibit, picturing the Red-Tailed Hawk that hunts in Burnside Park most winters and perches high on the State House.

This fall, Green announces his newest exhibit Providence Falcons, featuring a pairing of Peregrine falcons and their offspring, set against the Providence skyline.
Keep reading →

Since its opening in 1996, Creperie off of Thayer Street has built up what the owner, Leslie Albuquerque, calls somewhat of a “cult following.”  Because of its proximity to Brown University’s campus, Creperie is a student favorite with alumni returning long after they graduate to get their fix of crepes, smoothies and wraps.  Most of the crepes have girls’ names, like Betty, Connie, Nori, Jeanne, and combine classic favorites, such as nutella and strawberries or scrambled egg, baked ham and swiss;  with brave daily specials, such as the Jess a.k.a. “French s’more” with marshmallow, chocolate & graham cracker. Keep reading →

by Abby Saunders

Atop College Hill on famed Thayer Street in Providence, is Kabob and Curry.  This Indian cuisine favorite has been a staple of the area for twenty-two years, and word on the street is that they ‘never disappoint.’

Tucked neatly next to Nice Slice and across from the Avon movie theatre, Kabob and Curry has a reputation as a favorite among locals and students, leaving it buzzing with activity most times of day. Keep reading →

Nestled in the foodie hotspot of Federal Hill is Don Jose’ Tequilas, a Mexican cuisine gem, bursting with quaint character, traditional dishes and a deep appreciation for a drink steeped with the flavors of history, Tequila.

Welcomed out of the misty summer drizzle by Don Jose Tequilas’ staff, I was seated amongst the warm decor, wooden accents and lantern light.  The brick exterior, that on nicer evenings seats several tables, gives little clue to the transformation you will experience when walking in.  Once inside, the atmosphere is cozy and filled with the faint aromas of spice.  A definite versatile style, both classy and comfortable, gave me the feeling that had I brought a date, or family visiting the city, business dinner, or even just a friend for a casual after-work drink, this would have been a good choice.

Keep reading →

The Boston Sports Club may be part of one of the top three corporate fitness companies in the nation, but their focus on Downcity’s growing community has made them into the neighborhood gym we never had. For those of us who live and work Downcity, excuses for not eating our veggies and going to the gym are becoming slimmer. With Downcity’s only food market, Gourmet Heaven, opening up on Weybossett last month and the Boston Sports Club, opening this past January several blocks away on Dorrance, Downcity folks can now have a more convenient and healthier lifestyle without leaving the area code. Keep reading →

The incessant rainfal so far this summer has really shaken up the MOTB schedule, but to keep it fresh and exciting, they’ve announced a few changes. The newest additions include, Anchorman, Outside Providence, Ghostbusters, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Fifth Element, and more.  Hope for sunnier days and milder nights, and we’ll see you every Thursday for Movies on the Block.

An Interview with Deb Dormody of Craftland

by Abby Saunders

One thing we look forward to each holiday season is Craftland, the shiny, sparkly, amazing collective craft sale that is only here for one month. And, the thing we’ve realized is that one month…is not nearly long enough. So, Craftland heard our cries for hand-made items at our fingertips all year.  It’s better than Etsy…It’s better than cake…It’s a year-round Craftland Store!

And chatting with us about their new store to open in August at 235 Westminster Street is Deb Dormody, one of the lovely and talented coordinators behind Craftland: Keep reading →

by Abby Saunders

We waited patiently as New Haven-based grocer Gourmet Heaven readied to open their doors as the only market in Downcity. Residents have shopped for their groceries creatively until now, and with the opening of this market comes the beginning of a new era of living more comfortably Downcity. Keep reading →

C VS Pharmacy opened its doors and now serves as Downcity’s only pharmacy. Residents have been waiting for this conveniently located CVS store/pharmacy to open for the good part of this past year.

With a street-level location, the public is able to easily access the store via the skybridge, connected to the RI Convention Center and the Westin Hotel, via the sidewalk in front of Providence Place or through the Providence Place Mall. With plenty of parking in the mall’s parking garage and close proximity to many of Downcity’s residential properties and office buildings, the pharmacy is a convenient and necessary new addition to Downcity living.

Vintage sign outside Providence Optical on Weybosset Street.

Let’s face it. If you’re not a local, finding your way around Providence can be a character building experience. Local shops, boutiques, businesses and landlords are solving this problem the good old-fashioned way, with signage.

On a recent stroll through Downcity, I was excited to see some new, fun signage adorning local shops. One sign in particular caught my eye, no pun intended. Providence Optical, located at 75 Weybosset Street, has recently hung an eye-catching sign from their historic storefront. Found at an antique store, the vintage sign looks as if it was made for the ecclectic optical store, that often houses sculptures in its windows and carries an assortment of wild frames. Keep reading →