Dec 3 2007
The Renaissance Providence Hotel has been recognized for excellence in historic rehabilitation by the National Housing and Rehabilitation Association.
The hotel was given an Honorable Mention for the prestigious Timothy Anderson Award for Excellence in Historic Rehabilitation. The award, widely known as the "Timmy Award," recognizes this New England resort hotel as one of the best historic rehabilitation or adaptive reuse projects in the hotel and hospitality industry. Only 13 buildings across the country were recognized this year.
"We are very proud that we were able to rehabilitate this historically significant building for the Renaissance Providence Hotel," said General Manager Angelo de Peri. "The building is not only a work of art, it is a masterpiece."
Developer Sage Hospitality Resources invested nearly $100 million in the Renaissance Providence luxury hotel, representing the most ambitious historic restoration ever undertaken in the history of Rhode Island. Renovation began in May 2004. The 1928 building, which was originally intended to be a Masonic Temple, sat empty for nearly 78 years. It was listed on the National Register of historic places in 1993 in recognition of its status as masterpiece of Neo-Classical architecture. The primary historic facades of the building have been fully retained and meticulously restored, while the interior has been transformed with the modern elegance and state-of-the-art technology demanded by today's top-tier hotel guests and event planners.
The Timmy Awards were named after the late Boston architect and preservation advocate J. Timothy Anderson, a leader in the historic rehabilitation business. Each year, the Timmy Awards honor outstanding real estate projects throughout the U.S. that involve rehabilitation of older, historic buildings using the federal historic rehabilitation tax credit. This year's nominees competed in eight categories.
The Renaissance Providence, RI Hotel, which makes exceptional service a primary goal, features 272 guest-rooms highlighted by innovative technology such as the connectivity panel for added convenience. The in-room Design-a-Bar feature lets guest enjoy customized mixology along side complimentary snacks from the comfort of their room. The 24-hour fitness center offers guests a modern workout with state-of-the-art equipment, while the 49-room Club Level boasts upgraded amenities to business and leisure guests looking for an ultra-personalized hotel experience.
Historic neoclassical architecture contrasts elegant design with modern details to produce over 10,000 square feet of state-of-the art meeting space, Temple Downtown, which is an independent freestanding destination restaurant and lounge, and a dramatic theater-like lobby with stunning views of the neighboring Rhode Island State House. A nine-story addition, mirroring the Neo-Classical style of the hotel houses guest rooms and the conference/ballroom space and links the hotel with the VMA Arts and Cultural Center, home to the Rhode Island Philharmonic, Festival Ballet and Opera Providence as well as many fine arts performances.