Providence Monthly,
January 2004
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THE FUTURE IS NOW

I recently got a glimpse of where downcity Providence is headed, and it looks pretty exciting. Cornish Associates held a reception at Tazza on Westminster Street, a groundbreaking at the old Peerless Building, and then tours of the loft apartments now available downtown.

Located in the newly renovated historic Alice Building, Tazza is a hip caffe where people can gather morning, noon and night. It's a traditional espresso bar combined with a funky, artsy atmosphere. Depending on the day, you can catch a live jazz or blues performance, short film, fashion show, poetry reading or other artistic activity. Hopefully, Tazza will be frequented by the equally hip people who will occupy the dramatic lofts under renovation in the Wilkinson, Burgess, and O'Gorman Buildings. Wide-open rooms with only a few privacy walls, soaring ceilings and huge windows, gourmet kitchens and dazzling city views - what's not to like?

Within walking distance is Symposium Books, Garrison Confections, Lumiere Salon, Downcity Food + Cocktails, Daily Bread, and the soon-to-open Andy Husbands' restaurant, Kestral, with even more plans for future retail outlets. As this new year begins, the future looks dazzling for downtown Providence.

- Linda Beaulieu