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Things to Do in RI: Track 15 now open in downtown Providence
Track 15, the highly-anticipated food hall from the Marsella family located in historic Union Station in downtown Providence, is now open! The occasion was marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony just before the doors opened to the public on Tuesday, March 18th.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressman Seth Magaziner, Congressman Gabe Amo, members of the Providence City Council, project partners, and members of the community were in attendance.
Whether guests have a craving for Indian food or pizza, handmade pasta or raw bar, there is something for everyone at Track 15. The 18,000 square-foot space in the historic Union Station train station is home to seven food vendors – Dune Brothers, Dolores, There There, Giusto PVD, Mother Pizzeria PVD, Little Chaska, and Tolia – who come together to offer a culinary destination unlike any other in Rhode Island. A large central bar features beer, wine, and spirits from local producers and around the world, and this summer, the 10,000 square-foot plaza will provide outdoor seating and a home for special events.
“To say that we are excited to finally open our doors would be a tremendous understatement,” said Christopher Marsella, President & CEO, Marsella Development Corporation. “This was more than a construction project; this represents the evolution of my family’s commitment not only to this historic space but to downtown Providence and the State of Rhode Island.”
Marsella Development Corporation and the Marsella family, longstanding visionaries in the City of Providence, partnered with acclaimed Convivium Hospitality Group to redevelop the historically important space and deliver a diverse, inclusive, and approachable hospitality experience that reflects the many cultural influences in Rhode Island. The overall development represents a $25 million investment in the restoration of the historic building.
“We are so grateful to the City of Providence, the State of Rhode Island, the restaurateurs who took a big leap of faith in their commitment to this project, and all our partners for bringing our vision to reality,” continued Marsella. “We are thrilled with the results and we hope Track 15 has a lasting impact on our community for many years to come.”
“Track 15 presents a unique economic development opportunity for downtown Providence, and RI Commerce is proud to support it. Located within the historic Union Station, this culinary hub will showcase local chefs and food entrepreneurs, offering diverse and exciting dining options that further solidify Rhode Island’s reputation as a premier culinary destination,” said Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner.
Rhode Island-based Vision 3 was the architect and Boston-based CM&B was the construction management firm, bringing to the project a wealth of experience in building food halls around the U.S. The design pays homage to the building’s history as a train station, including original brick ceilings and columns, original bridge structures, and tables made from old railroad car floors made by Rail Yard Studios in Tennessee. Menu boards are replicas of train station departure boards and artwork throughout the space shows the history of Union Station, the City of Providence, and the State of Rhode Island. Picture frames and mirrors were sourced from Providence Picture Frame as well as Aardvark Antiques in Newport, Rhode Island. There are five TVs throughout the space, as well as a 146” video screen to enjoy all the big games.
“We are proud to celebrate the Marsella family and Marsella Development Corporation’s grand opening of Track 15 at Providence’s historic Union Station,” said Rob McCarter, Vice President/Senior Project Manager, CM&B. “As their construction partner, we’ve seen firsthand the vision and dedication that went into transforming this 125-year-old transportation landmark into a vibrant culinary destination. This successful collaboration has showcased the power of partnership, and we look forward to continuing our work together. We can’t wait for the Providence community to experience the incredible space we’ve built and see this revitalized landmark become a true gathering place.”
Track 15 was built by union labor and was instrumental in working with Marsella Development in finding working solutions throughout the project.
“Track 15 is an exciting addition to the City of Providence. Our skilled construction craft laborer members were proud to help build this beautiful space that will be a social, cultural and innovative destination for years to come,” said Donato A. Bianco, Jr., LIUNA Vice President and New England Regional Manager.
Photo Caption (TOP)
Ribbon cutting, left to right: Providence City Councilor Juan M. Pichardo;Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee; Providence City Councilor Sue AnderBois; Lt. Governor Sabina Matos; Congressman Seth Magaziner; Providence Mayor Brett Smiley; Christopher Marsella, President, Marsella Development Corporation; Romolo Marsella, founder and past-president, Marsella Development Corporation; Matthias Kiehm, Principal, Convivium Hospitality; Carolyn Marsella; U.S. Senator Jack Reed; Congressman Gabe Amo; and U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse.
About Track 15
Track 15, located at 1 Union Station in Providence, RI, is a vibrant, 18,000 square-foot food hall located in the historic Union Station in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. Built in 1898, the original Union Station consisted of 14 intercity rail lines and operated until 1986, when the smaller Amtrak station was built. The food hall’s name Track 15 is a nod to Union Station’s earliest days as the hub of southeastern New England’s transportation network, supporting the machinery, textile, and jewelry industries that fueled the growth and future of Providence.
A haven for foodies, Track 15 is home to seven Rhode Island-based restaurateurs each offering a unique and delicious concept. Guests can try modern Indian from Little Chaska, Middle Eastern cuisine from Tolia, seafood from Dune Brothers, Mexican from Dolores, burgers from There, There, Italian from Giusto PVD, and pizza from Mother Pizzeria PVD, all while enjoying a large central bar, indoor and outdoor seating for approximately 600 patrons, an entertainment venue, and a 10,000 square foot plaza for outdoor seating and special events. Track 15 is open Sunday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.track15RI.com.
Parking is available in the surface lot and adjacent parking garage at a deeply discounted price with validation (available inside the food hall).
About Marsella Development Corporation
Marsella Development Corporation has been a pioneer in the redevelopment of Providence and beyond for more than four decades. Founded by Romolo Marsella in 1979, the firm has implemented some of the city and state’s marquis public/private ventures as Capital Center, Providence Performing Arts Center and Promenade Center in Providence and the Gateway Center in Newport and such private developments as the rehabilitation of five building Union Station Complex and the development of One Citizens Plaza and the Marriott Courtyard Hotel in Providence.
Since taking the lead in 2008, Christopher Marsella has continued to grow the company’s development arm while establishing a full-service property management firm managing over two million square-feet of commercial real estate across Rhode Island in addition to a construction services arm providing quality historic renovations and new construction management to both commercial and luxury residential projects. For more information, visit www.marsellaproperties.com.