Real Estate in RI: Milk Can Property Churns Up Strong Interest

Seller hopes iconic landmark on Route 146 will be restored/repurposed by potential owners

What was once a whimsical roadside ice cream destination is now one of the region’s most talked-about commercial real estate opportunities.

The Milk Can property is generating interest from both out-of-state and international developers from as far away as Switzerland, with online activity and views continuing to grow across commercial platforms. “I’ve never had a listing take off quite like this. It’s created a media stir,” states Realtor® Tracy Sisson, listing agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

Recognized by generations of passersby on the Route 146 corridor, the beloved landmark is drawing heightened developer interest as part of a four-parcel, 5+ acre commercial offering now on the market for $7.5 million. In addition to the parcels of land, there are two structures – the Milk Can and a brick building – included in the sale.

Following recent media coverage, market activity has accelerated. “Properties with this kind of identity are rare,” notes Sisson. “It’s got enormous branding potential, presenting opportunities for retail, hospitality, mixed-use, or adaptive reuse concepts. People are drawn to the high visibility and nostalgia factor. The sellers are hoping that whoever buys the property will restore or repurpose the Milk Can.”

Standing as both a visual landmark and a piece of roadside Americana, the oversized Milk Can building has long captured the imagination of the community. Originally operating as an ice cream parlor in the 1930s, the 32-foot structure became known not just for frozen treats, but for the memories created there: summer evenings, family outings, and the unmistakable silhouette that turned heads from the roadway.

Closed since 1968, the can was moved to its current location at 920 Eddie Dowling Highway in 1991 by the D’Andrea family (owners), who had dreams of opening an ice cream business. “We put in a septic system and a new well, but discovered the water had some groundwater contamination,” Frank D’Andrea recalls, noting that the septic system has never been used. “The property previously underwent successful environmental remediation in accordance with applicable EPA standards, and documented reports indicate the site is safe for intended commercial use, including drinking well water. Per state regulations and to reaffirm, we will do some additional testing before the property transfer.”

“There seems to be some confusion amongst people commenting on social media, who think that just the Milk Can structure is being sold for $7.5 million, or that the well water is an issue,” Sisson explains. “That’s simply not the case. The property actually consists of four parcels of land which can be sold all together or separately, including the can structure and brick building. There’s a lot of flexibility and possibilities for a buyer who can reimagine what this landmark could become next.”

For additional information about the property or sale details, contact Listing Agent Tracy Sisson, Realtor® and luxury collection specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/The Sisson Group, 401-447-8838; [email protected].