GPS City GuideProvidence50 Kennedy Plaza

Stop 13 of 36 · Providence audio walking tour

50 Kennedy Plaza

Providence · 2014 · Postmodern city-skyline landmark

What you'll hear here: about a minute on 50 Kennedy Plaza — the story behind what you're looking at, playing hands-free as you arrive.

Formerly the Fleet Center, your 50 Kennedy Plaza rises 285 feet as a postmodern presence in Providence. At 285 feet (87 meters) it ranks as the sixth-tallest building in the city and state, and it takes its name from Kennedy Plaza to the structure’s northeast. Built by Gilbane Building Company, the tower is home to headquarters like Fortune 1000 company Nortek, Inc. and private equity firm Providence Equity Partners.

Pause and study the exterior: the façade is described as "granite framing green-reflective-glass side elevations," a deliberate, restrained finish that shifts with the light. The building is literally sandwiched between One Financial Center, at 125 meters (410 feet), and the Industrial National Bank Building, at 130 meters (430 feet); architectural historian William Woodward called it "a trifle too low for the site. Still, in company with those neighbors it helps form one of the most identifiable parts of the Providence skyline — a skyline even featured on the animated series Family Guy.

The building is accessible via 100 Westminster Street, a property owned by Paolino Properties since 2014. Notice this tower, its taller neighbors, and Kennedy Plaza lying to the northeast.

Where it is

Coordinates
41.8248, -71.4105
Area
Providence
Era
2014 · Postmodern city-skyline landmark
Start the Providence tour →

Three stops free. No account needed. The audio plays itself as you walk.