First Bristol Corp. celebrates topping off of $17 million Hampton Inn & Suites

Representatives from the First Bristol Corp. joined mayor David Cicilline and others at a "topping off ceremony" for the $17 million historic rehabilitation and new construction of the Hampton Inn & Suites at 58 Weybosset St. This building, original home of Old Colony Bank and most recently the St. Francis Chapel, is located in the financial district, adjacent to Bank America, Textron, and Citizens Bank and Johnson & Wales, Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design. When completed in December, the Hampton Inn & Suites will offer 110 rooms, including 38 suites, 32 king rooms, and 40 standard rooms, and meeting and function space. This development is a joint-venture with Granoff Associates. First Bristol CEO James Karam said, "With a strong need for more high-quality lodging with mid-level pricing, combined with the recognition and reputation of Hilton and the Hampton Inn & Suites brand, we expect to be a major competitor in the mid-tier market." "I commend mayor David Cicilline, the city of Providence and representative Gordon Fox for supporting this project and understanding the value it brings to the city," said Karam. The Hampton Inn was designed by Newport Collaborative Architects, Inc. (NCA). Design challenges included matching the existing framework to an 11-story new building. "We're thrilled to be able to save another historic resource and add to the economic revitalization of Downcity," said Michael Abbott, AIA, of NCA. The hotel's two story, atrium lobby was created by Parker-Torres Designs. The rehab and new construction by StoneStreet Construction allows for the infusion of new energy efficient materials, minimizing the environmental footprint of the hotel. Green measures include exterior energy efficient windows, high efficient EER-rated HVAC systems, re-circulated heating capabilities, and state-of-the art insulation techniques offering a minimum of R-16 to R-19 insulation value. Financing for the development was provided by Rockland Trust. The project also secured $4.25 million in state and federal historic tax credits, available for the historic rehabilitation of architecturally significant buildings.