A new apartment building is taking shape on Canal Street, and good news, the meaningless word “luxury” is nowhere to be seen on the project. Nope, these are bona fide micro-lofts (fold-up beds, no parking space) aimed at students. Edge College Hill is now taking applications. According to Greater City Providence,

. . . this new 15-story high-rise will include 202 micro-loft style apartments and first floor commercial space. Amenities for the residential units include a top floor common room and southwest facing terrace as well as a fitness center and first floor lobby/gathering space. These modernly furnished apartments will primarily be marketed towards students. Features include over-sized windows, high-end finishes, 9′ 7″ ceilings, fully equipped kitchens and fold-down beds that tuck into contemporary cabinetry when not in use.

This is for urban, car-free living (must love WaterFire) and completion is scheduled for summer of 2018. The DBVW Architects site has a view of a typical unit. Apartments will have “fully equipped kitchens and fold-down beds that tuck into contemporary cabinetry when not in use.”

Just up and across the street is The Cove, now Johnson & Wales housing. It had originally been built as “luxury condos” until the developer found there was a shortage of luxurious buyers in the area. Instead of having it languish empty, the city allowed it to be used as student housing and it seems to have worked out fine. Still, better for the city overall to have commercial properties renting to students and those on student budgets.

I have no idea what rents are at 169 Canal Street (some students are pretty well-heeled) but it is hoped that they are moderately priced. The location is fantastic. There has been a waiting list for the micro-lofts at Arcade Providence since day one. We need more.