The Providence Place Mall has landed on the Providence Preservation Society’s annual list of “Most Endangered Places,” an early warning aimed at policymakers that it’s time to have a serious conversation about the future of the 1.4 million–square-foot shopping complex.

While the mall is still active – and benefiting from a boost in attention thanks to the “Secret Mall Apartment” documentary – it has been in receivership for more than a year, and its tax stabilization agreement with the city expires in 2028. 

“We cannot wait for years of vacancy (looking at you, Superman and Cranston Street Armory) before we start the discussion of what is going to become of this enormous building,” the Preservation Society’s listing states. “Whatever becomes of the mall must be informed by thoughtful, intentional, and deep community engagement — much like the approach that the city is using to reimagine the Riverwalk.”

I discussed the list on “12 News This Morning,” and you can read about the full list here. Below is a breakdown of this year’s “Most Endangered Places.”

Resistance Houses
Upper South Providence
189-191 Dudley St., 21-23 Gay St., 78 Pearl St., 162-164 Prairie Ave.
Threat: Demolition, gentrification, displacement.

Providence Icons
Cranston Street Armory and the Industrial Trust “Superman” Building
Threat: Vacancy, deferred maintenance, lack of compelling vision and public investment plan.

02908
Wanskuck, Elmhurst, Smith Hill
Threat: Gentrification, displacement, demolition.

Providence Public Schools
Threat: Demolition, lack of transparency.

Crook Point Bascule Bridge
Fox Point
Threat: Deferred action, lack of concrete plan.