The Mercantile Block

In 2008, AS220 purchased our third downtown building: the Mercantile Block, located on Washington Street and directly abutting the Dreyfus. This 4 story building with basement totals 50,000 square feet and presents a tremendous opportunity to provide still more spaces for artists to live, work and create in Providence, reinforcing our reputation as the "Creative Capital".

In the last decade of the 19th century, city records tell us that the site now occupied by the Mercantile contained a laundry and then a scale repair shop on the Washington Street side. And on the Martha Street side was a good sized livery where horses and carriages could be boarded or hired. The Mercantile of today dates back to 1901 and is actually several buildings that were joined over time. In recent years the building was owned by the Cohen family and known as the home of Cogens Printing.

The newly restored Mercantile contains the following components:

Live Studios: Floors 3 & 4

Floors 3 & 4 contain a total of 22 residential studios ranging in size from 600 to 880 sf. Each residence has its own bathroom, containing tub/shower and a kitchen equipped with a refrigerator and electric stove. Each residence also contains its own heating and air conditioning unit as well as a ceiling fan that contributes to energy efficiency. Floors are hardwood and the exceptionally high tin ceilings replicate the tin pattern that is original to the building. Residential laundry facilities are located on the 4th floor.

The Residential entry is on Washington Street. The lobby contains a passenger elevator, bicycle storage area and a mailbox alcove.

Rents for 16 out of the 22 studios are affordable and a resident's income may not exceed a specified maximum. The remaining 6 studios are unrestricted, both in rent and income.

Download Floor Plans

Work and Arts Related Studios: Floor 2

Floor 2 contains 11 studios, several of which have been joined to provide larger spaces. The second floor tenant mix includes two AS220 programs: the Print Shop and AS220 Labs; several non profits such as College Visions and the Rhode Island Council on the Humanities (RICH); and some individual work studios. This floor also features hardwood floors, tin ceilings; and 2 common bathrooms.

Second, Third and Fourth floor rents include internet access, gas (for heat and hot water), and water and sewer charges.

Each tenant will receive their own electricity bill that includes the energy costs associated with distributing heat or cool air.

First Floor and Lower Level

Two long time Mercantile tenants--Clark the Locksmith and Wheels Bar (recently renamed The Stable)--are continuing their tenancy in the building in new and very improved spaces. The first floor will also contain an affordable food and beverage venue; as well the AS220 Print Shop and AS220 Labs. (The Labs and Print Shop have space on both floors 1 & 2.)

**Rehearsal Spaces: **On the lower level of the Mercantile, we are fitting out 3 spaces, to be used as rehearsal studios for musicians. Spaces are between 250-430sf and it is expected that these will be rented by a number of bands.

AS220's adaptive re-use of the historic Mercantile Block provides for a vibrant mix of live and work studios, arts related offices and one-of-a kind, local retail and commercial spaces. Especially noteworthy is the effort to revitalize Martha Street. Original building openings have been uncovered and restored, creating a beautiful and highly functional set of entrances, replete with glass sidelights, transoms and storefronts. Once regarded as a "back alley", Martha Street is being transformed into a vibrant pedestrian way, greatly animating the neighborhood and enhancing safety.

Download our application