If you’ve ever driven into Providence after the sun goes down, you've seen it. That glowing green lantern at the top of a jagged, Art Deco tower looks like something straight out of a 1940s noir film. It’s the Industrial Trust Building, but honestly, nobody calls it that. To everyone in the Ocean State, it's just the Superman Building. Standing at 428 feet, it has been the tallest building in Rhode Island since the Coolidge administration.
But here’s the weird part. It’s a ghost.
Since 2013, this massive 26-story limestone giant has been completely vacant. No offices, no residents, just a lot of history and a whole bunch of pigeons. For over a decade, it’s sat as a beautiful, slightly heartbreaking silhouette against the skyline, leaving both locals and tourists asking the same question: Why can't anyone fix it?
The King of the Skyline
Completed in 1928, the Industrial Trust Building was the height of interwar ambition. It was designed by the New York firm Walker & Gillette, and they didn’t hold back. They used Indiana limestone and Deer Isle granite, carving 16 panels into the cornice that tell the story of Rhode Island’s history—settlers, indigenous people, and the labor that built the state.
It was a temple of finance.
The lobby used to be filled with fresh flower arrangements every single day. The "Superman" nickname? That came later, mostly because of how much it resembles the Daily Planet building from the old TV show. Interestingly, the creators of Superman actually say they drew inspiration from Toronto or Cleveland, but tell that to a Rhode Islander. To us, Clark Kent definitely should have worked on Westminster Street.
At 428 feet, it easily beats out the competition. For context, the second-place contender, One Financial Plaza, sits at 410 feet. It’s a narrow victory, but in a small state, those 18 feet matter for bragging rights.
A Ziggurat in a Small Pond
The building’s "setback" style—that stepped-back, ziggurat look—was actually a New York thing. It was a response to 1916 zoning laws in Manhattan meant to let light and air hit the streets below. Providence didn’t actually have those laws back then, so the architects just did it for the vibes.
It worked.
The building is essentially a collection of wings stemming from a central tower. This makes for a great silhouette, but as developers are finding out now, it makes for a nightmare of a floor plan. The higher you go, the smaller the floors get. By the time you reach the top, you’re basically in a narrow stone needle.
The Decade-Long Dark Age
The lights went out in 2013 when Bank of America decided they didn’t need the space anymore. Since then, the tallest building in Rhode Island has been the subject of countless "it's happening" announcements that never quite... happened.
You’ve got a massive building that is:
- Outdated in terms of HVAC and plumbing.
- Riddled with asbestos (which they've been cleaning out).
- Expensive to maintain just as a shell.
The most recent plan was the biggest one yet. In 2022, High Rock Development, the building’s owner, announced a massive $220 million project to turn the tower into 285 residential units. The idea was to keep the historic banking hall for retail and community events while turning the upper floors into apartments. About 20% of those were slated to be "affordable" housing.
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But then things got complicated.
The 2025/2026 Reality Check
Developing a century-old skyscraper isn't like flipping a house. By mid-2025, the estimated cost had ballooned from $220 million to over $308 million. High interest rates and skyrocketing construction costs haven't helped.
The project hit a tragic hurdle in July 2025 when the lead developer, David Sweetser, passed away suddenly. He was the guy who had spent years fighting to get the funding together. Since then, Michael Crossen has taken over the leadership at High Rock Development, pledging to finish what Sweetser started.
As of early 2026, the building is in a state of "stalled progress." Interior demolition and asbestos abatement have happened, meaning the "guts" of the building are cleaner than they used to be. However, the full-scale renovation is still waiting on final federal loan approvals and a massive influx of capital.
What Most People Get Wrong About 111 Westminster
There’s a popular rumor that there’s a secret "gondola" meeting room at the top. This one is actually true. High above the penthouse, there’s a small, wood-paneled room designed to look like the cabin of a dirigible (an airship). Back in the 1920s, people actually thought we’d be docking blimps at the top of skyscrapers.
Another misconception is that the building is "falling down."
Honestly, it's not.
It’s a steel-framed beast. While a decorative eagle’s head did fall off during a thunderstorm in 1930 (prompting the removal of the rest of the birds), the core structure is incredibly solid. The "danger" is mostly economic. It costs millions just to keep the heat on so the pipes don't freeze, and without a tenant, that’s just money disappearing into the Providence air.
The Ripple Effect on Downtown
Providence is a "walkable" city, and Kennedy Plaza is its heart. Having the tallest building in Rhode Island sit dark right in the middle of that heart isn't great for business.
- Foot Traffic: Thousands of workers used to pour out of that building at lunch. Now? Silence.
- Perception: An empty landmark suggests a stagnant city.
- Housing: Providence, like everywhere else, is in a housing crisis. 285 apartments would be a massive win.
Actionable Steps for the Curious
If you’re visiting Providence or you’re a local who wants to engage with this piece of history, here’s what you should actually do:
- The Best View: Don't just stand at the base. Head over to the Prospect Terrace Park on the East Side. It’s where the Roger Williams statue is. From there, you get the iconic "post card" view of the building framed perfectly against the sunset.
- Architectural Peek: While the building is closed to the public, you can still walk right up to the bronze doors on Westminster Street. Look at the relief work on the exterior. The detail in the stone is incredible and often overlooked by people rushing to the mall.
- Support Local Advocacy: The Providence Preservation Society (PPS) has been the building's biggest cheerleader. They host walking tours and talks that dive into the nitty-gritty of why these old buildings matter. Check their calendar if you want to see the interior through their archival photos.
- Stay Updated: Follow the local news (WPRI or the Providence Journal) specifically for "Tax Stabilization Agreement" (TSA) updates. That boring-sounding legal stuff is actually the heartbeat of whether this building ever opens again.
The Superman Building isn't just a pile of rocks and steel. It’s the visual anchor of the state. Whether it becomes luxury lofts or stays a silent sentinel for another decade, it remains the most fascinating, frustrating, and beautiful structure in the smallest state in the union.