The National Parks Service features The Micro Lofts at The Arcade Providence on the cover of their 2014 Annual Report. The annual report showcases projects around the nation that use Federal Tax Incentives for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings.
NCA created 17 micro retail spaces on the main level and 48 micro lofts on the Arcade’s second and third floors. The $8.9 million adaptive reuse project respects the Arcade’s historic design and the building’s Old World features make each unit unique. Furnished one-bedroom units range in size from 225 to 450 gsf and each unit features a living room, built-in furniture, storage, bathroom, and kitchen with refrigerator, sink, dishwasher, and microwave. When residents need more space than their cozy units offer, they utilize a game room, TV room and porches. Other amenities include laundry, basement storage, nearby parking garage, public transportation and Zipcar location. The Arcade’s sustainable design elements include high-efficiency gas units, new double-hung windows, new insulated roof that reduces the building’s cooling requirements and minimizes the urban heat island effect, and a central skylight that provides extensive daylighting. All appliances meet the Energy Star rating. Plumbing fixtures include a dual-flush/low consumption toilet, low-flow faucets, and EPA Water sense approved showerheads. And the carpet tile is 100% recyclable. The project has earned awards from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, AIA RI, Grow Smart RI, Providence Preservation Society, and Multi-Housing News.