Contextualism hits the wall in this steroid-pumped addition all too obeisant to the Union Station complex. While the concept of appropriate design in an historic context has some virtue, this misses the mark. The context is neither Union Station nor Downtown, but Capital Center and a major intersection, where design should enjoy a freer reign. The building’s form and detail closely mimic its century-old neighbor, and it’s much too large. It also oversteps its bounds into the sidewalk on Francis Street. Robinson, Green & Beretta’s design is probably less their professional response to the site than the client’s requirements.
– 2003 Guide to Providence Architecture
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