Brady Sullivan, Starr Development Propose Mixed-Use Conversion of Warren’s American Tourister Factory

by Adriana Pop, Associate Editor

Brady Sullivan Properties of Manchester, N.H. is partnering with Boston-based Starr Development to repurpose the former American Tourister factory in Warren into a mixed-use facility. According to the Providence Journal, plans call for 225 apartments and 85,000 square feet of commercial and retail space at the 14-acre riverfront site on Main Street.

Brady Sullivan, which specializes in mill renovation projects, purchased the property in March for $2.6 million.

Earlier this month, the proposed Tourister redevelopment project lost an initial bid for state historic tax credits. Nevertheless, the developers had better luck with their $20-million reconversion of the former American Insulated Wire complex in Pawtucket. That project is among the winners of the state-organized lottery. The American Insulated project, which includes about 40,000 square feet of commercial space and 139 apartments, will benefit from tax credits valued between $2.5 million and $3 million.

In other news, the Providence Journal reports that Apponaug Water Development L.L.C. held its second public forum last month on a proposed 127-key waterfront hotel in Warwick.

The $20-million project would bring a turreted, six-story Wyndham-branded property to Warwick’s Apponaug section. More than 40 participants attended the meeting to discuss the impact of the new development.

In order to move forward, the project will need to be approved by the city’s Planning Department and receive a zoning change from the City Council. Construction is expected to begin in the spring, Raymond D’Abate, the company’s executive vice president told the newspaper.