Industrial National Bank Building Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Industrial National Bank Building

Former names	Industrial Trust Tower, Fleet Bank Building, Bank of America Building
Alternative names	Superman Building, Industrial Trust Building
General information
Status	vacant
Location	Kennedy Plaza, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Address	111 Westminster Street
Coordinates	41°49′28″N 71°24′39″W / 41.824553°N 71.410696°W / 41.824553; -71.410696
Construction started	1925
Completed	1927
Owner	High Rock Development
Height
Roof	428 ft (130 m)
Technical details
Material	Limestone exterior/steel framework
Floor count	26
Design and construction
Architect	Walker & Gillette, George Frederick Hall
Developer	Industrial Trust Company

Historic plaque

The Industrial National Bank Building is a very tall building at 111 Westminster Street in Providence, Rhode Island. People often call it the Superman Building because it looks like the Daily Planet building from the Superman comics.

It is the tallest building in Providence and in the entire state of Rhode Island. It stands at 428 feet (130 meters) and has 26 floors. The building has been empty since April 2013.

History of the Superman Building
Building Design and Features
- Art and Details
- Vault and Exterior
Efforts to Fix Up the Building
Images for kids
See also

History of the Superman Building

The Old Butler Exchange Building

Before the Superman Building was built, an older, six-story building called the Butler Exchange stood on this spot. It was built in 1872. Many different businesses were located there. These included a commercial school, a clothing store, and a car supply company. There was even a gym for ladies!

In 1925, a big fire damaged the Butler Exchange building. After the fire, it was torn down to make room for the new, much taller tower.

The Butler Exchange Building being built in 1872.
A photo of the building from 1891.
The Butler Exchange Building around 1920.

Building the Industrial Trust Tower

The Industrial Trust Company decided to build a new tower in 1925. This company was founded in 1886. The new building, called the Industrial Trust Tower, was finished in 1927. It was designed in the popular Art Deco style of that time. It opened for businesses on October 1, 1928.

Over the years, the building changed names as the bank changed owners.

In 1982, it became the Fleet Bank Tower.
In 1998, it was renamed the Bank of America Building.

In 2008, a company called High Rock Development bought the building. Bank of America was the only tenant at the time.

The Building Becomes Empty

In 2012, Bank of America decided not to stay in the building. They moved out in April 2013, leaving the building completely empty.

The new owners, High Rock Development, asked for money from the state to fix up the building. However, the state government decided not to give public funds or tax breaks. This was because people were very careful about how taxpayer money was used.

In 2016, experts estimated that it would cost at least $115 million to repair the building.

Legal Issues with Bank of America

In 2013, High Rock Development sued Bank of America. They claimed the bank had not taken good care of the building. They said this made the building hard to rent out.

The building had parts of its stone exterior missing. Scaffolding was put up around it to keep people safe from falling pieces. High Rock asked for a lot of money to cover the damages. Bank of America also made a claim against High Rock.

The two companies eventually settled their disagreement out of court. The details of their agreement were kept private.

Building Design and Features

The Superman Building is made with a steel frame covered in limestone. Its base is made of granite. When it was built, it was advertised as "A Business Building for Building Business."

The building has six sections that spread out from a main central tower. Its unique stepped shape was a new idea for buildings in Providence. This design was common in New York City to make sure buildings had enough light and air.

When it was finished, it was one of the tallest buildings in New England. It was the third tallest after the Travelers Tower in Connecticut and the Custom House Tower in Boston.

Art and Details

You can see a lot of art on the building, especially near the top of its base. There are 22 carvings that show scenes of Native Americans and early settlers. They also show different stages of industrialization. There are also carvings of four seals and four eagles.

Inside, there is a grand hall that is three stories tall. It has large windows that look out over Kennedy Plaza. There is also a balcony level with a lobby and a small ballroom.

The 26th floor used to be the main office for the Industrial Trust Company. It had a dining room and offices. A special room called the 'Gondola room' was on the 29th floor. It was designed to look like the gondola of an airship. This room had a wine closet and dark leather details.

A peregrine falcon nest box is also located on the building. The 28th and 29th floors hold large water tanks that supply water to the building.

Vault and Exterior

In the basement, there is a large vault. It was designed to hold valuable items for clients, like fine rugs. The vault door alone weighs 17 tons (about 15,500 kilograms)!

The metal doors and trim were made by a company in New York. Some of the street-level doors have brass carvings of eagles.

The very top of the building used to have a green light beacon and a decorative globe. It was surrounded by a circle of stone eagles. In 1930, one of these eagles fell to the street. Because of this, the eagles and the decorative globe were removed in 1950.

The building's unique shape comes from certain floors (5, 12, 14, 17, 18, 26, and 30) that are set back. From nightfall until midnight, the top of the building is usually lit up in bright blue. For holidays like Christmas and Valentine's Day, it changes to red and green. However, since the building is empty, the exterior lights are currently turned off.

Efforts to Fix Up the Building

The Superman Building has stayed mostly the same over the years. The last major update was in 2007, when Bank of America installed new fire safety systems.

When Bank of America moved out in 2013, the building became empty. This also meant that the bright lights that used to light up the top of the building at night were turned off. Only the very peak light stayed on.

High Rock Development, the owner, suggested turning the building into luxury apartments. This plan would have needed $80 million in tax credits from the state. But this idea was turned down.

Later, High Rock Development offered a new plan. This plan would cost $40 million in new funding. It would turn the tower into a mix of uses, including shops, businesses, and 285 apartments. Some people have pointed out that High Rock Development has a lot of money available but has not used it for the repairs.

In 2017, other companies suggested different plans for the building. One idea was to tear it down and build a new 36-story building in its place. These plans were presented to the toy company Hasbro, who was looking for a new headquarters in downtown Providence.