A Historic Transformation Through Family Partnership
We are proud to announce the successful completion of Track 15 Food Hall at Providence’s historic Union Station. This transformative project represents not just a construction achievement, but a meaningful collaboration between family-owned businesses committed to revitalizing downtown Providence.
The story of Track 15 begins with the historic Union Station, a 125-year-old transportation landmark built in 1898. The name itself carries significant meaning—the original station operated 14 intercity rail lines until 1986, making “Track 15” a fitting tribute to Providence’s next chapter of innovation.
The vision for this project came from the Marsella family, whose legacy in Providence runs deep. Developer Romolo “Rom” Marsella played an integral role in shaping the Creative Capital, helping to relocate the Amtrak station and create the open space for Waterplace Park. Today, Rom continues this transformative work alongside his son Christopher and daughter Jennifer through Marsella Development Corporation.
What was once a vacant historic space has now become Providence’s first locally focused food hall—a culinary destination that celebrates the city’s renowned food scene.
Construction Elements: Precision and Heritage in Every Detail
The transformation of this century-old train station presented unique challenges that our team executed with expertise:
- We converted 20,000-SF of historic space into a premium food destination featuring seven distinct vendor stalls
- Development of 10,000-SF of dining areas and 8,000+ SF of back-of-house space
- Installed comprehensive infrastructure upgrades, including new electrical services and custom HVAC systems with rooftop chiller installation
- Executed extensive structural steel modifications while preserving the building’s historic integrity
- Coordinated complex underground plumbing systems navigating the challenging existing conditions of the historic station
- Managed significant overhead coordination of multiple specialized trades while working with occupied tenants on the second and third levels
The centerpiece features a custom-designed bar with industrial elements resembling railroad tracks and furniture crafted from reclaimed railroad materials—thoughtful details that honor the location’s transportation heritage.
Partnership: A Collaboration Built on Shared Values
What truly distinguished this project was the exceptional partnership formed between our team and the Marsella family. As one family-owned business working with another, we developed a connection that transcended the typical client-contractor relationship. Our shared values and commitment to community building created a foundation of trust that enabled us to overcome challenges and enhance opportunities throughout the design and construction process.
Christopher Marsella and the entire Marsella Development Corporation team welcomed us as an extension of their family, fostering open communication and collaborative problem-solving. Together with Vision 3 Architects, we formed a cohesive team united by a common purpose: creating a gathering place that would serve as a catalyst for downtown revitalization.
As Rob McCarter, our Vice President and Senior Project Manager notes: “We are proud to celebrate Chris Marsella and Marsella Development Corporation’s grand opening of Track 15. This successful collaboration has showcased the power of partnership, and we can’t wait for the Providence community to experience this revitalized landmark as a true gathering place.”
Track 15 Food Hall now features an impressive array of local culinary talent, including concepts from Dune Brothers, the Meza family’s Dolores, There There, two Italian concepts from Kevin O’Donnell, Little Chaska, and Tolia from chef Alp Gumuscu.
This project exemplifies our People.Building philosophy—building meaningful relationships that build communities. We’re grateful for the trust placed in us by the Marsella family and Vision 3 Architects, and proud to see this historic transformation enhance downtown Providence.
