I195 commission hopeful Hasbro will consider new HQ proposal
Nov 06, 2024
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The I-195 Redevelopment District Commission voted unanimously Wednesday night on a resolution that would allow Hasbro to move its world headquarters to the capital city.
The toymaking and entertainment giant now has up to 18 months to decide whether to build a new headquarters and toy museum on Parcel 42, according to I-195 Redevelopment District Commission Chairman Marc Crisafulli.
"We wanted to make sure [Hasbro] knew that if they want it, it's theirs," Crisafulli told 12 News. "There's no red tape and we can move very quickly."
RELATED: I-195 commission proposes new Hasbro HQ in Providence
This comes as Hasbro mulls vacating its current headquarters in Pawtucket in favor of Boston. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and her team have been attempting to lure the toymaker to the Bay State since the spring, and Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks has confirmed that the company has been exploring Greater Boston in search for a more suitable space for their new world headquarters.
Cocks, who announced a series of job cuts last month, said Hasbro is hoping to relocate by mid-2026, whether it be within Rhode Island or elsewhere.
Crisafulli said that, if Hasbro decides to move to the capital city, the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission would give the vacant land to them for $1.
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The I-195 Redevelopment District Commission's proposal would allow for the construction of a 300,000 square-foot building that includes on-site parking, an open floor plan and a retail store on the ground floor. There would also be a toy museum built within 195 District Park.
It remains to be seen whether Hasbro is looking at Parcel 42 as a viable spot. In a statement to 12 News, Hasbro spokesperson Abby Hodes explained that it's still early in the process and the company is continuing to explore its options.
Courtesy: I-195 Redevelopment District Commission
Courtesy: I-195 Redevelopment District Commission
Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien, meanwhile, is not giving up hope just yet and is working diligently to keep the toymaker in the city.
Grace Voll, a city spokesperson, stressed that Grebien is still in close communications with Cocks and other Hasbro executives.
"Despite Hasbro wanting to move out of their current space, we are committed to keeping Pawtucket as their home," Voll said. "We look forward to continuing talks with them."
SEE ALSO: Could Hasbro come to Providence? Mayor Smiley says it’s possible
Though he acknowledged that Pawtucket has first dibs, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley told 12 News he would be ready to make the pitch if a deal doesn't pan out.
Parcel 42, which is located off of Dyer Street, is where the Fane Tower would have been built before the project was scrapped last year.
Crisafulli noted that the district has been bustling ever since construction began on the new Rhode Island State Health Laboratory. He remains hopeful that Hasbro will consider the space and everything it has to offer.
"We're building something really special right now," Crisafulli said. "There's a tremendous amount of activity here and it would just be great to add them into the mix."
Crisafulli told 12 News the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission is hoping to meet with Hasbro soon regarding the proposal.
NEXT: Hasbro sees 15% revenue drop, could move out of RI by mid-2026
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