257 Thayer Now Open to Students

Providence, R.I. — (June 29, 2015) Unparalleled amenities and Rafi the Rhino, a 250 lb. bronze statue by renowned wildlife sculptor Nick Bibby, welcomed residents to 257 Thayer earlier this month. 257 Thayer is the first “purpose-built” student housing in Providence that caters exclusively to local students and their needs.

“A truly fantastic staff”, noted Taylor M., one of 257 Thayer’s first residents. “It feels like you are living in a hotel! Yesterday, I woke up and went downstairs to find out that it was Belgium Waffle Wednesday!” Jordan, another resident, added “257 Thayer is an absolute masterpiece. A true place of comfort.”

The 267-bed community, developed by Gilbane Development Company, includes 95 suite-style apartments with one-, two- and three-bedroom units on four levels. On-site community amenities include a clubhouse room with multiple high definition TVs, a pool table, a community café, computers and high speed printer; group study rooms; fitness center; extensive bike storage; high speed internet and WIFI; and, 24-hour resident services. The enclosed landscaped courtyard, with its fire pit and barbeque grill, provides students with a space to socialize outside of their suites.

257 Thayer features all-inclusive, individual, by-the-bed, leasing. Apartment amenities include fully-furnished modern living units, private bedrooms with full private bathrooms, hardwood style floors, full kitchens with granite countertops. Each apartment is generously equipped with stainless ENERGY STAR appliances, including refrigerators with ice maker, microwave, and full-size washer and dryer.

The four-story community, located in the heart of College Hill, is a multi-purpose facility that includes retail space on Thayer Street’s frontage and an underground, heated parking garage with 78 spaces. Located steps away from the center of Brown University and just half a mile from RISD’s campus, 257 Thayer is ideal and convenient for students at both campuses.

257 Thayer was designed as a LEED Silver project and features a sustainable management plan. Sustainable features include: building products were required to meet stringent low VOC and low emissions guidelines; utilization of high efficiency mechanical systems; electric car charging stations and bike storage are provided free of charge; high efficiency mechanical systems; and, solar power providing up to 12% of the building’s power. Altogether, this makes 257 Thayer over 30% more efficient than the baseline set by the United States Green Building Council.

The project also features original works of art, including “Rafi”, a bronze sculpture of an Indian Rhino by artist Nick Bibby, and an illustration of Rafi by Victo Ngai, a New York based illustrator from Hong Kong and Rhode Island School of Design graduate.

“We are so pleased to see the project come to fruition, and the excitement surrounding the first move-ins at 257 Thayer,” said Bob Gilbane, Chairman and CEO of Gilbane Development Company. “This is a fantastic community – a true living/learning environment which is sure to contribute to the success of our student residents.”

Design and Construction team members include CUBE 3 Studio (Project Architect) and Dellbrook Construction. 257 Thayer is managed by Asset Campus Housing (ACH). For more information, including leasing availability, please visit www.257thayer.com or call (401) 272-7777.