Providence, R.I. – The long-delayed effort to redevelop downtown Providence’s iconic “Superman Building” will continue despite the sudden leadership change at its parent company.

High Rock Development, the Massachusetts-based firm that owns the 111 Westminster Street landmark, announced Friday that it remains committed to transforming the structure into new residential housing. The reassurance comes after the July death of company president David Sweetser, who had led efforts to breathe new life into the state’s tallest building since its closure in 2013.

The company confirmed that its legal counsel, Michael Crossen, will now take the helm, overseeing High Rock’s portfolio, including the future of the Superman Building.

“All of the pieces remain in place and nothing has changed with the financing plan,” Crossen said in a statement. “This complex project will get off the ground and provide hundreds of jobs, housing opportunities and a long-term economic benefit for Rhode Island’s economy.”

Crossen emphasized that the company is “fully committed” to moving forward with redevelopment plans, even as the project’s timeline has shifted. High Rock expects momentum to pick up in 2026, when work is anticipated to accelerate.

The most recent proposal, unveiled in 2022, aimed to repurpose the vacant skyscraper into residential apartments while serving as a cornerstone for broader downtown revitalization. The plan secured about $60 million in public support, including tax credits, loans, and financing packages. Initially, the redevelopment was expected to be completed in 2025, but delays—common in large-scale historic rehabilitation projects—have pushed that schedule back.

Local and state leaders have long hoped that restoring the 26-story building would spark additional investment in Providence’s downtown core. The property, which dominates the skyline near Kennedy Plaza, has become a symbol of both economic stagnation and potential opportunity since its last tenant vacated more than a decade ago.

In addition to housing, the project is expected to create hundreds of construction jobs and boost local businesses during and after redevelopment. The tax incentive package also reflects the state’s strategy of using targeted public-private partnerships to catalyze growth in urban areas.

High Rock did not release new design updates or revised completion dates, but reaffirmed that financing remains secure. The company signaled that it will continue engaging with state officials and local stakeholders to ensure the project stays on track.

Despite the leadership transition, the redevelopment of the Superman Building remains one of Rhode Island’s most closely watched real estate efforts—seen as a bellwether for Providence’s economic future.

Originally reported by Ian Donnis in Rhode Island PBS.