September 26, 2007

US & Canada | US | Rhode Island | Providence

Tagging the Temple

By Nicole Cotroneo

An abandoned beauty in Providence moves the graffiti in-house.

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Freemasons may have a reputation for secrecy and symbols, but one mystery has been solved in Providence: what was ever to become of the massive Masonic temple abandoned 80 years ago in the heart of the city? Naturally, a luxury hotel. After Rhode Island’s largest ever restoration, the white elephant of the “Renaissance City” has just become — inevitably — the Renaissance Providence: a $100 million hotel now befitting its prominent position on the Avenue of the Arts, near the capital building and the Rhode Island Philharmonic.

Embracing its locale, and Providence’s burgeoning arts scene, the hotel has bestowed its staff some artsy titles — reception clerks are “choreographers,” phone staff “maestros,” and managers “supporting cast.” And though the graffiti has been scrubbed from the limestone, neoclassic exterior, it’s not been completely erased: “artwork” by elusive graffiti artist Juner — who used to tag the temple on the sly and was invited back to “officially” bless the walls again — is now on display in the hotel’s restaurant. While Juner may not be cause enough to make a trip to Providence, WaterFire certainly is. An immensely popular annual “art installation” choreographed to music, WaterFire sets the city’s rivers ablaze for the last time this year October 6 and 27.