Atlantic Mills -

Sale of Atlantic Mills Closes

Originally posted on June 17, 2025 at 2:35 pm. Last updated June 22, 7:33 pm. After months of organizing, protest, and debate, the sale of the Atlantic Mills complex on Manton Avenue has officially gone through. “The historic Atlantic Mills complex in the Olneyville neighborhood has officially changed hands. As of June 17th, 2025, Atlantic Mills RI LLC…
The Latest with Atlantic Mills: Evictions, Funding, Protest

Originally published May 14, 2025. The Atlantic Mills Tenant Union (AMTU) has continued to demand collective bargaining with the prospective buyers of the complex and is demanding that the Olneyville Neighborhood Association (ONA), a tenant in the Mills, retain access to their classroom space in the Mills as they are faced with an eviction notice…
The 50-Year History of Tenant Unions in Rhode Island

Originally published May 14, 2025. When organizers announced the formation of the Atlantic Mills Tenants Union (AMTU) on Dec. 21, the Mills’ snow-capped towers at their backs, they made history as the first commercial tenants union in Rhode Island, and one of the first such unions in the country. “We are demanding stability and dignity,…
The Big Top Flea Marches On — For Now

Originally published on April 15, 2025. // Last updated April 17 at 4:20 pm. Cars circle the cracked pavement of the parking lot outside Atlantic Mills. An army of suitcases and shoe boxes stand at attention in front of the hulking red-brick mill building. By the main entrance, cups of freshly cut mango, watermelon, and…
Most Endangered Places 2025: Atlantic Mills

118 Manton Avenue Neighborhood: Olneyville Threat: Displacement, gentrification and neglect Historic District or Landmark Status: Listed in the Industrial and Commercial Buildings District, City of Providence (designated 2001). Listed on MEP: 2009, 2010, 2014-2017, 2024 Atlantic Mills was nominated by 14 people. Excerpts from some of the nominations follow. Atlantic Mills is “the heartbeat of Providence.” “This is…
Atlantic Mills Tenants Announce Formation of Commercial Tenants Union

Originally posted on Dec. 21 at 2:00 pm // Last updated on Dec. 21 at 5:37 pm. At a press conference in Riverside Park Saturday afternoon, officials, renters discuss goals, demands Renters in the Atlantic Mills announced that they are forming a commercial tenants union at a rally in Riverside Park on Dec. 21. This is the…
A Tough Sell: Why has Atlantic Mills Been So Difficult to Redevelop?

While there have been several mill conversions in Providence over the last 25 years, Atlantic Mills is one of the largest industrial buildings in the Olneyville neighborhood that has not (yet) been redeveloped or converted into residential, office space, or other uses. With an abundance of space and an active weekend flea market, the Mills…
As Atlantic Mills Sale Edges Closer, Tenants Push Unity

Originally published Oct. 16, 2024 Roughly 100 concerned community members and tenants stood shoulder-to-shoulder in the Olneyville community library on the evening of Oct. 9 to discuss the pending sale of Atlantic Mills on Manton Avenue. The meeting was convened by the Olneyville Neighborhood Association (ONA), which rents space on the first floor of the building and hosts…
With Sale Pending, Atlantic Mills Tenants Concerned about Future of Community Hub

Originally published Oct. 4, 2024 Tenants worry about rent hikes, community space; new developer says rent increase not in the works The tenants of Atlantic Mills — an Olneyville community staple which has hosted the Big Top Flea and other events for decades — are worried that with the pending sale of the complex, the vibrant community,…
Atlantic Mills relisted for sale for $5 million

Originally published Aug. 26, 2024 Atlantic Delaine Co. Mills is back on the market. Atlantic Mills, one of Providence’s most iconic industrial complexes, first appeared on the Providence Preservation Society’s Most Endangered Places list in 2009 and has remained up to the present. The owners of the property had been working with the City on a purchase-of-sale agreement….