Alta Altitude
Multifamily Development
Ground was officially broken on May 22, 2024, for what is set to be the largest private project in Warwick in recent years, signaling a vibrant new chapter for the city.
Wood Partners, shared the exciting timeline: the first of two Class A apartment buildings, boasting 214 units on a sprawling 6.5-acre site across from T.F. Green International Airport on Post Road, is scheduled to open in July 2026. This ambitious $65 million project is a collaboration between Wood Partners and Schiavo Enterprises of Dedham, MA, who have worked seamlessly on the zone change and permitting processes.
This development marks a significant transformation for the site, which was previously an off-site parking area for the airport but will soon become a vibrant residential community. With a high demand for housing showing no signs of slowing, the developers are confident that the mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units will be highly sought after. Mark Seck, Vice President of Development for Wood Partners, emphasized that such a high-quality property hasn’t been built in Warwick for at least 30 years.
The apartment complex will feature a host of luxury amenities, including a central courtyard with fire pits and lounging areas, a full-size gym, work-from-home suites, a grand lounge with games, TVs, a dog spa, a resort-style swimming pool, and private resident garages. “This is a fully amenitized apartment building,” Seck noted, highlighting the unique offerings that set this project apart.
This project is the first for Wood Partners in Rhode Island, adding to their impressive portfolio of over 20,000 apartment units in 20 cities. The company will oversee the construction, with an estimated five to seven supervisors managing up to 100 workers at the height of the building phase.
Expectations are high that this complex will contribute significantly to the long-term vision of Warwick City Centre. Robert Schiavo, project developer, is a firm believer in the potential of Warwick as a hub for growth, given its convergence of rail, air, and interstate access. Schiavo envisions the area blossoming with additonal retail, restaurants, and residential spaces.
“I’m hoping it is opening the floodgates to more development,” Schiavo shared, revealing plans to develop surrounding properties with amenities that will support the residential community. Mayor Frank Picozzi echoed this optimism, pointing to ongoing and future developments that signal a bright future for Warwick.
We’re on the march. It’s like a snowball. Post Road was desolate, and all of a sudden, it’s blossoming – Mayor Frank Picozzi
Highlighting various projects, including the redevelopment of the former Sheraton Hotel into housing and plans for new hotels and commercial spaces.
The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by Schiavo Enterprises, Wood Partners, DiPrete Engineering and Warwick officials, marks the start of an exciting new era. Attorney K. Joseph Shekarchi, who facilitated the project’s city applications and permits, praised the development for addressing critical housing needs and catalyzing growth in City Centre. The apartments will not only meet housing demands but also return the site to city tax rolls, fueling further economic development. The project’s innovative tax treaty, which phases in property taxes over 15 years, played a crucial role in enabling the development. Schiavo praised the city’s administration for their professionalism and efficiency in processing the necessary applications and permits.
Reflecting on the renewed interest in Post Road, Picozzi expressed his excitement: “What’s going on Post Road is very exciting. Nothing like this since the development of Route 2.” Seck wholeheartedly agreed, adding, “This area is really going to take off.” With such a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, Warwick is poised for a remarkable transformation.
