Mayor's message: Redesigned Macy's to re-open on March 16

As we approach the first anniversary of the flood, we are reminded not only of the incredible devastation that our community endured, but also of the remarkable rebuilding and continued commitment of existing businesses to our city. March 16 marks the grand re-opening of a completely redesigned Macy's. Although details were being closely guarded as of this writing, the Warwick Mall location, with a $3.4 million renovation price tag, is being touted as the chain's new nationwide flagship store. The Warwick Mall campus is also bustling beyond the Mall building itself, with construction of new businesses there. A Red Robin Gourmet Burger Restaurant - a chain popular in other parts of the United States - is being built, with estimated construction costs at more than $700,000. The company is one of just several that have chosen Warwick for their first Rhode Island location, joining Trader Joe's, Bernie and Phyl's, Agaves Mexican Restaurant, and the NYLO Hotel Group, all of which have opened here within the past several years. At the nearby Rte. 5 entrance to the mall, work is underway for a new Fat Belly's Restaurant, a unique addition to the popular local restaurant chain. There are presently four of the Irish pubs - named to several statewide and regional "Best of" lists - in Rhode Island, including the southern part of Warwick, neighboring East Greenwich, Providence and Wakefield. Construction costs for the mall location are estimated at $100,000. Warwick offers a number of commercial properties available for lease or purchase for businesses looking to expand existing operations or to relocate here. Please contact our Department of Tourism, Culture and Development at (401), 738-2000, ext. 6402, or log onto www.movetowarwickri.com if you would like additional information. Scott Avedisian is the mayor of Warwick.