Superman Magnet

Commissioned in 1925 by the Industrial Trust company, the building was constructed and completed in 1927 in the Art Deco period, popular at the time. It opened for tenants in 1928 just before the Great Depression. It is still the tallest “skyscraper” in Providence and has 26 floors and stands at 428 feet. It is nicknamed the “Superman building” due to its resemblance of the fictional “Daily Planet” building from the 1950s Superman TV series. The building that was actually used as inspiration for the series is in Los Angeles.

The building has been vacant since 2013 and there has been a great amount of speculation whether or not to rehabilitate it or take it down. This building is so iconic in Rhode Island and serves as a metaphor of times of prosperity and glory, as well as neglect. The Superman Building magnet pays homage to the grandeur of the building as well as the stories we tell ourselves. Small but mighty is phrase I use to pay homage to being the smallest state with the “don’t mess with me” vibe.