Rhode Island's First Outlet Mall in the Works

Rhode Island is on track to get its first outlet mall.

Developers this week announced plans to turn the former Rhode Island Mall in Warwick into the ”Outlets at Rhode Island Mall.”

The former mall property is owned by New York-based Surrey Equities and Concord, Mass.-based Winstanley Enterprises. The Rhode Island Mall closed in 2011 after several major tenants like Filene’s left and a huge flood damaged the building.

Surrey President Ed Silvera said the project will resemble outlet malls in Wrentham, Mass. and Kittery, Maine.

“The project has many challenges ahead but looks promising as a new start for the property,“ Silvera said in a statement. ”Our plan is to modernize all aspects of the property including extensive facade renovations and a wide range of improvements inside the mall delivering a more sleek and modern mall with amenities that are attractive to shoppers of all ages.”

Silvera said construction is expected to start early next year.

Photo: A rendering of the Outlets at Rhode Island Mall. (Credit: Surrey Equities)