Hoping to entice the company to remain in Rhode Island, the Commission unanimously approved giving the company an exclusive right to Parcel 42

At the I-195 Redevelopment District meeting on the evening of Nov. 6, commissioners voted unanimously to offer Hasbro an exclusive right to Parcel 42, the same site formerly proposed for the infamous Fane Tower.

The Pawtucket-based company is exploring options to move its headquarters to Boston, with the company expecting to announce its new headquarters in the first three months of 2025. It is unclear whether the company would be interested in remaining in Providence or taking the land at Parcel 42.

“Just to be clear, if Hasbro ever were interested in some other parcel, we would of course come right back to you right away and consider that one,” said 195 Commission Chairman Marc Crisafulli. “But for the time being, we want to try and proceed with Parcel 42. As I mentioned at the beginning, I want to make this legally binding so that it is crystal clear to Hasbro how aggressively we are pursuing them.”

It is not clear whether representatives from the commission or the city spoke with Hasbro executives about the proposal prior to Wednesday evening.

The 195 Commission’s pitch not only included granting the parcel, but also a 10-story building with office space, retail, and a toy museum.

Executive Director of the I-195 Redevelopment District Caroline Skuncik described a day in the life of a would-be Hasbro professional living in the I-195 district if the company settled there — painting the picture of a yuppie’s paradise.

“You were excited to land a job with Hasbro because you fell in love with Providence when you went to RISD, and graduated with a degree in computer graphics. Your apartment is right next to Trader Joe’s … [you] walk one block up Wickenden Street to the Coffee Exchange on the way to work, coffee in hand, you walk along the river. Across the pedestrian bridge and through the park to your office building,” she said.

“It’s Thursday, so after work, you cross the street to District Hall to attend the week’s digital gaming showcase at the Venture Cafe. After enjoying a few sessions, you head out to meet up with your friends who work at CIC, for a digital media startup, at the new pavilion at the 195 District Park for a drink at The Guild and to enjoy some live music. It’s a work night. You head home after just one drink, walking back over the pedestrian bridge. You pop into Trader Joe’s for a few groceries before heading up to your apartment for the night,” she concluded.

While Hasbro representatives were not in attendance at Wednesday’s meeting, Crisafulli said the Commission will meet with the company soon to discuss the proposal.