Hasbro Close to Deciding Boston or Rhode Island for Headquarters

It’s unclear if an offer of land in the 1-195 District will convince the company to stay in Rhode Island

Hasbro world headquarters in Pawtucket, Rhode Island
The former Hasbro headquarters in Providence. The company is now headquartered in Pawtucket.
Alamy Stock Photo
1 min read
Share
Hasbro world headquarters in Pawtucket, Rhode Island
The former Hasbro headquarters in Providence. The company is now headquartered in Pawtucket.
Alamy Stock Photo
Hasbro Close to Deciding Boston or Rhode Island for Headquarters
Copy

Can an almost-free offer for a prime riverfront parcel in Providence’s long-touted, semi-developed I-195 District compete with the razzle-dazzle of new-money energy in Boston’s Seaport District?

That’s the choice facing Hasbro, the venerable Pawtucket-based toymaker-turned-entertainment company, as it narrows in on a future home.

Rhode Island’s effort to retain the headquarters of Hasbro is seen by some as a “jump ball” with Massachusetts.

The Boston Business Journal reported this week that Hasbro is getting closer to reaching a decision and that one location under consideration is in Boston’s Seaport District.

In November, the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission approved a binding resolution offering Hasbro an acre of riverfront land near downtown Providence for $1. It’s the same land once targeted for a controversial skyscraper by New York developer Jason Fane.

Marc Crisafulli, chairman of the commission, declined a request for comment Tuesday.

This story was reported by The Public’s Radio. You can read the entire story here.

Three-hour hearing in environmental nonprofits lawsuit centers on powers of federal agencies
Rep. Magaziner calls for voters to keep speaking up
Local farmer’s markets may help, according to food policy advocates
After four years of development, the Samaritans’ new website combines mental health resources with calming artwork to provide a welcoming, life-saving experience for those in need of support
Transit riders say moving the Kennedy Plaza bus hub is the last thing RIPTA should be focusing on while it still has a more than $30 million funding hole to fill