This is an update to our Aug. 11 story
NORTH PROVIDENCE – An official opening has now been set for The Game House, say owners.
“After months of waiting, planning, and support from all of you, we finally have an opening date,” they said. That date will be Aug. 23, from 2 to 10 p.m.
“We can’t wait to finally welcome you in,” said the owners. “Play. Connect. Stay a while.”
Original story below:
The Game House gets its approval to open in former David’s Furniture
NORTH PROVIDENCE – The wait is over for Genesis Sanchez and August Bogner, who say they they’re excited to soon open The Game House at 1726 Smith St.
The hub for board game experiences and gathering with friends had been delayed for months, leading to mounting bills and frustration for the couple as they were prevented from opening.
They told The Local Insider they were nervous heading into a Town Council meeting last week, but thankfully board’s move to expedite the review of their parking situation went very well. The council approved placement of resident-only parking signs, which allowed them to have their parking variance approved.
Bogner and Sanchez said they’ll announce an opening date soon.
“We did it!” They posted. “The North Providence Town Council has officially approved the final measure needed to move The Game House one step closer to opening,” they announced. “Thank you to everyone who attended, emailed, shared our posts, and believed in this dream. Your support truly made a difference. We’ll be back soon to announce an opening date.”
In June, the Zoning Board approved the requested variance from town restrictions requiring six parking space for the business, which is located in the former David’s Furniture building with several other small service-based companies such as hair studios and a tattoo parlor. Councilor Steve DiLorenzo had mentioned complaints from residents on Oregon Avenue about possible parking issues, so the board made its vote conditional on council approval of added resident-only parking signs.
At the Aug. 4 meeting, after hearing from Bogner that they would be in trouble if it wasn’t approved that night, the council agreed to bypass the longer process and approve what the owners needed. DiLorenzo said the couple has been very patient.
Planning Director Brent Wiegand said Zoning Board members approved the parking allowance after reviewing and feeling comfortable that business schedules would allow everyone to function properly in the building.
Council President Dino Autiello asked them if they’re comfortable opening without an ideal parking situation, noting how crowded the lot can get there.
Sanchez responded that they’ll be open from 5 to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 2 to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, saying there’s never a parking issue during those hours as they’ve seen over six months of soft openings.
The Game House intends to attract local high school and college students, many of whom will carpool or walk here, said the owners. They said they really just needed the chance to open.
Police Lt. Kevin Guindon said they have received many complaints from residents, and neighbors deserve to have the no-parking signs in place for their protection.
North Providence Police Lt. Kevin Guindon said the department has received numerous complaints from residents, and they deserve to have the signs put up mandating resident-only parking.
Following the approval, one resident said it’s already difficult currently to put out of Oregon or Sampson, and residents frequently have to drive a couple of streets over because they can’t see and no one lets them pull out.
Autiello promised to expedite the ordinance process in subcommittee, including for the no-parking signs, urging the owners to also do everything they need to do with the clerk’s office to open. Sanchez said they’ll do everything as required.
There are several businesses in that block,” Guindon said. “I think we owe it to the residents to give them some relief.”
Mayor Charles Lombardi and others also praised the owners and their concept for the business.
DiLorenzo said he wants to see them open and flourishing, but also needed to make sure neighbors were cared for.
In 2019, David’s Furniture at 1726 Smith St. closed after 46 years in business, as owners Mark and Rick Papazian, who took over the business for their father David, said they were unable to find a company to buy their brand. The store was located across from the former Christiansen’s Dairy.
