Barry Fain and Steven Triedman reflect on Brown University’s role in Providence, likening it to an elephant in a community. While Brown provides jobs and economic benefits, the authors argue the university often acts as if the city belongs to it, rather than the reverse. They criticize Brown for demanding excessive concessions, such as streets and free parking, despite limited efforts to maintain them. The latest controversy involves Brown’s plan to demolish four aging rental houses on Brook Street to build a new economics building. Local residents, a city councilman, and preservationists have opposed the move, highlighting Brown’s long history of demolishing neighborhood properties and altering College Hill’s character. The authors acknowledge the Economics Department’s national prominence and need for a new facility but suggest a more constructive approach. They propose building a large parking garage first, addressing parking shortages affecting the university and neighbors, then constructing the new building atop it. This, they argue, would better balance Brown’s growth with community interests and preserve more of the neighborhood’s fabric.