The economy looks particularly bad when a condo complex putting units on the market is leased out as dorms for college students instead. Capitol Cove, along the Moshassuck River in downtown Providence, has entered a three- and possibly five-year lease agreement with Johnson & Wales University.

Capital Center had been shaping up as a fancy district of upscale condo dwellers. That will still occur, but maybe a bit more slowly and with more bumps, given how boisterous college students can be.

Let’s hope that the dorm won’t draw these problems into Waterplace Park late at night. We trust that JWU officials are working on this challenge.

Some solace resides in JWU’s decision to lease rather than buy the building. It will remain on the tax rolls, and thus help pay for the false fire alarms and quelling of exuberant parties that some students are famous for from time to time.