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May 23, 2016
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Featured Stories
In The News
Meetings & Notices
This Week's Featured Event
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Announcements
Deals & Promos
BID Services & Links
Construction & Utility Work Update
City of Boston Services
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Downtown Residents Group Has New Name
The two-year-old downtown residents group formerly known as the Midtown Cultural Residents' Association (MCDRA) recently announced its renaming to the Downtown Boston Residents' Association (DBRA). The announcement, available here, includes the unveiling of the DBRA's new logo (below) and the link to the DBRA website. The Downtown Boston BID wishes the DBRA continued success.
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One Bromfield Street Development Meetings: IAG on May 25th and
Public Meeting on June 2nd
There are two upcoming meetings about the proposed development for One Bromfield Street. Both meetings are being hosted by the Boston Redevelopment Authority.
The Impact Advisory Group (IAG) meeting will be on Wednesday, May 25th from 6 to 8 pm at the BRA Board Room, City Hall, 9th Floor, Room 900. IAG meetings prioritize discussion between the developer and IAG members. If time remains at the end of the meeting, BRA staff will open the floor to other community members in attendance.
A Public Meeting for the proposal will be on Thursday, June 2nd from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Suffolk University's Law School Moot Courtroom, 120 Tremont St. 4th Floor. Please contact Chris Tracy of the BRA at [email protected] or 617-918-4259 for more info or questions.
The current proposal is for a 683-foot, 59-story mixed-use tower including 30,000 sq.-ft. of retail and 419 residential units. |
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Open House Public Meeting for 171-172 Tremont St. Proposal on May 26th
There will be an open house public meeting for the proposed development at 171-172 Tremont St. on Thursday, May 26th from 5 to 7 pm.
The current proposal calls for the redevelopment of a former office building into a 19-unit, 235-foot condominium tower with each condominium unit occupying an entire floor.
This meeting is being hosted by the Boston Redevelopment Authority, the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services, 171 Tremont St. LLC and the development team. This meeting will take place at 171 Tremont St. on the ground floor of the preexisting building. For more info please contact Lance Campbell of the BRA at 617-918-4311 or [email protected]. |
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This Week's Featured Event
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SAVED: Old South Meeting House and Historic Preservation in America on
May 25th
Join Erica Lindamood of the Old South Meeting House (OSMH) and Alison Frazee of the Boston Preservation Alliance to learn about OSMH's important place in the historic preservation movement in New England and across the nation. This event will be on Wednesday, May 25th at 6 pm.
This event will cover America's first stay of demolition, to creative fundraising solutions involving the "Mary Had a Little Lamb" namesake and a fiery speech by Wendell Phillips -- there's a story for historians and preservation buffs of all stripes.
Reception with light refreshments at 6 pm and program begins at 6:30 pm. This program is co-presented by the OSMH and Boston Preservation Alliance and made possible with funding from the Lowell Institute. It is free and open to the public, although registration is requested and can be done so by clicking here. |
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Arts, Entertainment & Events
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Thirst Juice Co. Hosting B Strong Bootcamp on May 24th
Thirst Juice Co. (44 School St.) is launching a new event series with the first event on May 24th with B Strong Bootcamp at 5:30 pm.
B Strong Bootcamp is an outdoor HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout led by trainer Cassie B., which combines intervals of running with bodyweight exercises for a complete total body cardio and strength workout experience.
You will also be the first to try Thirst Juice Co.'s new seasonal smoothie after the workout. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by clicking here. |
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Jose Soto Performing at
Free Berklee Concert Series at
100 Summer Street Plaza
The Berklee College of Music Summer Concert Series continues at the 100 Summer Street Plaza. The series offers free musical performances every Tuesday and Thursday from Berklee students.
Jose Soto will perform on Tuesday, May 24th and Thursday, May 26th. Jose Pablo Soto is a singer-songwriter and composer from Guatemala. Alongside friends from Guatemala, Soto formed a Latin band called Alboroto, which gained a lot of interest and popularity, and performed in some of Guatemala's major music festivals such as the Corona Music Festival and Conjuve. Soto has also worked as a composer and producer for commercials, songs, and jingles in Guatemala including Pepsi, Tropicana and political parties.
All performances are from noon to 2 pm. Performances may be cancelled due to weather or changed due to scheduling. Click here to see all of the upcoming performances. |
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Still Time to Learn About Natural Remedies for Your Dog on May 25th
marlo marketing's Health & Wellness Series is going to the dogs on May 25th (it was originally scheduled for May 11th). Learn about natural remedies for your dog from canine expert Marie Cargill at 6 to 7:30 pm.
Learn the secrets to helping your dog live longer -- everything from how to prepare the best diet to using herbal medicine and even doggie yoga and acupuncture. The cost is $10 per person and all proceeds will be donated to the MSPCA. Click here to RSVP and this class is taking place at marlo marketing's offices (38 Chauncy St. 3rd Floor).
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Boston Calling Block Party at Dewey Square with The Swinging Johnsons on
May 26th
This week's Boston Calling Music Festival Block Party in Dewey Square will feature music from The Swinging Johnsons on Thursday, May 26th. The block parties are free and open to all members of public aged 21+.
The block parties are a partnership with the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, Shock Top, Wicked Wines, RadioBDC, CHEN PR and the BID. All block parties will feature local musicians. The parties are from 5 to 8 pm and have a cash bar, lawn games and promotions.
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Still Time to See Boston Ballet's
'Swan Lake' at Opera House
The Boston Ballet's "Swan Lake" will be at the Boston Opera House through May 26th.
"Swan Lake" was first performed in 1877 and is set to Tchaikovsky's romantic and ageless score. The story has been told many times, but is always different in some way. Click here for tickets and showtimes. |
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Sign Up for BPD's 12th
Run to Remember on May 29th
The Boston Police Department's 12th Run to Remember will take place on Sunday, May 29th, beginning and ending at the World Trade Center and make its way through Downtown Boston.
The run is a tribute to fallen law enforcement officers and first responders. There is a half-marathon and 5-mile run, with both stepping off at 7 am. The half-marathon course heads down Beacon Street and crosses over to Cambridge and back to Boston while the 5-mile race goes around the Boston Common and Public Garden. Both races make their way down Washington Street and pass numerous historical sites. Click here for more info on the route, to sign up to run and more. |
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Last Week to See World Premiere of 'Mirrors' by Boston Ballet on
Opera House's Stage
The Boston Ballet's "Mirrors" features two world premieres alongside the company premiere of
Belong and the return of Resonance. The show runs through May 26th at the Boston Opera House.
The four pieces highlight the depth and scope of contemporary dance vocabulary, incorporating a romantic style into the unique creations of an award-winning "punk ballerina." Click here for tickets and showtimes. |
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Check Out World Premiere of 'Blood on the Snow' at the Old State House
The Boston Massacre is a well-known historical event, but not many know of the events that took place the day after, on March 6th, 1770. "Blood on the Snow" is a new play that is staged in the Council Chamber of the Old State House (206 Washington St.), which is the very room in which the events took place almost 250 years ago.
This new play by Patrick Gabridge tells the story of how the leaders of Boston unknowingly placed Massachusetts on the road to revolution. This production is part of the Bostonian Society's programming to bring the story of the Old State House to life through live drama. This play runs through June 5th. Click here for tickets and showtimes.
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Wendy Liebman Headlines Community Works' Share A Laugh Fundraiser at Paramount Center on June 2nd
Community Works will present the 9th Annual Share A Laugh benefit with Wendy Liebman, below, and friends on Thursday, June 2nd at the Paramount Center (559 Washington St.) at 7:30 pm.
Hosted by Emmy Award-winning A&E critic Joyce Kulhawik, below, this year's event will include comedians Mike Bent, Jon Rineman, Liza Donnelly, Carolyn Plumme, Suzi Berlin, Emily Singer and Jennifer Rawlings. Proceeds from the benefit will go to Community Works, which supports its 30-member organization through networking, training, technical assistance and pooled resources. Tickets are $35 or $15 for students with ID. Click here to purchase tickets or call 617-423-9555. |
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New Flash Forward Festival Art Exhibit in Lafayette City Center Passageway
[Photo]gogues: New England (Part 4), a new Flash Forward Festival art exhibit debuted last week in the Lafayette City Center Passageway. This new and free exhibit is not a definitive study of New England Photography Pedagogues, rather it is a sampling of faculty members from the region.
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| | Studying in the dormitory, El Hanchane, Morocco by Amy Thompson Avishai |
This exhibit is comprised of the work from nine photography instructors who were invited to exhibit their work by Paula Tognarelli and Frances Jakubek, executive director and associate director of the Griffin Museum of Photography in Winchester.
This exhibit is being presented by the Lafayette City Center, the Downtown Boston BID, Magenta Foundation, the Flash Forward Festival Boston 2016 and the Griffin Museum. The Lafayette City Center Passageway links Macy's with the Hyatt Regency Boston and is open 10 am to 9 pm on Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 9:30 pm on Friday and Saturday and 10 am to 9 pm on Sunday. This exhibit will run to August 26th.
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Benjamin Franklin Statue Blown Over,
Now Undergoing Repairs,
Will Return to Old City Hall
The bronze statue of Benjamin Franklin that has stood at Old City Hall since 1856 was blown over by wind last week. A gust of wind caught a nearby tent that blew it into the statue with enough force to lift it off its base. No one was hurt, but the statue did crack the sidewalk it landed on.
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| | The statue of Benjamin Franklin at Old City Hall was blown off its pedestal on May 16th, cracking the sidewalk. (Photo by City of Boston) |
The statue is now in the Daedalus Studio in Watertown, which specializes in conservation and restoration of sculptures. The statue was designed by Richard Saltonstall Greenough and has since been removed to be repaired and will return in several months.
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| | Crews lifted and removed the statue on May 19th from Old City Hall to be repaired and then returned to the location. (Photo @PaulNuttingJr) |
The statue was also apparently never attached to the base, so some type of fastener will be added to prevent it from being overturned in the future.
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New Tasty Spring Menu Items
Spring doesn't only mean warm weather -- it also means restaurants unveil new spring menus with tasty dishes and delicious drinks. Here are just a few new options at Downtown Boston restaurants.
Central Bistro (34 Summer St.) has a tuna poke, which is a soy-ginger dressed sushi with almonds, tofu avocado mousse, fresh blackened spiced pork rinds for $14.
Avenue One (inside the Hyatt Regency Boston at 1 Avenue De Lafayette) has several new Bar Jars: chorizo pate, olive oil whipped feta, mozzarella, almond cherry spread, trifle and baba ghanoush -- all for $5.
Cocobeet (100 City Hall Plaza) has a new Vegan Sweet Potato Lasagna that is 100% plant-based.
Avery Bar (10 Avery St. inside lobby of The Ritz-Carlton Boston) has a new spring drink called Pretty in Pink that features silver tequila, strawberry puree, housemade sour and St. Germain.
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Sia, Robyn, Janelle Monae and More at Boston Calling Music Festival This Weekend
The Boston Calling Music Festival is back at City Hall Plaza this weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday -- and it's bigger than ever with performances by Sia, Janelle Monae and more.
Boston Calling is a three-day, multi-stage festival featuring some of the biggest and best acts in live music. The event is one big party with easy access to all performance areas, with beer, wine, food offerings, and this year there will be a comedian performance stage. All ages are welcome and children under 10 are free.
For more info or for tickets, which are still available, please click here. |
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FriendshipWorks' First Walk-a-Thon was a Great Success
FriendshipWorks (105 Chauncy St.) had more than 100 volunteers, staff, and supporters (including 15 dogs) from greater Boston participate in its first annual Walk-a-thon to raise awareness of the issue of elder isolation on May 15th. The Walk, appropriately named FriendshipWalks, raised close to $55,000, with more donations to come. Starting from FriendshipWorks' Downtown Boston and Jamaica Plain offices, walkers went along the streets of Boston and Brookline to its Allston/Brighton neighborhood office for a joyful post-walk celebration. Delighting passersby along the way, walkers included a colorful parade of dogs, some of them representing FriendshipWorks' PetPal visit program.
"This is not over yet...We must continue to fundraise and bring attention to the issue of isolated elders. Tell your friends and colleagues about why FriendshipWorks programs are important," said Connie Packard, FriendshipWorks' board president. Click here for more info about FriendshipWorks. |
Downtown Boston
Arts & Crafts Market at
Walgreens and CVS Plazas This Week
The Downtown Boston Arts & Crafts Market was welcomed back last week as the local vendors kicked off another season offering handmade products.
Vendors will be at Walgreens Plaza (School and Washington streets) from 11 am to 6 pm on Wednesdays, and at CVS Plaza (Summer and Chauncy streets) from 11 am to 6 pm on Fridays. |
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SPARK Boston Wants to Engage Millennials In Civic Participation
The City of Boston recently rebranded the Mayor's ONEin3 initiative to SPARK Boston to better engage millennials in civic participation.
The rebranding is part of a concerted effort to better engage, communicate and collaborate with residents between the ages of 20 and 34, a demographic that comprises more than a third of the city's overall population. Click here for more info about SPARK Boston and how to get involved. |
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Now You Can Submit Your Own Event to the Downtown Boston BID Website
If you have an upcoming event you can now submit it to the Downtown Boston BID website. Click here to submit your own event.
Once approved by BID staff your event will be on the BID's calendar section and could be featured in this newsletter or on additional BID social media and promoted elsewhere.
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Sign up Now for the Downtown Boston Lunchtime Baggo League
The next Downtown Boston Lunchtime Baggo League is kicking off its season this month. This is a free league and games only take about 30 minutes -- so you'll be back at the office without missing a thing.
Games will be played outside of 100 Summer St. and 133 Federal St. from noon to 2 pm. Players typically have one game a week. There will be playoffs with prizes awarded after the championship. Please contact Mike Testa at [email protected] to sign up or if you have questions. |
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Macy's Great Shoe & Sandal Sale
Presale & Event
Buy more and save more on women's shoes during Macy's Great Shoe & Sandal Sale, Presale and Event. The pre-sell began on May 16th and goes through May 31st and the event breaks on June 1st.
Take an extra 40% off when you buy three or more pairs, take an extra 30% off when you buy two pairs and take an extra 25% off when you buy one pair. |
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Go Card Boston Available at
Macy's Visitor Center
The Go Card Boston allows people to visit multiple Boston attractions for one low price and is available at Macy's Visitor Center (first floor).
You can choose from purchasing the all-inclusive Go Card Boston, available 1-, 2-, 3-, 5- or 7-day increments. You can also alternatively purchase admission to specific museums, tours and activities. Click here to learn more about Go Card Boston options. |
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Tasteful Tuesdays at Sebastians Cafe on Summer Street
Every Tuesday from noon to 1 pm, Sebastians Cafe (100 Summer St.) will be sampling an item from their catering menu -- there's something new every time so don't miss out.
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BID Ambassadors Provide Clean & Hospitality Services in Downtown
The Downtown Boston BID Ambassadors provide clean and hospitality services seven days a week, nearly 24 hours a day. Ambassadors create a friendly, welcoming Downtown presence by helping visitors with directions, notifying fire and police personnel of incidents and more.
BID Ambassadors provide walking escorts all day or night -- they'll even tote an umbrella if it's raining or snowing! Please call 617-261-0066 to arrange an escort or for other BID Ambassador services. Please call 20 to 30 minutes prior to desired escort. You can also email [email protected], which is encouraged.
- Ambassadors remove litter and graffiti
- Ambassadors clear handicapped ramps and storm drain openings
- Ambassador powerwash in Downtown Boston during warm weather
- Ambassadors maintain the BID's landscaping by watering flowers
- Masonry Ambassadors fix sidewalks and more
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Additional BID Services & Info
- Communication and Business Networking
- Meetings with individual BID members to discuss neighborhood affairs
- Entertainment programming
- Member Advocacy
- Capital/Public Improvements
- Wayfinding
- Please click here for the 2016 BID Report to learn about the transformation of Downtown Crossing
- For additional details and information on the complete range of BID services please contact Doug Meyer, Membership Services & Database Manager, at [email protected].
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Construction & Utility Work Updates
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What's Being Built & Renovated? 100 Federal Street, 75-101 Federal Street, And More
Downtown Boston is continually transforming, with new buildings rising, as well as transportation projects taking place underground and at street level. Among the more prominent renovations underway are those at 100 Federal Street (top) and the lobby refurbishment at 75-101 Federal Street (bottom).
Looking for the latest updates on developments, construction, sidewalk closings, and more? Click here.
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Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update
For questions and comments, please contact David Ertischek, newsletter editor, at: [email protected] |
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