Tag Archives: Boston city hall plaza

0 City Hall Plaza Readies for “Boston Winter”

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City Hall winter transformation in Boston

Credit: Boston Globe

Boston’s City Hall Plaza is in the midst of a transformation into a winter wonderland regardless of temperature.

According to the Boston Globe, “the dreary landscape will [soon] turn into something unrecognizable — a winter wonderland, with a giant ice skating loop, ‘chalets’ selling ornaments, chocolate fountains, and copious holiday decorations…’Boston Winter,’ which debuts Friday, seems like a smaller version of New York’s impressive Bryant Park. Though less ambitious than originally planned — the restaurant and ‘iconic observation wheel’ proposals envisioned for next spring were scrapped due to logistics and finances — the site is the realization of Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s vision to reinvent the plaza.”

The full article is available on the Globe, here.

0 Boston City Hall Plaza to Unveil Skating, Winter Shops

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Sketch of City Hall skating rink Boston

Credit: Boston Globe

Boston’s City Hall Plaza is going to get decked out for the holidays. This is a brand new venue for Boston to attract families and tourists.

From the Boston Globe:

Sponsored by Berkshire Bank, the winter-garden-like program will include an outdoor ice-skating path, a 20-foot Christmas tree with lights that will be powered by stationary bicycles and more than 40 boutique “chalets” featuring wares from local vendors such as the Grommet, LovePop, Etsy Artists of Boston, and Boston Olive Oil Co.

There will also be an Urban Lodge, a riff on a ski lodge where shoppers and skaters can come in from the cold and lounge with some beer, wine, or hot chocolate.

The holiday vendors will be at the winter garden through Dec. 31. The ice rink, which will feature skating lessons and other events, will be available through February.

0 Boston City Hall Plaza Transformation Edges Closer

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Boston’s City Hall Plaza is poised to change to become a destination location for locals and tourists.

rendering of Boston city hall plaze redevelopment

Credit: Boston Globe

From the Boston Globe:

The owners of TD Garden have won a bid to remake Boston’s City Hall Plaza, proposing to transform the little-loved, windswept brick expanse at the heart of the city into a bustling year-round hub of arts, food, and leisure. Delaware North Cos. was tapped for the project Thursday by the administration of Mayor Martin J. Walsh, beating out two competitors. The company said in its bid it was willing to invest “upwards of $15 million” in improvements and attractions.

While its plans are conceptual and will require public input and further approval from the city, Delaware North made numerous suggestions for the plaza, including:

  • An “iconic” observation wheel, up to 200 feet high and featuring 42 climate-controlled gondolas.
  • A “casual cool” restaurant featuring local ingredients in a temporary two-story building surrounded by outdoor eating and beer garden areas. Nearby, a ground-level “#BOSTON” sign would become “an instant landmark . . . the ultimate new Boston selfie station.”
  • An “urban beach” area would be set up in summer, replete with sand, beach chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas.
  • A winter garden and ice skating venue, featuring “cozy warming huts,” hot cocoa stations, and — why not? — curling.
  • Additional concert series that would build on the success of the popular Boston Calling festivals.
  • A series of interactive art installations, inspired by the glow-in-the-dark “Impulse” seesaws in Montreal that also play music.
  • Semi-permanent food and coffee stalls near the Government Center MBTA station.

 

0 Designers Wanted for City Hall Project

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Boston City Hall Plaza

Credit: Boston Herald

Mayor Walsh wants your creative ideas for City Hall.  Let’s see what some of our creative thinkers will come up with.

From the Boston Herald:

Walsh announced plans to “re-envision” the plaza to make it a more inviting and attractive civic space for residents and visitors during this year’s State of the City address in January…The master plan will identify areas for improvements at City Hall and the plaza, including possible public-private ventures, historic considerations and approaches for reuse, according to the solicitation issued by the city’s Public Facilities Department. It will look at existing conditions, including land use and zoning, and develop detailed cost estimates for the recommended work and programming.

“(The) vendor will coordinate with city representatives, other stake holders and (a) community advisory council on all aspects of project,” the advertisement states. “(The) scope of work will include a visioning exercise, identifying goals and objectives, best practices for municipal services and civic spaces as they relate to Boston City Hall and the plaza.”