Boston’s City Hall Plaza slated for a fun facelift

Printed from: https://newbostonpost.com/2016/03/03/bostons-city-hall-plaza-slated-for-a-fun-facelift/

BOSTON – “Red Square,” as Boston’s brick-paved City Hall Plaza is widely known, is often described as a windswept eyesore. While the public’s low regard for the expanse has long been known, local officials may finally be giving it makeover.

Under a three-year deal with the city, the operators of the TD Garden arena will develop programs for year-round uses on the plaza, which may include a restaurant, a temporary “beach,” an ice-skating “path” and a Ferris wheel, according to Mayor Marty Walsh’s office.

The potential developments were outlined in a statement announcing the selection of a vendor, Boston Garden Development, to work with the city on enhancing the plaza, culminating a process that began in September.

The company “will help us make the best use year-round of the space we have at City Hall Plaza,” Walsh said in the statement.

“We’re looking forward to partnering with the city and exploring these proposed concepts, in collaboration with numerous local civic, arts and community organizations, to co-create and re-energize the plaza for the benefit of residents and visitors alike,” Charlie Jacobs, the chief executive of Delaware North’s Boston holdings, which include TD Garden. “We are fully committed to a significant investment that will transform City Hall Plaza into a year-round destination.”

Among the ideas sketched out by the company are a pond-like skating area dominated by a large island and a Ferris wheel that the Boston Globe said may lift passengers as much as 200 feet from the pavement. The restaurant, if developed, would serve liquor and be run by Delaware North’s Patina Restaurant Group, according to the city.

None of the suggested developments are guaranteed under the contract. But any new amenities and activities won’t interfere with previously scheduled events.

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