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Dear Readers:
As we welcome 2018 we look back on a year of thriving activity in downtown Boston. 2017 was another transformative year as we saw more retail businesses open, development projects completed and more office tenants and residents calling downtown Boston home. We followed trends, studied ways of collecting pertinent data and engaged in more public events than ever before. Commercial real estate property values have risen in the BID -- with assessed values of $7.5 billion, having risen $3 billion since 2012. Our Clean & Hospitality Ambassador program continued to make a positive difference by assisting 124,787 people in 2017. BID Ambassadors provided maps, gave directions, aided stranded motorists and helped take thousands of photos so everyone could be in the picture.
Through our strategic planning exercise (see report link here) we developed a vision for the next five years. We learned our Ambassador program is extremely important and their services and engagement with the public is paramount to our success. We will work to assure this program continues to be successful as we add equipment, increase training and continue to support the important work they do. Public space, streets and sidewalks, particularly in the Downtown Crossing Pedestrian Zone area, will be a top priority in the public realm and we look forward to continuing our work with Mayor Martin Walsh and members of his administration to provide a safe and vibrant experience for all who visit downtown. This year the BID will create a security managers round table to share information, data and undertake a study of the pedestrian zone to make sure it is working at its highest efficiency.
We will continue our work with the MBTA in ensuring those who travel by public transportation also have the most efficient and welcoming experience.
In 2017 we grew our entertainment offerings in the BID by hosting more than 1,300 musical performances in multiple locations through the Downtown Crossing area, wrapped up by our strolling holiday bands and Victorian dressed carolers. We are proud to be supporters of the arts and showcase professional local musicians to entertain the throngs of tourists, employees, students and residents.
Our 2nd Annual Taste of Downtown Crossing was a delightful success in September with more restaurants providing mouth-watering morsels of their fare. Also, 2017 was a year for additional sponsorship opportunities as we partnered with Sail Boston in June, the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's production of "Romeo & Juliet" in July, and held our first-ever concierge tour in July highlighting several restaurants and coffee shops.
Through our strategic planning process we learned that people wanted destination events in downtown Boston, and this year we partnered with ILLUMINUS and LuminArtz to present the two-night ILLUMINUS Light Festival in November. The festival led to the Downtown Boston BID hosting more than 50,000 people who enjoyed being entertained by local visual and performing artists. Building upon the success of this event we are already in the planning stages for the 2018 festival!
Downtown Boston's hip and thriving restaurant scene continued to flourish with noted additions like Cultivar, led by noted chef Mary Dumont in the Ames Boston Hotel, Big Night Entertainment's Explorateur cafe in the Grand Lodge of Masons of Massachusetts at the corner of Boylston and Tremont streets, Grainmaker, Taste Wine Bar and more. New retail businesses opened, including Old Navy in Millennium Tower. The Dreamland Wax Museum opened at the Washington Mall on City Hall Plaza with wax sculpture replicas of Leonardo DiCaprio, Whoopi Goldberg and the Dalai Lama.
Tech companies such as VMWare, FitNow Inc., CloudHealth Technologies and Analog Devices continued to move into the area as they were attracted to all of the amenities such as the restaurant scene, easy access to MBTA lines, commuter rail and Boston's Theater District. More residential units came online like 3MJ Realty's Conrad apartments on Hamilton Place.
With all of 2017's vibrant activity, we know this coming year will be even more exciting in downtown Boston!
We're excited about 2018 as more new restaurants will open, as will a new hotel and more. Please read more about what's coming in 2018 in the feature article below.
Downtown Boston is now known as a hip, energetic and happening place, but it did not happen overnight and there are many people to thank. We are grateful for our dedicated and committed board of directors, our members, residents, our property and business owners and non-profit organizations. We especially want to acknowledge Mayor Martin Walsh and his administration for their commitment, engagement and partnership. We look forward to continuing our work with Mayor Walsh, the Boston City Council, all city departments, social service agencies and first responders in making downtown Boston a top destination to live, work, visit and go to school.
In closing, on behalf of our board of directors and every member of the BID team, I would like to thank you for your support and encouragement. We look forward to continued success as we work together during this historic renaissance in downtown Boston.
Happy New Year to everyone!
Sincerely,
Rosemarie E. Sansone
President & CEO
Downtown Boston BID
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January 8,
2018
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Featured Stories
In The News
This Week's Featured Event
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Announcements
Deals & Promos
BID Services & Links
Construction & Utility Work Updates
City of Boston Services
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This Week's Featured Event
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'The Wizard of Oz' at
Boston Opera House Starting Jan. 12th
One of America's classic tales, "The Wizard of Oz," will be at the Boston Opera House from Jan. 12th through Jan. 14th.
The musical featuring Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, the Lion and Toto the Dog is only in Boston for a short time. Please click here for showtimes and tickets.
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Arts, Entertainment & Events
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ArtsEmerson Welcomes
Manual Cinema's 'Ada/Ava'
Starting Jan. 10th
ArtsEmerson is presenting "Ada/Ava," a unique production that uses shadow puppetry, live-action silhouettes and overhead projection to conjure a magic spell of multimedia storytelling. The live-action cinema production will be at the Paramount Center from Jan. 10th through Jan. 14th.
The production is being put on by the master technicians of Chicago-based Manuel Cinema, one of the hottest rising entertainment ensembles in the country.
Click here for more info and to purchase tickets. |
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Sam Harris and the Waking Up Podcast at Orpheum Theatre Jan. 11th
Sam Harris and the Waking Up Podcast with Rebecca Goldstein and Max Tegmark will be live at the Orpheum Theatre on Thursday, Jan. 11th.
Doors open at 7 pm. Click here for tickets
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Genesis Foundation
Young Professionals Mixer on Jan. 11th
The Genesis Foundation for Children (60 Temple Place) is hosting a Young Professionals Winter Mixer on Thursday, Jan. 11th.
Get out of the cold to network, meet Genesis Foundation board members, enjoy appetizers and more. This event is being held at Bell In Hand (45 Union St.) from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Click here to purchase tickets. |
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Seeking Sanctuary: Music, Art and
Storytelling Workshops at the
Irish International Immigrant Center
The Irish International Immigrant Center (One State Street, Suite 800) is hosting Seeking Sanctuary: Music, Art and Storytelling Workshops on Thursday, Jan. 11th and Thursday, Feb. 1st.
During these free workshops attendees will listen to performances by Palaver Strings musicians, uilleann piper Joey Abarta and Irish composer Charlie Lennon. There will also be a discussion about how the community culture of Ireland has had an impact on the City of Boston.
The Jan. 11th workshop is from 6 to 8 pm, and the Feb. 1st workshop is from 6 to 7:30 pm. |
ArtsEmerson Presenting
Films at Paramount:
'Amadeus' Jan. 12th-14th
'Caesar & Cleopatra' Jan. 19th-21st
ArtsEmerson is continuing to screen live productions and noteworthy films at the Paramount Center.
On Jan. 12th through Jan. 14th, there will be four screenings of "Amadeus," which was broadcast live from the National Theatre, and with live orchestral accompaniment by Southbank Sinfonia.
On Jan. 19th through Jan. 21st, there will be four screenings of "Caesar & Cleopatra," which was performed at the Stratford Festival. The performance is described as a "witty and seductive comedy about the relationship between a veteran Roman political strategist and an enchanting Egyptian teenage queen."
Click
here for tickets and showtimes.
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Enjoy Freedom Trail Foundation
Historic Holiday Strolls
The Freedom Trail Foundation's Annual Historic Holiday Strolls are a great way to enjoy the holiday season in Downtown Boston.
The festive atmosphere of the city, set against the backdrop of Boston's historic sites, makes these merry 90-minute tours a great way to celebrate the holidays.
The strolls are led by Dickensian costumed guides departing from the ArtsBoston Booth at Faneuil Hall. Strolls include a visit to the Omni Parker House for refreshments and world-famous Boston cream pie.
Tickets are $29 for adults and $19 for children and reservations are required 24 hours in advance. Tours can also be booked as private family or group tours. The strolls are offered Thursdays through Sundays at 3:30 pm.
Please call 617-357-8300 for more information and reservations. The strolls are being offered through January 2018.
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Sake Presentation and Tasting at PABU on Mondays in January
PABU (3 Franklin St., 2nd Floor in Millennium Tower) is hosting a Sake Presentation and Tasting on Mondays in January.
Enjoy a sake flight while the sommelier explains the method and history behind each type. Mention the Downtown Boston BID and you'll receive a special deal. The presentations and tastings are from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.
Click here to make a reservation or call 857-327-7228. |
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Free Yoga at Hyatt Regency Boston with Yoga Hub on Wednesdays
Start 2018 with wellness and good vibes at the Hyatt Regency Boston (1 Avenue de Lafayette). Every Wednesday at 5:45 pm there will be free yoga with Yoga Hub Boston. All levels are welcome, check in with the front desk for class location. You can also sign up by clicking here.
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Uno Due Go Offering
$6
Build Your Own Salads on
Mondays in January
Uno Due Go (52 Summer St.) is trying to help you keep that New Year's Resolution of staying healthy by offering $6 build your own salads on Mondays in January. Protein fees apply.
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Avery Bar Offering 'Bacon at the Bar' Every Wednesday
Avery Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Boston (10 Avery St.) is offering Bacon at the Bar every Wednesday showcasing thick double cut bacon du jour paired with a glass of bubbly.
Different preparations will be featured each week such as Honey & Fourme d'Ambert, Argentinean Chimichurri and Bourbon Onion Jam.
Bacon at the Bar is being offered from 5 to 11:30 pm for $19. Call 617-574-7176 for more info. |
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French Fry Days at Artisan Bistro
Every Friday
Artisan Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton, Boston (10 Avery St.) is offering French Fry Days every Friday featuring an assortment of French fries with dipping sauces.
Options include Truffle Fries with a truffle aioli, Sweet Potato Fries and sriracha aioli and Smoked Salt & Orange Fries with roasted garlic aioli.
French Fry Days is being offered every Friday from noon to 7 pm for $15. Call 617-574-7176 for more info.
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Half Price Appetizers at Avenue One on Fridays in January
Avenue One (inside Hyatt Regency Boston, 1 Avenue de Lafayette) is offering half price appetizers from 4 to 7 pm every Friday in January.
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What's Coming to Downtown Boston in 2018
The renaissance of Downtown Crossing will continue in 2018 with a new high-end hotel, a fast-casual restaurant with a robotic kitchen and a brewery.
The Downtown Boston BID will continue being a destination for events and entertainment. We look forward to presenting the ILLUMINUS Light Festival again, above, which drew thousands in 2017 for its first iteration in Downtown Crossing. The BID will also host our Annual Taste of Downtown Crossing, Annual Doggone Halloween Costume Parade and thousands of BID-sponsored musical performances across the downtown Boston area. Also, in September the Broadway smash "Hamilton" will be at the Boston Opera House for a month.
There are several new developments that will open, including the 27,000 sq. ft. Exchange at 100 Federal, above, owned by Boston Properties and opening this spring. The massive new glass enclosure has a public corridor to allow people to pass through the building between Congress and Federal streets without having to go through security. A full-service restaurant and bar, two smaller fast casual restaurants and a coffee kiosk, will open in the summer.
Related Beal's Congress Square development on Congress Street, Devonshire Street and Water Street is ongoing. Part of the project, is the 13-floor Hyatt Centric hotel, below, which will open this fall on Devonshire Street with more than 150 rooms.
Renovations will continue at 399 Washington Street (often referred to as the old Barnes & Noble building), of which L3Capital is converting the 5-floor, 75,000 sq. ft. property into a mixed-use property with the first two floors devoted to retail and the remaining three floors for office tenants.
Renovations are also ongoing at Midwood Investment & Development's One Milk Street as the 6-floor, 36,000 sq. ft. property is being upgraded for new retail use.
This year will also bring the BID's first brewery, with
Democracy Brewing coming to Temple Place. The brewery will be decorated
with paintings and photos of the Sons of Liberty, abolitionists, the fighting 54th Massachusetts Regiment, Knights of Labor, suffragettes and the police strikers of 1919. There will also be a tasting room and a community room to host events.
This spring the Spyce restaurant will open on Washington Street -- and feature a robotic kitchen! Spyce (check out the video above) was formed by four MIT students, who previously created a fully automated dining hall at the school. The foursome teamed up with acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud to provide students a place to eat wholesome affordable food on the go. |
Snow & Cold Weather Safety Info:
Shoveling, Parking and More
Whether you're a property owner, a homeowner or a resident with a car it's important to know about shoveling and parking regulations, snow emergencies and more. The City of Boston has a resourceful webpage providing all necessary info
here, and below is important info to know for when the white stuff comes down.
Shoveling Info:
Click here for City of Boston rules on clearing snow.
Property owners must:
- Clear sidewalks within three hours of snowfall ending or three hours after sunrise if it snows overnight, and
- Clear at least a 42-inch-wide path for wheelchairs and strollers.
Do not shovel snow into the street or you can be subject to fines. Also please remember to:
- Remove ice to bare pavement or make as level as possible and treat with sand, sawdust, or similar material.
- Please clear any snow that may be blocking a handicap ramp, fire hydrant or catch basin.
- Don't leave snow or ice on stairways or fire escapes. All common means of exit must be clear in case of fire or another emergency.
What To Do With Your Car When It Snows:
During a snow emergency main roads need to be clear for plows and emergency vehicles. If you're parked on one of these main roads during a snow emergency, you may be ticketed and your vehicle may be towed. How do you know if you can't park on a street during a snow emergency? Check the signs posted on the street. Also, here is map of restricted roads due to a snow emergency.
Click here for a City of Boston list of discount parking garages available during snow emergencies. Click here for the BID's webpage of local parking garages. It is recommended you contact the parking garages to see if they are open for vehicles.
Please also call the BID's dispatch line at 617-261-0066 to report sidewalks, handicapped ramps or other Downtown Crossing public ways that need to be shoveled. Our Ambassadors will be out in the snow 24 hours a day making sure the sidewalks are clear!
Cold Weather Safety Tips
When you know severely cold weather is coming, remember to take steps to prepare. Please also check on your elderly or disabled neighbors, and take caution when using portable heating devices like space heaters. If you have an emergency please call 911. Click here for Cold Weather Safety Tips from the City of Boston.
Important Phone Numbers
Boston Fire, Boston Police and Emergency Services: 911
Non-emergency requests: 311
Eversource gas and electric: 1-800-592-2000
National Grid: 1-800-322-3223
Boston Water & Sewer Commission: 617-989-7000
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority: 617-242-6000
City of Boston Tow Lot: 617-635-3900
National Weather Service: 508-822-0634
Verizon: 800-837-4966
City of Boston Animal Care and Control: 617-635-5348
Cold Relief Heatline: 800-632-8175
Elderly Commission: 617-635-4366
Emergency Shelter Commission: 617-635-4507
MBTA: 617-222-3200
MEMA: 508-820-1428
Mass. Road and Traffic Conditions: 617-374-1234
City of Boston Neighborhood Services: 617-635-3485
State Police: 617-740-7600
Transit Police: 617-222-1212
City of Boston Veterans Services: 617-635-3957
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Where to Ice Skate in Downtown Boston:
Boston Common Frog Pond and
City Hall Plaza
There are two wonderfully scenic spots to go ice skating in Downtown Boston: the Boston Common Frog Pond and City Hall Plaza. You are welcome to bring your own skates or rent a pair, and both locations avail the opportunity to get a warm cup of cocoa, tasty treats and more.
The Boston Common Frog Pond is open for ice skating. Admission is based on a skater's height -- under 58 inches gets in for free, and $6 for 58 inches or taller. Skate rental prices vary. Click here for more information about skating on the Boston Common Frog Pond.
For the second year City Hall Plaza is hosting Boston Winter, which is open seven days a week. A unique outdoor skating path and a lodge beer experience are open through February.
Click here for more information about Boston Winter on City Hall Plaza. The Skating Path's hours vary and can be seen by clicking here.
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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.
B
ID Ambassadors
provide walking escorts when needed and
they'll even tote an umbrella if it's snowing! Please call 617-261-0066 if you want to contact our BID ambassador services program. You can also email [email protected].
- Ambassadors remove litter and graffiti
- Ambassadors clear crosswalks, handicapped ramps and storm drain openings
- Ambassadors shovel in Downtown Boston during winter
- Ambassadors maintain the BID's landscaping
- 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 issues
- Entertainment programming
- Member Advocacy
- Capital/Public Improvements
- Wayfinding
- Please click here for the Downtown Boston BID's Welcome Guide that provides a look at many of the BID's accomplishments in leading 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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New Developments Under Construction, Proposed Projects and More
Downtown Boston is continually transforming, with new buildings rising, as well as transportation projects taking place underground and at street level. 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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