Architectural renderings of the Roslindale Substation exterior with proposed initial improvements from Taylor & Burns

Roslindale Village Main Street (RVMS) and Historic Boston Inc. (HBI) presented plans and drawings to the public last Wednesday evening at the Roslindale Public Library. The following goals were outline for the Roslindale Substation:

  • - Bring people into the building and the neighborhood
  • - Match a use to the building that will be financially self-supporting
  • - Assess the structure and prioritize needed improvements
  • - Make improvements to the building that will ensure its longevity
  • - Keep the space in a flexible layout

The plan to use the Substation as a Function Hall and Event Space was presented to the community as the most viable option for redevelopment. During the past few months, representatives from RVMS and HBI met with numerous event planners and caterers who voiced the need for more event space in the Boston area, especially given the unique and historic nature of the building.  The space would be rented out for corporate and non-profit events, along with reception type events.  Secondary uses for the building would include potentially housing a winter farmers’ market or craft fairs.

Architectural renderings of the Roslindale Substation interior event space with proposed initial improvements from Taylor & Burns

Historic Boston Inc. representative Michael Tilford spoke about the due diligence that was completed and what improvements are needed immediately.  Some of the initial improvements include the installation of new stairs and a ramp where the current entrance exists; the addition of a second means of egress at the rear of the building; construction of a bathroom and catering area in the rear of the building; and the replacement of the south facing windows (currently covered in plywood) with Kalwall, which would let natural light into the space. 

The next step for the group is to present the ideas and feasibility to the Roslindale Village Main Streets board and the Historic Boston Inc. board for approval.  The two groups are then scheduled to meet with the Boston Redevelopment Authority in late summer/early fall to present a full proposal.

On April 10th, RVMS Board Chair, Carter Wilkie, hosted a tour of Roslindale Village for 48 attendees from all over the country, who were in town for the APA Annual Conference. The tour consisted of multiple stops through Main Streets districts across the city. Participants learned about the history of our district and were able to see first-hand the economic revitalization at has occurred over the past 26 years. Boston neighborhood planner Marie Mercurio, who helped to organize the tour, commented that “participants were sincerely interested in seeing how further-reaching City Main Streets districts are doing” and remarked that “everyone was really impressed with the vitality and energy that Roslindale has – even on a quiet Sunday afternoon.”  Participants were given a well-informed tour that included the history of not only the buildings that anchor of our community, but the evolution of our district through such projects as the courtyard outside of Sophia’s Grotto and Birch Street Bistro, our environmental graphics initiative and the storefront revitalization efforts, all of which have created a dynamic atmosphere and draw for people into our district.

For more information about the American Planning Association, visit their website. Information on Main Streets program can also be found by visiting http://www.preservationnation.org/main-street/.

Attend our Members’ Meeting March 23

All are invited to join Roslindale Village Main Street staff, board, volunteers and fellow members for our annual all-members’ meeting at the Roslindale Branch Library on Wednesday, March 23, at 6:00 pm. We will provide updates on plans for the vacant 1911 substation as well as the new building going up next to the library and the library itself. Refreshments will be provided.

Saturday and Sunday, March 5 and 6, 11 am – 4 pm
760 South Street, 2nd Floor, and throughout Roslindale Village

Visit Roslindale Village on March 5 and 6 for a railroad extravaganza! The Bay State Model Railroad Museum, Roslindale’s favorite hidden treasure  tucked away above Dandelions on South Street, will be holding their annual Spring Open House from 11-4 on Saturday and Sunday. The museum, a  regional society of railroad modelers and collectors, has been based in Roslindale since 1968, where they house and maintain three expansive scale railroads of national renown. They open to the public twice a year, attracting enthusiasts of all ages from all over Massachusetts with the  expanse and detail of their award- winning sets.

If you’ve got train-obsessed kids, are a railroad buff yourself, or if you’re  just simply curious, here’s a rare chance to see these railroads in full  operation. View three astoundingly detailed scale model sets, including authentic replicas of Roslindale’s old streetcars and favorites for the kids  like Thomas the Train. Admission is free for kids under 5, $3 for kids 5-12,  and $5 for 12 and up. More information on the museum is available at  www.bsmrm.org

Roslindale Village is a perfect setting for an old-fashioned railroad museum,  with its village-like charm, quaint streets and buildings, and featuring its  very own train station right in the center of town. While you’re waiting in line outside the museum, pick up a “First Class Pass to Charming Roslindale  Village,” a special train ticket you can use to enjoy discounts and freebies all weekend at a wide array of restaurants, bakeries and shops around the neighborhood. Sponsored by Roslindale Village Main Street, the First Class Pass is a fun game for the family as well – get your ticket stamped at ten or more stops (no purchase is necessary for a stamp) and you could win a gift certificate to any of the participating businesses!

Are you psyched for fall?  The farmers and vendors of our weekly market are!  Roslindale Village is too!  Pick up your bright orange Market pass this week, good for every Saturday in October – it’s packed with deals at local businesses.

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This month’s Market Day Pass has some fantastic deals on clothing, accessories, ice cream, and many many more Roslindale Village goodies! Come on down to the market this week to pick up yours, good for the entire month of October.

Come for Recycle Art with local artist Kasey Appleman at 10am. Shufflin’ Time Tap with Patrice Monahan will take off at 11am – enjoy the fabulous energy of tap dancing and join in if you like!

Our vendors are ringing in the market’s final weeks with an incredible variety of produce, food and gifts.  Read more

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