Boston’s South Station. South Station. PHOTO BY NICOLAUS CZARNECKI/METRO
Over the next few months, Boston’s South Station will undergo a massive transformation that includes the opening of a two-level, 30,000-square-foot CVS, a Tavern in the Square, a Starbucks and the return of Barbara’s Books. The station’s restrooms will also get an upgrade, turning them into “airport-quality” facilities.
“South Station will soon offer patrons a full service atmosphere providing everything from coffee, an airport style bar, a CVS/pharmacy and the return of its beloved bookstore,” said Britton Derkac, director of leasing and equity.
“Restroom changes will include creation of an airport-quality ladies room in the former Clark’s space and an expanded high quality men’s room in place of the current restroom configuration.”
The Equity Office will manage the work with a phased approach to construction. Initial construction will begin in October, with the restrooms conforming to accessibility standards.
Officials said today that the transformation will help turn the station into a “travel epicenter.”
“This is great news not only for the thousands of people who travel through South Station daily, but also for the Commonwealth as a whole,” said MBTA General Manager Beverly Scott. “These leases help fund the upkeep of New England’s busiest transit hub at no cost to the MBTA or taxpayers.”
- CVS/pharmacy will begin construction of its two-level store complete with an escalator and elevator this November with a planned opening in March 2014. The store will feature a full-service pharmacy, large health and beauty departments, convenience food offerings and general merchandise.
- The Tavern will open in late Fall: “Tavern in the Square is very excited about this opportunity. We are taking 780 square feet and we will have 40 seats in our space. It will be a scaled down version of our menu, serving 50 draught beers. Our opening date is set for November/early December,” said Tavern in the Square founder Joey Arcari.
- Barbara’s will take about 300 square feet. “We at Barbara’s Bestsellers could not be happier to return to South Station. We have been the station’s bookseller for almost 20 years. It is a great place to sell books and we can’t wait to be back,” said owners Don Barliant and Janet Bailey.
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