Downtown Crossing

[Cotuit]

WalMart has said they aren't interested. They're smart to not bother considering the backlash and bad press it would bring. I believe Target is still interested however.

[tocoto]

It looks like the Filenes building will have retail and possibly restaraunt and other uses including a new ~40 story tower built behind the ornate main building. The loss of Filenes is a blow because it is a great store and was doing fine before a monopolistic takeover of dubious value. Once it is gone, the vacuum will be filled, perhaps with somethig even more interesting.

Filene

[blink55184]

If walmart had interest, they wouldve been in the city already-

There is now WalMart even near the city lines, I think the closest one is Quincy, if you want to consider that Boston.

[Cotuit]

Seven developers seek historic Filene's site. Basement likely to survive change.

[StevenRocks]

Seven developers seek historic Filene's site. Basement likely to survive change.

Although I would vastly prefer a department store on that site, mixed-use may be the way to go.

[Cotuit]

NECN has a video online about a proposed name change for Downtown Crossing. A consulting firm from Toronto thinks renaming the area will help in it's revitalization.

Personally, I think that's a ridiculous idea.

[atlrvr]

There is no way that Downtown Crossing shold be "rebranded" That's the area, it what people know. Changing the name doesn't bring more people, changing the tenant mix will.

All that said, I find the area extemely vibrant with people, though I'm not sure how many are buying as opposed to just wandering around. Though I'm no Target fan, I think it would be a big boost to the area. if it does go to the new "Filene's Tower". Also, Macy's is in desperate need of an exterior renovation. WAY to monolithic.

[DoctorGonzo]

It seems the only person who believes it is necessary is the expensive consultant hired to decide if it should be done, and if so, how it should be implemented.

Downtown Crossing is always packed, and if anything they just need to educate more out-of-towners about what exists there.

[Cotuit]

It just needs a good management agency to coordinate marketing and endeavor to quickly fill retail vacancies. And the brand should be extended down to Essex Street.

[atlrvr]

The addition of Hayward Place at Washington and Lafayette where the is currently a surface lot should help physically extend the DTXing streetscape to Essex.

I agree with Doctor Gonzo....the brand name is fine, the place is packed, and the idea of renaming it is like removing tonsils to cure a broken arm.

I do agree that a more cohesive marketing effort would boost the area, with Filene's Basement and Macy's the obvious lead in coordinating sales events.

[Cotuit]

Suffolk eyeing building for dorm [The Boston Herald]

Suffolk University is looking to make 10 West Street in Downtown Crossing. The dorm would house 280 students and is expected to be ready for the 2007-08 school year. The BRA hails this as a way to bring new life to the struggling Downtown Crossing shopping district.

[atlrvr]

As with all proposals in Boston, the critics of Suffolk's new plan are making their voice heard. The residents of Downtown Crossing don't want the area to become too heavily weighted by students. I can almost sympathize with them, except that Downtown Crossing isn't really known for being a quiet area. I have a feeling this one will be approved regardless of the NIMBY's.

http://business.bostonherald.com/businessN...rticleid=189585

[Cotuit]

And those Suffolk students aren't exactly known for their rowdiness, they aren't out turning over cars after Red Sox games or anything. I dated a Suffolk student once, zzzzzzzzzzz

Actually, he was a great guy, but hardly a partier.

[nowyano]

If walmart had interest, they wouldve been in the city already-

There is now WalMart even near the city lines, I think the closest one is Quincy, if you want to consider that Boston.

[atlrvr]

There was a graphic in today's Globe showing all the project u/c and proposed for DTXing.

[DoctorGonzo]

link

Chacarero, Lambert

[atlrvr]

That a shame about Lambert's, though they have a full store a couple blocks away, as does Chacarero (people in my office love that place).

[atlrvr]

Chacarero is moving into 101 Arch St.

Lambert's and GT Florist are moving to 55 Summer. I think that's next to CVS, or is across Summer where the old McDonals's was?

[atlrvr]

With Suffolk currently convertin 10 West St. into dorms, they are now planning another DTXing renovation project.

They are proposing renovating the Modern Theatre building, and will maintain some sort of cutural use in the old theatre portion, and dorms for up to 200 students above.

The Modern, I think, is the last theatre that is to be saved, as the Paramount a couple of doors down is currently under renovation.

The Modern.

ARTICLE

On the map at the top of this page, The Modern is between 10 West and The Paramount.

[tombarnes]

I'm really happy to hear that they will be renovating the Modern Theater. That's a little gem which has long been overlooked. As for the Paramount, what's left of its interior?

[Lowerdeck]

Read in the paper today (T&G) that Filene's Basement in DTX is closing fairly soon for a couple of years for renovations. Can't remember the exact details off the top of my head.

[atlrvr]

Today is Filene's Basement last day in DTXing....the Filene's tower thread has more details, but yes, it is supposed to reopen in 2009.