Boston Common, the oldest park in the country, will soon be hosting crowds at a new beer garden. Plans have been approved by city officials.
The plan was put forward by Emerson College and Trillium Brewing Co. for a 420-seat beer garden located at the corner of Boylston and Tremont Streets.
“This new space will also provide locals and visitors a chance to experience the vibrant arts culture within the city, fostering cultural diversity and civic pride,” William Gilligan, Emerson’s interim president wrote in a statement.
This is in line with Emerson’s recent efforts to upgrade its downtown Boston campus.
In addition to the beer garden, there will be food and beverage stands and a temporary stage to host live performances by hired artists and Emerson students.
Other
literary and fitness events will also be planned by Trillium, a New
England brewing company that has operated a similar space on the
Greenway in the past.
Emerson’s
submitted Requests for Proposal (RFP) also aligned with the city’s
plans to revamp the park, making it multifunctional and active while
also renewing its cultural and historical integrity.
"We
loved the partnership with local businesses and the focus on arts and
culture, as well as the community oriented nature of the installation,”
said Ryan Woods, commissioner of the Boston Parks and Recreation
Department.
“Finally,
working with a trusted institutional neighbor brings confidence that the
project will be safe, welcoming and operationally sound, ensuring a
positive experience for Bostonians and visitors alike."
The
RFP was evaluated and chosen based on predetermined criteria. The
proposal was unanimously deemed the most advantageous based on the rent
paid, the experience of the proposers and a comprehensive plan.
Emerson
will pay a guaranteed $50,000 annually plus 8% of gross sales in rent.
The rent proposed by Emerson is double the minimum requirement and the
rent offered by other parties that submitted proposals.
The project is expected to bring in $130,000 to $150,000 in revenue.
These
collected funds will go to the Funds for Parks and Recreation, a Boston
nonprofit that finances recreational projects across the city using
vendor payments.
The
plan is now awaiting final approval from the Boston Landmark Commission.
If approved, the garden will open on May 1 and will run through spring
until November 1.