South Boston, MA Core Investments, Inc., a two-decade-old real estate investment and development company, presented its 2023 fall program of music, food, and fun events at The LOT, Core Investment’s newest commitment to the emerging On the Dot neighborhood.
The LOT, an outdoor event space near the year-old Cannonball Cafe, at 383 Dorchester Ave., is a project that Core Investment has for months been preparing for activation and recreation, including a movie night, block party, Oktoberfest, holiday market, and more.
The developing On the Dot neighborhood is more than 21 acres of formerly industrial land along the west, or inland, side of Dorchester Ave., which is being planned in phases of mixed-use development adjacent to Andrew Sq. along the MBTA’s Red Line.
Events on The LOT and throughout the On the Dot neighborhood, including longtime Andrew Sq. neighbors and visitors from the area, throughout the city of Boston and beyond, will continue and grow in scope as the mixed-use neighborhood is built out over the next few years.
The first public event on The LOT was a movie night, on Friday, September 22, 5:30-9 p.m.
Core Investments is now in the process of working with city planners and the neighborhood, particularly the Andrew Sq. Neighborhood Association, to design and obtain permits for residential, commercial, retail, civic, and open space in the 21 acres. As a part of that planning, Core would begin with a mixed-use four-building project on nine acres just north of the Andrew Square MBTA Station, including a first building with residential and retail focus.
“The LOT is the another piece of our activation and growing recreational choices in the heart of the emerging On the Dot neighborhood, launching now and running through the fall,” said Michael Cahill, senior vice president of development of Core Investments. “We have programmed a variety of events for families and individuals for our neighbors and friends and visitors, and we hope to see you there soon!”
The LOT will be the scene of seven significant events, at least weekly and sometimes more often, through early December. A separate schedule of early events, including Farmers Forge on Saturdays and Thursday and Sunday music gatherings at Cannonball Cafe, has already begun, to kick off the fall schedule of larger events. The Cannonball Cafe events will continue.
The more frequent events, including Acoustic Thursdays, Farmers Forge on Saturdays, and Rhythm and Brunch on Sundays, that are under way are also planned and programmed by the staff at Core Investments and its partners.
Acoustic Thursdays are 6-8 p.m. on the Cannonball Cafe patio, with acoustic music and cold drinks, through September. Beer, wine and coffee will be served, as well as treats from the cafe.
Farmers Forge events, a farmers’ market with fresh produce, items from local vendors and coffee will be Saturdays 9-noon, with the Cannonball Cafe open 8 a.m.-1 p.m. These events will be weather-dependent, and changes will be announced on the On the Dot Instagram page
And every Sunday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Rhythm & Brunch fills the Cannonball Cafe, with life jazz music from house band Safari & the Beat Explorers, with weekly surprise guests. The music is hosted on the outdoor patio, and Cannonball Cafe will be serving brunch specials.
Oktoberfest will be celebrated on Oct. 14, Noon-6 p.m., on The LOT, with a variety of food offerings and beer and local artists entertaining. This one is for all ages, or anyone who like carnival games and tasty foods.
Halloweenfest will be Oct. 28, 4-9 p.m., a family-friendly gathering with pumpkin carving and other themed activities. The Cannonball Cafe’s Cantina will be serving beverages, along with fare of food trucks.
On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Noon-4 p.m., The LOT will host Giveback Bash, a day to honor our military veterans and focus on giving back to the community. Activities will include writing letters for troops and first responders, chalk messages on the sidewalks, donation bins, and signups for volunteer work. Again, the Cannonball Cafe Cantina will be open, along with the presence of food trucks.
A Holiday Market is set for The LOT on Dec. 2-3, Noon-6 p.m., where visitors can continue, or begin, shopping for the Christmas and Hanukkah seasons. Jewelry, clothing, local souvenirs and more will be for sale, along with Santa photos and warm drinks.
The formal schedule of events at The LOT began last week with a private Launch Party for Core Investments, the Andrew Square Neighborhood Association, company partners, and their families.
To view the full schedule of events and learn more about The LOT, please visit the lotonthedot.com. To RSVP for individual events, please go to:
- Oktoberfest – https://bit.ly/3DJ9U2t
- Halloweenfest– https://bit.ly/47m9BYU
- Giveback Bash – https://bit.ly/3s6Ycfc
- Holiday Market – https://bit.ly/3qdwY6o
On the Dot neighborhood development is now in permitting stages and under review by City of Boston agencies, including the Boston Planning and Development Agency.
Following years of planning and extensive collaborative discussion with neighborhood residents, local elected officials and City of Boston planners, Core Investments specified its intention to begin with a four-building complex of residential, commercial and retail space on about nine acres in the southern portion of the new neighborhood, near Andrew Square Station.
The larger, 21-acre Master Planned On the Dot neighborhood will also deliver on other policy emphases of the Wu administration, including resiliency, robust open spaces and trees, transit accessibility, and sustainability.
