Equity Office completes four new leases at South Station - beginning with leading retail pharmacy CVS/pharmacy, which will be 30,000 s/f on two levels, connected with an escalator; Tavern in the Square (780 s/f with seating for 40); Starbucks; and the return of Barbara's Books - marking the beginning of planned changes at Boston's longest-standing travel epicenter. Renovations done in tandem with lease installations will transform the Station's restrooms 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, leasing, Equity Office. "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." 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.
Gilbane Building Co. has been contracted to carry out the landlord improvements in South Station to prepare the space for CVS.
CVS will begin construction of its two-level store complete with an escalator and elevator this November with a planned opening in March 2014.
"Tavern in the Square is very excited about this opportunity. We are taking 780 SF 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, Joey Arcari, founder, Tavern in the Square.
Barbara's will take 300 s/f and is thrilled to be back. "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 Don Barliant and Janet Bailey, owners, Barbara's Bestsellers.
"With a flagship CVS, Tavern in the Square, Starbucks and Barbara's Books among the retailers and food service providers at South Station, we will provide a one-stop travel and service center for patrons," said Mark Smith, market managing director, Equity Office.
South Station is located in the heart of Boston's major business district and serves as the major downtown commuter rail station. It is a hub for the MBTA, Boston's primary public transportation system, and a main stop for Amtrak's Northeast Corridor Service. It is estimated that 130,000 travelers pass through South Station each day.