The historic area is getting an upgrade. | Photo by BOStoday
Change is the only constant, and there are some major changes happening in Copley Square. Walking past the fenced off area, you can catch a glimpse of all the updates that are in the works. Here’s a breakdown of the project’s scope.
Copley’s History But first, let’s rewind to 1857 when the Back Bay area formerly known as Elysian Fields was first created. The space was made up of a group of seven parcels of land, and since there were no rules from the BPDA at the time, the layout is a mix of triangles, angles, and alleyways. It served as the Art Square for many years, a cultural hub at the corner of Huntington and Bolyston streets.
In 1883 the City of Boston designated the space as Copley Square. It was named to honor the famed Boston artist John Singleton Copley, who was best known for his portraits of New England’s elite and local legends like Paul Revere.
Ch-ch-ch-changes Back to present day updates. Renovations to Copley Square Park have begun and there is a $16.9 million transformation in the works. This project is expected to take ~16 months, and the community space will reopen in fall 2024.
Upon completion the plaza will feature a new fountain, lawn, lighting, and planting areas. There will be a raised seating area to protect existing trees, known as the Raised Grove, along with paved pathways and open plaza space. Plus, the memorials and art will be refurbished.
We’ll keep our hard hats out and share updates as progress continues.
Events
Thursday, Nov. 9
Boston Bruins vs. New York Islanders | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 7 p.m. | TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston | Prices vary | Break out your yellow and black gear to cheer on the B’s at home.
GOUDA GALS | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 7-8 p.m. | curds&co, 288 Washington St., Brookline | $65 | Whether you’re new to the cheese game or have a seasoned passion for tyrosine crystals, this class will let you dive into the beauty that is butterscotchy cheese.
Friday, Nov. 10
Camp Teddie | Friday, Nov. 10 | 7-10 p.m. | Night Shift Brewing, 87 Santilli Hwy., Everett | Free | Don your coziest flannels, gather ‘round the campfire for s’mores, and enjoy a special release Teddie Beer.
Saturday, Nov. 11
Skin & Shenanigans: Henna Night | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 5-8 p.m. | High Street Place, 100 High St., Boston | $20 | Wear black to unwind with Bold Skin Babe, plus apps and a cash bar.
The Dropout Summit | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Big Night Live, 110 Causeway St., Boston | $97-$250 | Listen to guest speakers at the annual event that combines mental and emotional wellness, personal and professional development, financial literacy, and entertainment.
Sunday, Nov. 12
Pumpkin Sugar Cookie Class | Sunday, Nov. 12 | 11 a.m. | Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover St., Boston | $18 | Six cookies are included with each ticket to decorate with three icing colors.
Local dog walker @thepieddogwalker is getting some pawsitive attention after being featured on the trending @sunday.scaries account. Slide through the post and see all good dogs + memes.
Cause
Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated $20 million to Jobs for the Future, a Boston nonprofit that recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. The organization has kicked off a 10-year campaign to double the number of workers nationwide. (Boston Business Journal)
Seasonal
Boston’s Hanukkah pop-up bar, Maccabee Bar, will return Wednesday, Nov. 19-Sunday, Dec. 31 at 1 Bennett St., Cambridge. The sixth year will feature festive décor, classic bites, and unique flavored cocktails like the Latke Sour + the Ocho Kandelikas.
Bostonian
Harvard University professor and marathoner Jennifer Hoffman has completed a cross-country (literally) run from San Francisco to New York City in just 48 days. The previous transcontinental run record by a woman was set in 2017 at 54 days. (7 News)
Eat
Prepping for your Friendsgiving? Stop by one of four Boston DIG locations for a DIGs-giving special. Gobble up the DIGS-giving bowl or grab a SIDES-giving dinner box. Bonus: Check out our list of other local Thanksgiving specials.
Drink
Hecate is offering private cocktail classes at the Back Bay bar. Join the beverage director Lou Chabonneau to learn the bewitching tools and techniques to the modern world of elixirs. A minimum of eight people are required to book the experience.
Try This
Fall in New England means parched skin. Enter: The Hydrafacial at Breve Spa located inside the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport. Bonus: Release some tension with a signature massage in between sips of champagne. Here’s a recap of our experience.*
Wellness
This FDA-registered, doctor-recommended vibrator is clinically proven to heighten arousal and help alleviate dryness, thanks to its ultra-flexible shape designed to hit all the right spots. Even better? Our readers get 30% off.*
Sports
Set your alarms — kickoff is 9:30 a.m.
🏈 Where to cheer on the Patriots playing in Germany
The Lovejoy taproom has plenty of big screens so everyone can see the game. | Photo by @1976patriots
While we know this season has been a bit tough to watch — this weekend’s Patriots game will offer a fresh perspective from a different continent + time zone.
New England will play the Indianapolis Colts (hey, INDYtoday) in one of the first NFL games in Germany. Not sure where to catch the game, which airs at 9:30 a.m. our time? Here are a few watch parties to check out.
Banners Kitchen & Tap will launch its brunch program, which includes a Bloody Mary box, mimosa tower, and double espresso martini to sip with a hangover burger and waffle breakfast sandwich.
Night Shift Brewing is having a watch party at the Lovejoy Wharf location. Try special menu additions for the game like beer braised bratwurst. Plus, brunch service will be serving up apple pie stuffed french toast + chorizo tostadas.
The Anchor will stream the game from Charlestown with cold brews, house-smoked specials, and waterfront views. Register for your spot at this watch party.
The 2023 sexiest man alive is another New England face. Patrick Dempsey (aka McDreamy for all my fellow Grey’s fans) has taken over the coveted title from Chris Evans, last year’s winner.
Bonus: You can also watch the Maine native in the upcoming thriller “Thanksgiving” about a mysterious Thanksgiving-inspired killer that terrorizes the Bay State town of Plymouth.
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