Blair Square Renovation Update

This January has not been what area snow enthusiasts called Winter. However, the above average temperatures have allowed the Cataldo Landscaping company who’s working on the Blair Square project, to make great progress. These recently taken photos show the progress made since work began in early January.

The three photos below correspond to the numbered markers above.

1) To the right is the relocated trail bed. The granite block wall / seating is in place. The gravel to the left is the drainage bed under the paver area.
2) Looking from Front Street across the drainage area showing the tiered granite block wall / seats.
3) The forms are in place to pour the foundation for the covered pavilion structure.

Just in case the Groundhog predicts six more weeks of winter, Cataldo has a large ground heater on site to keep the earth workable and the project on (ahead?) schedule.

Stay tuned for more updates as the vision becomes reality.

Chris Cain

7 Comments

  1. David ONeil on January 31, 2023 at 9:16 am

    Very interesting topic for all to see progress. Thanks Chris

  2. Rick Shansky on January 31, 2023 at 10:56 am

    Looks great. What is the planned completion date?

    • Chris Cain on January 31, 2023 at 5:01 pm

      Mr. Shansky – Here is a link to the Blair Square construction timeline which is posted on the Town website.

  3. Paul Beattie on February 1, 2023 at 9:46 am

    The antique granite seat walls appear to be a reuse. Can you tell me their original use and where they were quarried?
    Thank you.

  4. James Keast - Town Facility Manager on February 2, 2023 at 2:23 pm

    Hi Paul,

    There will interpretive signs installed at Blair Square providing all sorts of detail about the granite used for the seat wall. Here is a sneak peak of one of the signs:

    “In the late 1890’s Milford Pink granite was used for the piers and abutments of the
    Charlestown Bridge (officially called the North Washington Street Bridge). Built by chief
    engineer William Jackson to connect Boston and Charlestown, the bridge originally
    carried both vehicular traffic and the Charlestown Elevated railway. Pedestrians
    following the Freedom Trail have also passed over this bridge and over these stones.
    After over 100 years of service this bridge was decommissioned in 2018 and in 2023 its
    Milford Pink blocks were reclaimed for seating at Blair Square.”

    • Paul Beattie on February 2, 2023 at 4:35 pm

      Wonderful history with a local connection.
      Thank you.

  5. antonia mercer clark on February 3, 2023 at 1:34 pm

    What is going to happen to the set of old metal railroad tracks that are still in Blair square?

Leave a Comment





Categories