Boston's City Hall Plaza To Reopen After Renovation

BOSTON, MA — The newly renovated plaza outside Boston City Hall will have its official grant opening Friday, offering the first chance to interact with the completely redesigned 7-acre public space.

The plaza has been under renovation for several years following a master planning process dating back to 2015. City leaders wanted to update the barren, brick expanse to make it more useable for city residents, including people with disabilities.

"Before this renovation, it was extremely difficult for disabled people to navigate the expansive brick plaza, which provides a vital connection between Congress Street and Cambridge Street," Boston Disability Commissioner Kristen McCosh said. "But the uneven brick and numerous stairways have been replaced with smooth unit pavers and gently sloped walkways."

The plaza was built in the 1960s as part of the larger Government Center and City Hall development.

"The new design aims to connect Congress and Cambridge Streets with an accessible sloped promenade activated by 21st century civic amenities like shady seating and gathering areas, a destination play space, a public art space, and an iconic water feature," Watertown-based design firm Sasaki said of the renovation. "The main plaza will accommodate events of up to 20,000 people in a wide variety of potential configurations."

Friday's reopening will start at 11 a.m. and feature tours, live music, local poets and a new lighting installation.