MAJOR UPGRADES FOR SOUTH STATION

BOSTON – Four new leases have been signed for South Station – beginning with retail pharmacy CVS/pharmacy, which will be 30,000 SF on two levels, connected with an escalator; Tavern in the Square (780 SF 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.

"This is great news not only for the thousands of people who travel through South Station daily, but also for the Commonwealth as a whole," said MBTA General Manager Beverly Scott. "These leases help fund the upkeep of New England's busiest transit hub at no cost to the MBTA or taxpayers."

CVS/pharmacy will begin construction of its two-level store complete with an escalator and elevator this November with a planned opening in March 2014. The store will feature a full service pharmacy, large health and beauty departments, convenience food offerings and general merchandise.

The Tavern will open in late Fall: “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 approximately 300 SF 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.

Gilbane Building Company has been contracted to carry out the landlord improvements in South Station to prepare the space for CVS.