Life Sciences Building in East Watertown Sold for $45 Million

Elm Street PartnersA rendering of the new life science lab building built at 23 Elm St. A life science lab building in East Watertown off Arsenal Street has been sold for $45 million. The Triad Group announced the sale of “Elm Street Labs” in Watertown to Shannon Life Sciences. The building, located at 23 Elm Street, includes 74,670 sq. ft.

Restaurant That Transformed Historic Building into Dining Destination to Celebrate 9th Anniversary

Branch Line has transformed a former military weapons development facility into a dining destination. (Courtesy of Branch Line)

Nestled within the historic Watertown Arsenal, Branch Line stands as more than just a restaurant; it’s a testament to community, perseverance, and the art of culinary craftsmanship. Celebrating its ninth anniversary this coming October 2024, Branch Line has become a beloved fixture in Watertown, owing much of its success to its deep roots in the neighborhood and its commitment to quality and hospitality. General Manager Andrew Holden, a Watertown native himself, recalls the serendipitous discovery of the restaurant’s location — an expansive, historic space dating back to 1912. Holden said he was captivated by the building’s rich history, once a hub of industrial activity during the military and industrial revolutions that made trains, weapons, and equipment for the military.

Chamber’s July Events Includes Coffee Connect in Watertown

The Charles River Regional Chamber has plenty going on in July, including hosting a networking event at Watertown’s Arsenal Yards. See more information provided by the Chamber. Coffee Connect at Arsenal Yards

Tues. July 16, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.130 Arsenal Yards Boulevard, WatertownFree open to members & those interested in learning more about the chamber

Join us outdoors on the green at Arsenal Yards for coffee, conversations and networking. A warm-weather favorite, this annual event is one you won’t want to miss! 

Typically drawing upwards of 100 attendees, our Coffee Connects are informal networking opportunities to start your day.

Wayne Alarm Acquires Watertown-based SAS Security Systems

Pictured (left to right): Paul Verruto WAS (Wayne Alarm Systems) Sales & Marketing Manager, Chris Brady of TRG Associates, Jeff Kahn Vice President WAS, Nathan Raustad Head of Business Development, WAS, Ralph Sevinor President WAS, Thomas Frisoli President SAS, Leonard Frisoli of Frisoli Assoc, P.C. Council for SAS, Brandon
Freedman WAS Managing Partner, Dennis Eagan of Finneran and Nicholsan, P.C.

The following announcement was provided by Wayne Alarm Systems:

Wayne Alarm Systems, Inc., a family-owned and operated provider of life safety and security solutions, announced today the acquisition of SAS Security Systems, Inc. of Watertown, Massachusetts. This strategic move expands Wayne Alarm’s footprint in the greater Boston area, allowing them to deliver their premier security services to a wider range of customers. A Commitment to Quality and Growth with Great People and Customers

Wayne Alarm, founded by Ralph Wayne Sevinor, has a long-standing reputation for exceptional customer care and unwavering commitment. The Wayne Alarm team is passionate about leveraging the latest technology to deliver full and comprehensive, security solutions to the local community that safeguard its clients’ lives and property as well as providing exceptional customer support. They actively seek acquisitions that share their values, prioritizing good fit, high-quality service, and strong growth potential.

Housing Secretary Tells Chamber Crowd That MBTA Communities Act is Key to a Strong Economy

Ed Augustus, Massachusetts Secretary of Housing & Livable Communities, spoke at the Charles River Regional Chamber’s Spring Business Breakfast. (Courtesy of Charles River Chamber)

NEEDHAM — Building more housing is key to maintaining the local economy and preventing people from leaving the state, the Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities told the audience at last week’s Charles River Regional Chamber’s Spring Business Breakfast. Secretary Ed Augustus urged people at the event held at the Needham Sheraton to support the MBTA Communities Law in their communities, as well as pushing the Legislature to support the Governor’s Affordable Homes Act. He cited the example of a 24-year-old woman who moved home with her parents to save money while getting her graduate degree, and still has not been able to move out — despite having a degree and a good job — because she can’t find a place that she can afford. “Now this woman’s story might be simply unfortunate, if it was unique, but it’s not.

Charles River Chamber’s Spring Event Focuses on the Need for Housing in the Region

The Charles River Regional Chamber announced it will hold its Spring Business Breakfast on June 7. The Chamber, which serves Watertown, Newton, Needham and Wellesley, provided the following information. Housing, our region’s competitive future, and a salute to an outstanding member of our business community are on the menu at this year’s Spring Business Breakfast, presented by Eastern Bank. Program Information

We’ll hear from the Commonwealth’s first Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, Ed Augustus, the point person in the Healey-Driscoll Administration on efforts to drive efforts to increase housing production and lower housing costs across Massachusetts. We will be honoring Susan Paley who is retiring after leading The Village Bank’s community commitment efforts in support of all aspects of the region’s civic life, safety net, and cultural vitality for nearly two decades.

New Stores, Eateries at Arsenal Yards & Spring Events

Courtesy of Arsenal YardsArsenal Yards has some new places to shop and eat, and more coming soon. The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

Arsenal Yards, located in the heart of Watertown’s East End, is bringing even more new offerings to the neighborhood. In addition to its already well-known businesses, Arsenal Yards will welcome a list of seven new retail, dining, and service offerings as well as dozens of outdoor events throughout the spring and summer months. 

Included in Arsenal Yard’s impressive lineup of new businesses: J.Crew Factory and Jersey Mikes which have recently opened. In addition, there is something for everyone in the lineup of coming soon destinations including restaurants Butterbird and Medium Rare, along with service-based locations Marvelous Cuts, Splash & Dash, and Squeeze Massage opening later this year. Arsenal Yards will also continue to bring the neighborhood community experiences with events and activations in the River Green and Bond Sq.

Chamber Events Include Visit From Transportation Secretary, Small Business Day on Beacon Hill & More

The Charles River Regional Chamber has plenty going on this spring, including a talk with the Transportation Secretary, a young professionals group, Small Business Day at the State House and an LGBTQIA+ Happy Hour. See the information provided by the Chamber below:

Addressing our transportation challenges: A conversation with MassDOT Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt

Tues. May 14, 9:30 to 11 a.m.Hampton Inn & Suites, 25 Bond Street, Watertown$10 for members, $15 for nonmembers

It’s not possible to meet our region’s housing, climate, and workforce challenges without a safe, reliable, and accessible transportation system that meets the needs of all users whether they walk, bike, take public transit, or drive. Join us for a conversation with Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation Monica Tibbits-Nutt for an overview of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s plans for improving the state’s transportation system and the role we all must play in supporting this effort. 9:30 a.m.: Registration and Networking

10 a.m.: A Conversation with Secretary Tibbits-Nutt

Tickets are nonrefundable but may be transferred to another guest. 

RSVP HERE

LGBTQIA+ Happy Hour at Flora’s Wine Bar

Wed.