Mount Auburn Club Closing, Property to be Turned into Life Science Space

The Mount Auburn Club in East Watertown has become a victim of the COVID-19 outbreak, with owners recently announcing that the club will be closing and the property will be sold to a firm looking to build space for life science companies. The Boston Globe reported that the Club sent a letter to members Monday which stated that said the coronavirus crisis pushed them to close down and sell. The club, located at 57 Coolidge Avenue, has been operating for nearly half a century and is recognizable for the bubbles put up over its tennis courts over the tennis courts during the winter. The 6.3-acre property will be sold to Alexandria Real Estate Equities and Newton-based National Development, the Globe reported. Alexandria recently purchased the Arsenal on the Charles complex from athenahealth, and the firms plan to use some of the space for life science companies, a growing industry in Watertown in recent years.

Watertown Had Two Home Sales This Week

A condo and a townhouse were sold in Watertown this week. $850,000 – 65 Boyd St. Unit 65, Condo – Townhouse, 2,665 Living Area Sq. Ft., 9 Room, 3 Bedroom, 3 Full Bathroom

$290,000 – 121 Warren St. Unit 3, Condo – Garden, 600 Living Area Sq.

Four More Watertown Restaurants Approved for Outdoor Dining

Deluxe Town Diner was one of several Watertown restaurants recently approved to have outdoor seating. Four Watertown restaurants have been allowed to add outdoor dining this week, bringing the number up to 15 that have received the special permission from the Town to expand capacity during the COVID-19 restrictions. The special outdoor seating permission is approved by Town Manager Michael Driscoll, who included the list of restaurants in his most recent COVID-19 Update (click here to view it). Two are located near Watertown Square, one south of the Charles River and one is on the Westside. Halfway Cafe, west of Watertown Square on Main Street has been given permission.

Online Networking Event Coming Up for Watertown Businesses, Groups

The Watertown Business Coalition will host an online networking event on Wednesday, July 15 at 9 a.m.

The group sent out the following information:

The WBC hosts an online forum for our business community to network and discuss the challenges of our COVID altered reality and a path back to some level of economic normalcy. Our online forum is free to Watertown Residents and our Business Community. Format will include:

Find a comfortable place in the home with a cup of coffee or tea!General networking breakout rooms

Let’s get through these times together, Watertown! 

WHEN: Wednesday, July 15, 9AM to 10AM

WHERE: Your home! The Watertown Business Coalition was started by a group of people doing business in Watertown and town residents looking to make local connections, and to support and strengthen the Watertown business community. 

The Watertown Business Coalition invites the following groups to the Coffee Connect:

All in the Watertown Business CommunityWatertown Residents who own a business in or out of town

Entrepreneurs seeking Networking Opportunities

Former Members of Watertown-Belmont Chamber of Commerce

Those looking to connect with business owners in Watertown

Register to let us know you are coming! Click here to register

Eight Watertown Homes Were Sold This Week

See the properties that were sold in town this week. $573,465 – 88 Belmont St. Unit 88, Condo – 2/3 Family, 1,200 Living Area Sq. Ft., 6 Room, 2 Bedroom, 1 Full & 1 Half Bathroom

$995,000 – 36 Church St. Unit 36, Condo – Townhouse, 2,244 Living Area Sq.

Arsenal Yards Eatery Latest to Get Outdoor Seating Permit

City Works Pour House Eatery will be coming to the Arsenal Yards, featuring 90 different beers and indoor and outdoor seating. The City Works Eatery & Pour House received permission to have temporary outdoor seating during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving Watertown 11 restaurants which have received the permits. The permits have been given as part of an effort to increase the seating at restaurants, which have had their seating restricted due to the state’s COVID-19 guidelines. Tables must be at least 6 feet apart and parties can be no bigger than six. As of June 22, restaurants can seat diners indoors, but the same social distancing requirements apply.