Watertown’s Got Talent Returns, See How to Enter the Contest

Performers took to the stage at Arsenal Yards for the Watertown Community Foundation’s Watertown’s Got Talent. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The Watertown Community Foundation will once again host Watertown’s Got Talent, and entrants can register now. Read more in the announcement from the WCF:

Who will be crowned Watertown’s Top Talent this year? We can’t wait to find out! Watertown’s Got Talent, hosted by Arsenal Yards to benefit the Watertown Community Foundation, is BACK for a third year!

Life Science Building Could Potentially Go on Part of Home Depot Parking Lot

A rendering of 300 Forge, a life science building that could go on part of the Home Depot Parking lot. (Courtesy of Boylston Properties)

A six-story life science building which would to be built on part of the parking lot behind the Home Depot in Watertown is in the planning stages. Boylston Properties, the developers of Arsenal Yards, submitted pre-application plans to the City of Watertown showing a six-story building with five levels of life science space and one story of parking. Plans were submitted to the Planning Department on Sept. 5.

Mighty Squirrel Biergarten Returns to Arsenal Yards

Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.Mighty Squirrel Brewing will be serving its creations at the biergarten at Arsenal Yards. The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

Arsenal Yards is thrilled to announce the return of the Mighty Squirrel pop-up biergarten on the River Green! Join us for an unforgettable series of bi-weekly events featuring live music from talented local performers. Mark your calendars for these special dates: July 25th, August 8th, August 22nd, September 5th, and September 19th, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The biergarten operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to secure your spot.

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.

LETTER: City Should Have Council President’s Plaque Removed from Arsenal Yards

George Proakis, ManagerCity of Watertown149 Main StreetWatertown, Massachusetts 02472

Dear Mr. Proakis:

I am writing after seeing Ms. Maloney’s article in Charles Breitrose’s On Line Newspaper expressing several concerns surrounding Arsenal Yards; especially the Brothel that operated from a property located in Arsenal Yards. She brings to our attention the bronze portrait of Mark Sideris which reads “without Mark Sideris Arsenal Yards and All that surrounds it may not have been realized.” Given the portrait and the citation, I surmise that is why she says, given Mark’s importance, he should know about everything that is happening on the property. I do not see any reason why Mark would know or anticipate all of the businesses Boylston Properties had already arranged leases with, nor those who would later sign leases. Until Ms. Maloney’s letter I had not seen anything written or in print about the bronze portrait of Mark on the property. And, even though I had serious concerns about singling out the Council President from the other Councilors, I remained quiet.

Watertown Police Sting Nabs Nearly a Dozen Suspected Shoplifters

More than a dozen Watertown Police officers blanketed Arsenal Yards and the Watertown Mall Wednesday afternoon. They blended in, wearing street clothes, so they could approach shoplifters without attracting attention and place them under arrest. The sting nabbed 11 people in about six hours. The Watertown Police Department worked with retailers, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, and the Suburban Middlesex County Drug Task Force, to catch as many shoplifters as possible, and to send a message to others, said Watertown Police Chief Justin Hanrahan. “During the operation, undercover officers and loss prevention personnel from Target, Best Buy, Nike, Home Depot, and Ulta were strategically deployed across various retail establishments identified as high-risk locations for shoplifting.

Arsenal Yards Adding New Food, Clothing & Pet Offerings

The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

The thriving neighborhood in Watertown’s historic East End from Boylston Properties and Wilder, Arsenal Yards today announces three exciting new additions in 2024: J.Crew Factory, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique. With leases signed, these three new venues will add to the neighborhood’s already bursting roster of popular restaurants, retailers, fitness, service, and entertainment offerings. More information on each follows below. Jersey Mike’s Subs

Jersey Mike’s Subs, known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, has announced it will open a new location in Watertown’s Arsenal Yards at 100 Bond Square in 2024. Jersey Mike’s premium meats and cheeses are sliced on the spot and piled high on in-store baked bread.

Holiday Events at Arsenal Yards: Black FridAY, Holiday Pop Up, Hannukah Celebration & Santa!

Arsenal Yards has a lineup of events for the Holidays. (Courtesy of Arsenal Yards)

The following information was provided by Arsenal Yards:

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Arsenal Yards, the bustling new neighborhood in Watertown, invites area residents, workers, and visitors to make their holiday season merry and bright with holiday happenings now through December. Guests can enjoy a packed schedule of seasonal activities and entertainment along with plentiful opportunities to give back to the Watertown community. The festivities will kick off on Black Friday, November 24th,with the Black FridAY Celebration + Gift Drive. While getting ahead on holiday shopping, visitors can enjoy festive activities, treats, crafts & more.