With the financial support of National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund the National Parks of Boston plans to dismantle Hoosac Stores Warehouse to prepare the site for future use the Hoosac Stores Warehouse is a six-story brick building constructed by the Fitchburg Railroad as a wool storage facility The warehouse was acquired by the National Park Service in 1981 due to its proximity to the United States Ship of State – USS Constitution Hoosac Stores Warehouse stands at the gateway to the Charlestown Navy Yard along Boston's Freedom Trail which attracts over 1.5 million annual visitors Hoosac Stores Warehouse has remained neglected A recent feasibility study determined that the structure of Hoosac Stores is not suitable for meeting the park's programming needs The Park would need to make significant structural changes in order to stabilize the structure for use The deconstruction of the Hoosac Stores Warehouse creates the opportunity to realize an exciting vision for the Charlestown Navy Yard The National Parks of Boston looks forward to this next step in implementing its Master Development Strategy of the Charlestown Navy Yard with the support of Park partners Project at a Glance: Throughout the fall and winter of 2024/2025 contractors will be deconstructing Hoosac Stores Warehouse the contractors will recycle or salvage approximately 86% of the building These materials include over 650 old growth pine beams and columns What are the Benefits: Demolishing the Hoosac Stores Warehouse will allow the Park to prepare the site for future use This project is essential for the Park to proceed with its Master Development Strategy to achieve long-term operational and maintenance efficiency Visitor Impact: The site will be temporarily under construction requiring an approved traffic control plan This plan includes a pedestrian and bike detour route *These are estimations and subject to change The deconstruction of the Hoosac Stores Warehouse aligns with the Park's Master Development Strategy to reactivate the Charlestown Navy Yard Learn more about the Park's Master Development Strategy and the Reactivation of the Charlestown Navy Yard. Explore this story map about the history of the Hoosac Stores Warehouse Learn about the plans of the National Park Service and its partners to improve the Navy Yard visitor experience Dive into this project and explore related links March 2025 Photos February 2025 Photos January 2025 Photos December 2024 Photos The National Park Service is currently moving items out of Hoosac Stores Warehouse to prepare for demolition Deconstruction of Hoosac Stores is expected to begin in mid to late-fall 2024 The planned work hours are from 7:00am to 4:00pm The demolition process is anticipated to take 11-12 weeks with project completion estimated to be early 2025 the demolition of the Hoosac Warehouse went to solicitation using Legacy Restoration Funds (LRF) annual funds that were established with the Great American Outdoors Act prior to deconstructing the structure from top to bottom Download the NPS app to navigate the parks on the go Thank you for completing the form, here is your download: "+jQuery("body").attr("docName")+" Thank you for completing the form, here is the link to your on-demand webinar: On-Demand Webinar Link Our team is our most important and valued asset Police leadership is undergoing a major shift departments face rising public expectations intense scrutiny and complex challenges that demand more than traditional approaches These pressures create unique opportunities for young chiefs to step up This article explores how young police leaders can navigate today’s landscape and build strong future-ready departments rooted in trust and innovation In the traditional model of police leadership years of service equaled readiness to command But as policing evolves to meet modern challenges more young chiefs are stepping into leadership roles with fresh ideas and forward-thinking tactics They understand that success today requires more than enforcement expertise and time in the field — it demands flexibility and the ability to lead diverse teams effectively Perhaps the greatest power of a young chief is the ability to transform Questioning past practices and enacting progressive policies can revitalize a department and signal to the community and officers that we can do better This transparency is necessary in an era when policing is often criticized and openness is requested — and demanded — by those we serve the cultural norm in law enforcement was to resist change But today’s new generation of officers welcomes — and expects — growth and innovation we’ve completely redefined the traditional model of police administration We actively invite officers to pitch new ideas propose changes and offer recommendations — and we often challenge them to take the lead in implementing those changes we’ve embraced a more open-minded approach and operate with an unwritten rule: we never turn down a good idea especially if it makes us better officers and better people What every team needs to see each time they walk out of the station to serve the first 100 days are important — but for a young chief of police they can define the entire course of the department over the next several years and conversations with your officers can create significant change These are the critical first steps in learning what is and isn’t working — both in external relationships and within your team Improving your active listening skills is just the start Actionable gains — whether through clear and unambiguous communication regarding policy or a noticeable presence working shifts alongside officers — emphasize a leadership style driven by transparency you must be willing to sacrifice as your officers sacrifice You must show them they’re not alone in this career and that you’ll always be standing beside them but our main focus this year after taking over has been that my assistant chief and I have shared the street schedule with our officers and getting yelled at — right alongside our officers When someone needs time off for an emergency we cover their shifts and make the sacrifices so they can take care of their families and personal lives The great thing about building trust is that it doesn’t cost the department a penny — it takes time and selfless service Our first 100 days were spent implementing drastic changes recommended by our officers A department can only be as good as the service its team provides one of the most essential leadership traits is creating an environment where officers feel appreciated and supported and work-life balance are no longer optional — they are a necessity A department with high morale is more efficient — and far better prepared for the rigors of modern-day policing Officers should feel that their voices are heard and that their leadership is committed to their growth and safety — not just as officers and maintaining a culture where mistakes are treated as learning opportunities rather than career-defining failures The leadership team must instill accountability at the highest levels and always lead by example Recruitment teams should no longer be the focus of law enforcement leadership Leaders in 2024 and beyond should concentrate on building retention teams — groups of officers focused on keeping the ones we already have When we shift focus from recruitment to retention If we go above and beyond to retain our people officers will stay — and the recruitment problem will start to solve itself Leaders cannot afford to treat officers poorly and expect to keep them We must take a hard look at ourselves as leaders and ask “Am I doing everything I can to keep our officers?” Modern police leadership should be deeply rooted in community relationships and engagement A young chief’s ability to connect with the public — especially in communities historically wary of law enforcement — can redefine a department’s credibility and authentic participation in community activities go a long way in humanizing the badge and building trust A significant part of being a young leader involves embracing new approaches to community engagement That means going beyond traditional norms to invest in community policing programs and support initiatives that allow officers to mentor or volunteer It also means ensuring that community feedback isn’t just heard — it’s acted upon The average person believes police departments are fully staffed and that officers spend their time idly — as if we’re all sitting on the square playing checkers It’s time we start showing what we actually do and how hard our officers work That kind of transparency helps the community see us as part of them — not apart from them Technology plays an expanding role in police investigations — from ALPRs and artificial intelligence to facial recognition software and body-worn camera systems A chief’s leadership vision must integrate these tools while recognizing their potential to improve accountability Using data — including ALPRs — to locate criminals can help officers find and apprehend suspects quickly keeping them from remaining at large in the public A young chief must ensure that technology supports officers — not isolate them from the communities they serve Creating training programs focused on the responsible use of technology ensures officers can use it effectively and ethically This allows agencies to benefit from innovation without compromising integrity or human connection Being a young leader in a police department can be both challenging and demanding Taking charge at an early stage in your career means you must lead with authenticity — staying true to yourself and to what you know is morally right Authenticity is especially important when proving yourself to older generations of officers who may not have had the same opportunities we must prioritize the needs of our officers if we want to build a well-functioning The wisdom to admit when you’re wrong — and the humility to do so openly — goes a long way with both veteran and younger officers The credibility of a department depends on integrity A young chief must demonstrate these values daily — both in words and in actions That includes being transparent in decision-making holding officers accountable for misconduct and maintaining a deep commitment to ethical standards I make it a point to own my mistakes and take accountability for them in front of my officers Doing so breaks down the wall of vulnerability that many of us carry as cops When accountability becomes a daily practice across the department you start to see the community change and grow with you When a community sees its police department holding itself to high standards Developing internal systems that encourage accountability at all levels is essential When the entire department embraces that mindset One of the final — and most important — steps in modern police leadership is recognizing that success lies in developing the next generation Chiefs should focus not only on leading themselves but also on building leadership capacity throughout the department and workshops are tools that prepare everyone for future challenges Chiefs should train every team member to be ready to take over their responsibilities at a moment’s notice flexible approach — one that maintains public safety and service while staying open-minded and connected to both officers and the community you can build a legacy that endures long after the uniform is set aside The truth isn’t always easy — and it may not bring instant rewards — but it builds a foundation of integrity no one can take away from you or your department I moved from working the patrol schedule into the office with a proactive mindset focused on change One of our first actions this year was encouraging officers to attend outside training — and we approved 99% of the requests Every officer attended at least one external training course This generation of officers thrives on self-improvement We believe in the value of education and training and we support our people in seeking it out every day to grow both professionally and personally Leadership today demands a blend of courage Young chiefs face the dual challenge of leading with fewer years of experience while meeting the growing expectations of modern society and holding themselves and their teams to high ethical standards A young chief can create lasting change by living out these principles the most successful police leaders will be those who embrace a vision that goes beyond policing — one rooted in justice young chiefs can shape not only their departments Chief Eric Kruse has dedicated over a decade to the Charlestown (Indiana) Police Department beginning his career in 2013 as both a police dispatcher and a part-time reserve officer he served in the patrol division and later became a field training officer he was promoted to Lieutenant and training commander he was appointed Chief of Police by the Mayor of Charlestown where he continues to serve the department and community with dedication and vision Learn more about the Charlestown Police Department Copyright © 2025 Lexipol. All rights reserved.Do Not Sell My Personal Information Racing at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races has canceled the remainder of its May 3 card after an extended weather delay After the first race was run without incident a weather delay ensued as a result of lightning in the area After approximately 45 minutes of heavy rain and persistent lightning that was expected to continue the decision was made to cancel the remainder of the card Canceled races will be brought back as extras on overnights starting next week Live racing is slated to resume on Thursday May 8 at its standard first race post time of 7:00 p.m Sign up for BloodHorse Daily (WJAR) — An oil truck overturned in Charlestown on Tuesday morning The crash happened on Narrow Lane just off Route 1 Two people in the truck got out before first responders arrived A crew from the Department of Environmental Management was coordinating the clean up "Approximately 1,800 gallons were in the tank and approximately 100 gallons were captured in drums," DEM said in a statement An empty truck was brought in to transfer the remaining oil from the truck that rolled over A .boston.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the City of Boston The Boston Parks and Recreation Department on Tuesday joined Charlestown Little League and Charlestown community members for a groundbreaking ceremony at Ryan Playground The $25 million climate resilient project will bring renovations to this Charlestown park including a flood prevention berm with an exciting new play area and waterfront promenade “We’re excited for these renovations for Ryan Playground that will keep this park as a treasured green space for Charlestown’s families for generations to come and protect our community from the impacts of climate change,” said Mayor Michelle Wu Renovations include new natural grass little league fields and multi-use fields designed to support baseball A refurbished street hockey rink named in honor of Bryan McGonagle will provide a dedicated space for year-round play while a new colorful children’s play area will include equipment for 2-5 year olds and 5-12 year olds Plans also include space for community gathering and active recreation including a fishing spot and terraced seating and shaded dugouts will make Ryan Playground a premier destination for sports.  122 new trees will be planted complementing the 28 mature trees preserved from the existing site these plantings will provide cooling during hot summer days and help mitigate the urban heat island effect.  “This groundbreaking marks another milestone in Boston’s journey toward a more climate-resilient future,” said Brian Swett “By integrating flood protection and sustainable design into spaces that promote recreation and community connection we’re safeguarding Charlestown while enhancing the quality of life for its residents Projects like this embody the City’s commitment to building climate-ready neighborhoods that are vibrant and prepared for the challenges of the future.” Improvements to Ryan Playground were designed by Weston and Sampson Engineering including initial excavation and subgrade work With a $6.6 million budget from the City of Boston’s Capital Budget this marks the first step in a transformative redevelopment The full scope of the project represents a $25 million investment funded by $18 million from the City of Boston’s Capital Budget $1 million from Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds and $6 million from the Charlestown Community Impact Fund.  "We’re thrilled to break ground on this transformative project at Ryan Playground,” said Interim Boston Parks Commissioner Liza Meyer “With designs that bring together climate resilience we are proud to be building a park that will serve Charlestown families and visitors of all ages for generations to come.” The design process for Ryan Playground was shaped by community feedback with support from Charlestown Youth Sports Association and Charlestown Mothers Association as well as the Mystic River Watershed Association Residents expressed strong support for both passive and active recreation areas and spaces that accommodate multi-generational activities There was also a clear desire for more gathering spaces beyond athletic facilities and an emphasis on preserving waterfront views of the Mystic River.  “I’m excited to be celebrating the groundbreaking of Ryan Playground in Charlestown,” said Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata (District 1) “Ryan Playground is an example of the necessary climate-resilient projects to enhance our climate resiliency and protect our residents and vital infrastructure from the threats posed by climate change It will serve as an outdoor space for recreation and connection ensuring a greener and more resilient future for all Boston residents.” “I want to thank Mayor Wu for her continued investment in Charlestown,” said State Representative Dan Ryan “The Parks department is an integral partner in creating and enhancing open spaces and playing fields in our urban neighborhoods This project will allow generations to continue to hear the crack of a Little League bat…memories that last a lifetime.” “The Ryan Fields and Playground have been a vital part of the Charlestown community for decades,” said Josh Bresler “The entire Charlestown baseball community couldn’t be more excited about these improvements and what they will mean for the more than 300 families that rely on them.  We are grateful to Parks and the City of Boston for the continued investment in our programs and all the valuable lessons in teamwork sportsmanship and courage these improvements will facilitate for our young players.”  Initial construction will start with excavation and subgrade work this winter and the park construction will start in spring 2025 To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks, sign up for our email list at bit.ly/Get-Parks-Emails and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The project page will have construction updates each month, at boston.gov/Ryan-Charlestown Michael Penn says he is facing eviction from his Charlestown apartment because the property manager claims his dog barks too loudly and too much Demerius Calhoun says he too is being threatened with eviction in the same complex known as The Graphic Lofts — because he allegedly caused flooding in the apartments below by leaving a window partly open The two residents — both Black men who’ve spent time in prison — deny the allegations they say they are being targeted because of the color of their skin and time behind bars “They want me out,” Penn told GBH News recently “It sucks when I move into a situation where I’m happy to be and for no reason other than the fact that I’m Black or I have a record or Penn and Calhoun join a handful of formerly incarcerated residents who say they are unfairly being forced out of their homes at the Graphic Lofts an upscale complex that bills itself online as “sophisticated luxury,’’ with a fitness center The property managers would not speak about any individual case but said they only take action against tenants that are disruptive or cause damage a nonprofit that helps formerly incarcerated people in the Boston area says the property was previously willing to house people with criminal records She says Justice 4 Housing has placed about a dozen people in the complex over the last two years or so aided by city and state subsidized vouchers her clients are getting warnings and eviction notices based on unfair allegations like smoking in the building or speaking aggressively to staff so far have all been people with darker skin “Everybody that Justice 4 Housing put in [Graphic Lofts] is getting these letters that are saying that they’re being terrible tenants They’re just making things up,” Credle said It’s anything and everything they can put their hands on and they bombard them with legal letters.” The property is owned by a limited liability company called GWL Direct 32 Cambridge LLC and managed by Willow Bridge Property Company a Texas-based company that touts itself as one of the largest multifamily property managers in the country Officials for the companies did not respond to requests for an interview In a written statement sent via their law firm Turk and Milone management said it is “committed to providing its residents with safe “when a resident fails to comply with their lease and interferes with the other resident’s basic rights to peacefully live in their apartments Graphic Lofts is required to respond to support the community This includes “when residents smoke in their apartments or cause significant damage to the property,’’ according to the statement provided by attorney Jeffrey Turk “While management provides residents with warnings and opportunities to resolve lease violations when residents continue to refuse to comply with basic lease obligations and infringe on the rights of other community members at times legal actions must unfortunately be taken to protect the rights and safety of our community.” Penn says he received a letter in January from the building’s lawyers saying his lease was being cancelled in part because the dog has been “barking very loudly throughout the day and night and has caused various noise disturbances on the property.” He also was accused of being aggressive toward staff members He denies the allegations and filed a complaint with the mayor’s fair housing office and another with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination “I believe [Willow Bridge] discriminated against me on the basis of my race by treating me more harshly than other White tenants and threatening to take away my emotional support animal,” he wrote in the commission complaint a GBH News reporter knocked on the door of Penn’s apartment and was welcomed inside Penn’s dog Sasha was lying in a cage across the room — not barking Calhoun says is also being threatened with eviction because he left a window partly open in his living room one night when he was gone this led to frozen pipes in his kitchen about 20 feet away causing a damaging flood in the apartments below GBH News saw no water damage in the apartment Calhoun said the landlord broke down the door to get in and punched several holes in the walls Calhoun says he could not use his apartment for several days and the shower was broken for weeks Property management did not respond to GBH’s questions about Calhoun’s apartment Calhoun says that until recently he had a job where he was “working 60 70 hours a week.” That made him “the perfect tenant because you get your money on time and you never see me when the property manager changed staffing in the building Now his kitchen table is piled with threatening letters cease and desist orders and eviction warnings “These people are stressing me out,” he said who asked that GBH News not use his name for fear of losing his housing said the management company has peppered him with letters accusing him of smoking in his apartment — although he doesn’t smoke He claims company inspectors conducted an unannounced visit “I was in the apartment sleeping and they just barged right in,” he said “They came right into my apartment without knocking.” “I don’t really want to push the issue because I don’t want them to harass me any more.” He said he also doesn’t want to move out Another client Credle helped house is Tyrone Clark a Black man who was wrongfully convicted and spent 47 years in prison He was released in 2021 and moved into the Graphic Lofts in 2024 Clark received notice from the management that his lease would be terminated because of alleged inappropriate behavior by him and unnamed guests Clark has filed a counter claim saying he has been targeted along with other formerly incarcerated tenants — but he has also moved out of the building Credle said Justice 4 Housing is trying to move many of its clients to other buildings if possible “They don’t want to stay there after being harassed and targeted,” she said Your essential daily newsletter delivering trusted news and can't miss programs from Boston and beyond shops for material at Frank's Bargain Center in Charlestown (Valley News-Jennifer Hauck) Valley News — Jennifer Hauck Lindsey Dauphin and owner Meagan Hurley talk at the front counter of Frank's Bargain Center in Charlestown purchased the yarn and fabric store from its longtime owner last June Colorful yarn is abundant at Frank's Bargain Center in Charlestown (Valley News-Jennifer Hauck) Jennifer Hauck examines what she has found at Frank's Bargain Center in Charlestown CHARLESTOWN — When a business changes hands the new owner usually has experience or a strong knowledge of the product line or service They also may have worked there for several years — or at the very least could rely on a knowledgeable staff to help with the transition Meagan Hurley checked none of those boxes when she and her husband bought Frank’s Bargain Center in Charlestown last June The yarn and fabric store is a half mile from their asphalt contracting business had asked the couple if they were interested in owning a fabric store I don’t know anything about fabric,’ ” Hurley said she told Methot “But he made a great offer and I thought we could get our money back by liquidating it.” said their initial plan was to sell the inventory of fabrics The couple considered converting it to apartments but the property is not served by public water and the cost of fire suppression was prohibitive When she announced the planned liquidation on social media howls of protest followed from the store’s loyal customer base “I was worried they would get me with knitting needles in the parking lot,” Hurley recalled with a laugh a crafter and I don’t sew — how beloved this store was We got such an overwhelming response from the community ‘How can we keep Frank’s and give it a more modern look?’ ” Hurley said they cleaned the store for two days before reopening Though his employees retired when Methot sold the store offering advice as she learned about the business “Phil was there to help after the fact with our questions and he would stop in,” Hurley said “I didn’t know what a fat quarter (a pre-cut piece of fabric cut wider than a standard quarter yard) was and couldn’t tell you how to cut fabric.” hectic few months and started remodeling in August 2024 “We were finding our footing at the start because we had no idea what we were doing,” Hurley said laughing frequently at the experience of getting the store looking the way she wanted Sometimes customers helped us out if we didn’t know something.” Hurley said they had the store running and meeting customer needs while slowly beginning to change over the inventory “The first couple of months we mostly ran with what Phil already had so that we could get our footing as to what fabric and notions (accessories) were what,” Hurley said “There was a lot of stuff in here and we trimmed it down to what people were asking for and still have some unique things they can’t find anywhere else.” The announcement in February that Joann Fabrics will be closing brought an “uptick” in customer traffic and Hurley said they want to stock products that Joann’s carries “So we are really upping our yarn game,” she said acrylic and wool and we have really good quilting cotton.” The store also carries a complete line of “notions” which are accessories such as needles zippers and batting and thousands of patterns for making clothes “People will come in and show us their projects,” she said Hurley said she had a vision of what the store should look like and visited other stores to gather ideas for remodeling the interior to achieve a more modern She also endeavored to learn about sewing as fast as she could she took a beginner quilting class at Golden Anchor Quilting in Claremont taught by owner Louisa Grindle “I didn’t even know what a bobbin was or how to thread it,” Hurley said The 19-acre property Frank’s sits on includes a separate 8,500-square-foot building that Hurley wants to turn into an events space for parties In the adjacent field they plan to open a farmer’s market in May Other events scheduled include an egg hunt in April a summer solstice artisan’s market in June and Christmas in July on July 19 As Frank’s nears its one-year anniversary under new ownership Hurley said the results are more than she could have imagined There are now three full-time employees and three part-time employees “We have gotten a really good response and the store has done really well the past three or four months,” Hurley said “Every month has been better than the last month which is good considering we are still in winter.” who come from as far away as southern New Hampshire “We hear stories all the time from people who have been coming here for 40 years and they can’t believe the change and they love it,” Hurley said Patrick O’Grady can be reached at pogclmt@gmail.com you agree with our use of cookies to personalize your experience measure ads and monitor how our site works to improve it for our users (WJAR) — Two people are injured after a crash in Charlestown Friday afternoon Police said the driver suffered from a medical issue on Route 1 southbound both the driver and passenger were trapped inside the vehicle Crews were able to free both people after an hour Both were transported to Rhode Island Hospital in critical condition was recently released to share progress the City has made in the neighborhood Read about three of the projects featured in the report In February 2025, the PAC released Progress Report: Charlestown an interactive storymap highlighting the status of major public investments the City is making in the neighborhood.  The projects highlighted in the report are informed by PLAN: Charlestown a comprehensive neighborhood plan published in September 2023 following four years of community engagement The storymap features eight sections: Mobility we’re excited to spotlight three of the many city investments included in the storymap Ryan Playground has been a staple of the Charlestown community for over a century due to its unique waterfront location on the Mystic River this community treasure is particularly vulnerable to flooding and contributes to a greater flood pathway for the rest of the neighborhood the City launched the $25 million Ryan Playground improvement project to mitigate climate risk and ensure the playground can serve generations of Charlestown families to come The project is supported by both the City’s capital budget and the Charlestown Community Impact Fund “We’re excited that the Ryan Playground renovations reflect the priorities and vision of the Charlestown community,” said Liza Meyer “Residents emphasized the need for both active and passive recreation and preserving waterfront views of the Mystic River—priorities that are at the heart of this design From new multi-use fields and a revitalized hockey rink to shaded seating and a waterfront promenade We look forward to delivering a park that will serve Charlestown for generations to come.” The project’s design was supported and shaped by community feedback from numerous local organizations including the Charlestown Youth Sports Association and the Mystic River Watershed Association.   The anticipated park opening is fall 2026.  The City of Boston is working closely with the MBTA to improve bus service through targeted transit priority measures These efforts aim to make bus travel faster and more consistent—especially in areas where riders face the worst delays By focusing on key corridors and high-ridership routes the City and MBTA are creating a more dignified and dependable experience for bus passengers.   One example is the new Bill Russell Bridge, a critical gateway into Charlestown. The new bridge’s design includes an inbound bus lane as a dedicated transit priority feature. With construction scheduled to be completed in spring 2025, this long-planned improvement will soon provide dedicated space for buses enhancing travel time reliability for thousands of riders commuting into downtown Boston These mobility improvements are in line with PLAN: Charlestown which replaced the North Washington Street Bridge earned its name in October 2024 in honor of civil rights activist and Celtics legend William Felton ‘Bill’ Russell Russell’s achievements didn’t stop on the court he participated in the first player boycott of a game as a civil rights protest after two of his teammates were refused service at a restaurant Russell went on to become an active member of the Civil Rights Movement attending the March on Washington and supporting the creation of an integrated basketball camp in Mississippi.  “As this bridge plays a vital role in connecting communities and literally bringing people together it is fitting that it is named after Bill Russell a man who did those very things throughout his life,” said Monica Tibbits-Nutt “Our hope is that the thousands of people who cross this bridge on a daily basis are reminded of the indelible legacy that he left behind not only in the city of Boston but across the country The City is making a major investment in renovating BCYF Clougherty Pool a public pool operated by Boston Centers for Youth & Families the renovations prioritized the facility’s modernization and increased accessibility The pool reopened in summer 2024 and renovations on the bathhouse and roof terrace will be complete in summer 2025.   “The beloved BCYF Clougherty Pool is a vital community resource that has been serving Charlestown families for generations and connect with neighbors,” said Marta Rivera “The recent renovations demonstrate Mayor Wu’s commitment to investing in our neighborhoods and creating spaces where families can thrive." The renovations to Clougherty Pool are part of a larger investment the City is making in modernizing the 18 city-owned pools. The Mayor is committed not only to ensuring Boston’s youth have access to pools, but increasing access to free swim lessons through Swim Safe so they can enjoy the City's pools and coastlines safely To read more from the Planning Advisory Council click here.  Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races has canceled the remainder of its Saturday night card After the first race was run over a track labeled sloppy riders decided in the interests of safety to not continue with the card April 17 at its standard first race post time of 7:00 p.m The $75,000 Original Gold Stakes—part of Saturday's canceled card—will now be run on Friday The race will be restricted to its original nominees but will be redrawn as a part of Friday's card Other canceled races will be brought back as extras on the overnight next week Thank you for joining us for this event commemorating the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's Ride! For information on upcoming 250 commemorative events, please visit: 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution - Commemorating 250 Years of Revolution in Boston Watch as Paul Revere departs his house in North Square The lanterns will be illuminated from the steeple of Old North Church A drone show visible from Langone Park and the Charlestown Navy Yard will further illustrate the evening Watch as Paul Revere rows across Boston Harbor and arrives at Pier 1 in the Charlestown Navy Yard Watch as Paul Revere arrives at Deacon Larkin's House and emerges to mount his horse and begin his ride Watch as Paul Revere rides out of Charlestown to complete his ride What inspired Paul Revere's famous midnight ride Join a National Park Service Ranger for a Lantern Talk on the night of April 18th to learn more about revolutionary Boston and what led Paul Revere to ride Step back in time and witness history come to life on Boston Harbor The City of Boston and Boston Harbor Now are pleased to share that four hundred drones will fly in unique formations commemorating the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s Ride to Revolution watch a dramatic reenactment of Paul Revere’s legendary crossing of Boston Harbor Sign up here to stay informed about this event and other updates from Boston Harbor Now Drone show can be viewed from the North End suggested public viewing locations along the Boston Harborwalk include: Join us before the show at Langone Park starting at 7:30 pm: Observe as Paul Revere races down modern-day Main Street in Charlestown to tell American Minutemen north of the city that the "Regulars are out!" The National Lancers will portray Paul Revere and Larkin's horse As Paul Revere's figure fades into the distance the National Park Service will illumunate the Bunker Hill Monument The Monument will be illuminated nightly through July 4 2025 - inviting us to relfect on lives lost in service to the Nation's founding ideals and the monument's timeless significance as a beacon of hope and possibilty Many streets in the North End and Charlestown are going to be closed for the event Langone Park is a .5 mile walk from North Station accessible through MBTA Green Line Paul Revere House is a .3 mile walk from Haymarket Station accessible through MBTA Green Line and MBTA Orange Line Old North Church is a .5 mile walk from Haymarket Station accessible through MBTA Green Line and MBTA Orange Line City Square is a .6 mile walk from Community College Station accessible through the MBTA Orange Line It is a .7 mile walk from the Charlestown/Long Wharf Ferry Terminal on 4 Constellation Wharf Learn more about Paul Revere's midnight ride on the night of April 18th with an interactive map Learn more about the famous poem that brought fame to Paul Revere's midnight ride Learn more about Paul Revere and his life in Boston making the area more accessible to visitors The project took place from April to May 2024 First built around 1863, the Navy Yard rail system proved effective and was later expanded in the early 1900s. Navy Yard workers used the rail system for different aspects of the Navy Yard's operation, including moving coal and other materials as well as repositioning cranes around the dry docks.[1] Today The Historic Preservation Corps focused on revitalizing the rails in front of the USS Constitution Museum and Dry Dock 1 To learn more, please visit: Charlestown Navy Yard Railroad Tracks The area in and around the rail tracks in the Navy Yard—located in front of the USS Constitution Museum—was paved with loose gravel The gravel posed issues; aside from looking messy the gravel posed difficulties to people in wheelchairs and other movement assisting devices trying move around the rails Tasked with improving visitor experience and revitalizing this rail area the Historic Preservation Corps crew began the project by digging up and removing the gravel making the area more accessible for the public to traverse SCA Historic Preservation Corps Crew Member [1] Scott Jacobs and Alane Guitian Historic Structure Report Architectural Data Section: The Railroad Tracks (WJAR) — An owl that was struck by a car a little more than a month ago has made a full recovery and was recently released back home Charlestown Police Officers Lexus Falcone and Matthew Laplume were on duty Falcone had been driving near the Charlestown Elementary School and I happened upon a citizen who was actually making a call to our dispatch center at the same time," said Falcone so it wasn’t moving from the roadway; it was clearly stunned and in distress." A Good Samaritan saw what was going on and pulled over to give Falcone a blanket Falcone coincidentally studied wildlife and fisheries in school so she was familiar with how to help the bird “We do come into contact with injured animals every once in a while but I thought it was kind of interesting because you don’t see owls out and about during the day time," said Laplume "So that’s why I went over to assist her with the call." Having made several additional calls to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management the owl was picked up and brought to the "Congress of the Birds." The facility is Rhode Island’s only wild bird-specific rehabilitation center in Providence “I believe this owl was hunting roadside and got struck by a vehicle and when he came in to us he was really lethargic his mouth was pale and tacky and we could see he was bleeding from it This typically is caused by rat poison," the Executive Director and founder of Congress of the Birds Sheida Soleimani said “Something we’re seeing with scar or rat poison is it disorients them and so what happens when owls are hunting they use their toes to grab something and get out of the road and when they’re flying and disoriented they’re not flying as well as they should be they’re dizzy which causes them to fly low and into cars." “We’ve gotten over 40 barred owls this year that have been victims of car strikes in the winter months and not all of those owls have been able to be returned to the wild unfortunately," added Soleimani Soleimani said they ran tests on the barred owl and learned it wasn't even a year old “In the first year if you test an owl's feathers with an ultraviolet light and they shine pink it means they’re in their first year," she said he bounced back like a lot more quickly than I expected actually which was really great.” the owl was released back in the area where it was found near the Patricia Sprague Forest Preserve alongside all involved in the owl's rescue “Often times in law enforcement you don’t get to see the end result we come to an end decision and you don’t often hear about what happens after that," said Falcone "So the fact that we have been included in this process is really cool.” "My kids think it was really great that dad got to experience this," said Laplume “It was a beautiful bird so we wanted to make sure it got the care that it needed.” Rehabbers are confident it will do just fine “This doesn’t happen all the time and this owl is really lucky It’s not all the time that we get to see a release happen It’s really rewarding work," said Soleimani “We get really excited when people stop and care about wildlife A lot of people see things on the side of the road that are still alive and say let nature take its course and that’s really the wrong answer We can all help these animals get back into the wild and we’re really thankful for the officers and citizen that stopped to care about this owl." Soleimani said her non-profit is hoping to raise awareness about the harmful effects of rat poison “It’s really important for us to be raising awareness about rat poison and the effects that it has on birds It’s really important if you’re using rat poison to know it moves up the food chain We’re encouraging people to stop using second and first generation anticoagulant rodenticides; those are basically the big black boxes people put outside of business and their homes It’s like one of the highest reasons of mortality that I see coming into my clinic.” (WJAR) — A car smashed into a grocery store in Charlestown on Monday The car ran over the parking stop and smashed into the glass front of Charlestown Mini Super on Post Road Officials came in to check the structural integrity of the building No additional information was immediately available (WLNE) — The Charlestown Fire District said crews responded to an oil truck rollover Tuesday morning first responders were dispatched to the intersection of Route 1 and Narrow Lane for reports of a motor vehicle accident crews discovered an oil truck holding 1800 gallons of fuel had rolled over and was leaking into the street Hazmat teams were called in and pumped the oil into empty barrels and an empty fuel truck Two people were taken to the hospital by Charlestown Ambulance All first responders were back in service at 1:30 p.m Skippylongstocking wins the 2024 Charles Town Classic at Charles Town Hollywood Casino At Charles Town Races has released its 2025 stakes schedule and announced the addition of an Early Pick 5 to its daily wagering menu both following approval by the West Virginia Racing Commission Charles Town's biggest day on the 2025 calendar follows a format that started in 2020 as both of its graded stakes—the $1 million Charles Town Classic (G2) and $750,000 Charles Town Oaks (G2)—will be on the same Aug The Classic and Oaks card gets underway with a special first post of 5 p.m and would appear poised to attempt to become the first three-time winner of the Classic later this year The $500,000 Robert Hilton Memorial Stakes and $250,000 Misty Bennett Pink Ribbon Stakes join the Classic and Oaks as the remaining unrestricted stakes races on the program Since moving the Charles Town Classic and Oaks to the same card in 2020 the blockbuster program has produced five of the six largest single-card handles in track history Charles Town's 2025 stakes schedule features 20 stakes races worth more than $3.6 million in total purses These totals exclude the West Virginia Breeders' Classics XXXIX card scheduled for Oct with purses to be announced at a later date for the state's premier night for West Virginia-breds The stakes schedule kicks off April 12 with the Original Gold Stakes for West Virginia-bred fillies and mares with seven more state-bred stakes to follow over the course of April and two more scheduled for the Charles Town Classic and Oaks undercard The 2025 racing calendar calls for 160 days of live racing including a Wednesday through Saturday schedule in January Post time for all but Charles Town Classic and Oaks day is 7 p.m Horseplayers will have a new nightly opportunity with the addition of an Early Pick 5 wager to Charles Town's wagering menu The wager will cover the first five races of the card nightly and features the same player-friendly 12% takeout as the Late Pick 5 The new wager will be offered starting March 6 when Charles Town returns to its Thursday through Saturday racing schedule CHARLESTOWN – A barred owl rescued by two Charlestown police officers last month has recovered and will soon return to the wild The owl is believed to have consumed rat poison and been hit by a car before it was rescued Jan 27 by Officers Matthew LaPlume and Lexus Falcone on Route 112 near Charlestown Elementary School The bird is being treated at Congress of the Birds "Great news! The barred owl we rescued earlier this week is in good hands with Congress of the Birds, where it’s receiving expert care and rehabilitation," the Charlestown police wrote in a Facebook post is expected to be released back into the wild this weekend!" "We’re grateful for the incredible work of Congress of the Birds and for the community’s concern and support." Sheida Soleimani founder and executive director of Congress of the Birds confirmed that the owl is doing well and ready for release next week "The owl is definitely ready to go," she said which is a liquid form of birth control for rats The owl had eye injuries and signs of blunt trauma to its face Congress of the Birds provided oxygen therapy anti-inflammatory medication and hydration She believes the owl is male and only about a year old Building 107 is significant for its role in US naval history and in the history of American architecture and engineering Building 107 has two national designations It is a National Historic Landmark as part of the Boston Naval Shipyard (1966) and it is part of the Boston National Historical Park National Register District (2014) a database of the Massachusetts Historical Commission of significant structures Leach and Sons to build Building 107 as part of an effort to expand the Yard The Navy built over ten buildings in the Charlestown Navy Yard about the same time This construction boom was part of the US Navy's effort to modernize the Navy between 1890 to 1910 US naval historians refer to this era as the "New Navy." The "New Navy" was the first expansion of the US Navy since the Civil War the US Navy grew to become the world's second largest navy after being only the 12th largest in 1881 Naval architects also introduced a new building concept in the "New Navy" period Building 107 and most Charlestown Navy Yard buildings constructed at this time were brick buildings supported by steel frames architects could create buildings with more interior space The US Navy built Building 107 for the Public Works Department the maintenance division of the Charlestown Navy Yard The versatile staff of the Public Works Department repaired the yard's buildings They also maintained the electrical and plumbing systems of the Navy Yard and much more when the Navy Yard had over 50,000 employees the Public Works Department employed about 1,000 workers the Public Works Department's staff did not have a central workplace in the Navy Yard Building 107 accommodated the diverse needs of the Public Works Department; it had offices about the same size as an American football field The first two floors have parallel rows of windows on three sides of the building maximizing natural light entering the interior The top floor attic space has skylights that run along the peak of the pitched roof Like other industrial buildings in the Navy Yard mushroom-shaped projections on the roof for ventilation Navy designers built Building 107 in a Classical Revival style and included some decorative features in its brick façade The most notable feature is an elaborate extension of bricks forming the cornice along the roof of the building Another distinctive feature of Building 107 is a large dormer window and platform at the west end of the building Navy Yard engineers laid out specially coated paper on this platform Sunlight hitting this paper created "blueprints." Blueprinting was a turn-of-the-century method of making copies of architectural drawings When the US Navy closed the Charlestown Navy Yard in 1974, federal and local officials established the Historic Monument Area.1 The Historic Monument Area is one of four sections that officials created out of the Charlestown Navy Yard Building 107 stands within the Historic Monument Area (HMA) This area represents the industrial history of the Navy Yard Private companies have leased most of the buildings in the HMA The City of Boston maintains ownership of this area Building 107 stands as an exception; the National Park Service (NPS) became the steward of Building 107 after the closure of the Navy Yard staff of the NPS have used Building 107 as a maintenance shop a curatorial division of NPS also moved into Building 107 staff of NPB will be together under one roof for the first time This arrangement will make collaboration easier among NPB staff The National Parks of Boston's administrative and curatorial teams will reside in the newly renovated Building 107 These individuals include park rangers who prepare and conduct historical programs and perform the administrative tasks of NPB Building 107 is a significant part of the history of the Charlestown Navy Yard and within the Historic Monument Area Building 107 will be readied to serve as the new headquarters of the National Parks of Boston helping to reenergize this historic part of the Charlestown Navy Yard NPB staff will use Building 107 like the Navy used it over a century earlier and storage areas with plenty of natural light Building 107 was part of a revitalized US Navy a renovated Building 107 will help launch a new era for the National Parks of Boston and the Charlestown Navy Yard Massachusetts: Division of Cultural Resources Charlestown Navy Yard Historic Resource Study Dean, Sidney E.. "New Navy, New Power." Naval History, Volume 27 (1), January 2013. Accessed December 2025. https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2013/january/new-navy-new-power "Foundation Document, Boston African American National Historic Site." Accessed December 11, 2024. https://npshistory.com/publications/foundation-documents/boaf-fd-2015.pdf "Foundation Document Overview, Boston National Historical Park." Accessed December 11, 2024. https://npshistory.com/publications/foundation-documents/bost-fd-overview.pdf Massachusetts Historical Commission. "Historic Building Detail: BOS.5119 Charlestown Navy Yard - Building 107 – Maintenance." MACRIS Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System McGinley Hart & Associates. Charlestown Navy Yard, Peninsula at confluence of Charles & Mystic Rivers in Boston's Inner Harbor, Boston, Suffolk County, MA "Park Laws, Boston Harbor Islands Enabling Legislation." Accessed December 11, 2024. https://www.nps.gov/boha/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm "Space Utilization." The American Institute of Steel Construction Cultural Landscape Report for Charlestown Navy Yard Olmstead Center for Landscape Preservation (WJAR) — A whale washed ashore on Quonnie Beach in Charlestown on Tuesday A team of researchers with Mystic Aquarium are working to determine how the whale died A team will be on the beach on Thursday to perform a necropsy they will determine the appropriate way to dispose of the carcass Residents are urged to maintain a safe distance from the whale until the necropsy is complete damaged mortar and replacing it with new mortar The project began in 2023 and will end once the entire wall has been repointed There is no current estimate for the project completion date Built between 1824 and 1826, the wall was intended to deter trespassers and prevent deserters from leaving the Navy Yard.[1] Between 1981 and 1982, Alar Corp moved the wall several feet to make room for the construction of the Chelsea-Water Streets Connector. This was done by cutting the wall into sections and moving them on large rollers.[2] The wall still stands today marking the northern border of the Navy Yard the mortar will start to deteriorate and fall out water will seep further into the wall and into the bricks themselves brick and mortar structures require regular repointing—clearing out any mortar that is or will soon degrade and applying newly-mixed mortar between the bricks The Historic Preservation Corps has been addressing this need for repair and will continue to do so until the whole wall has been repointed the Historic Preservation Corps members first removed the old mortar they mixed a batch of new mortar and inserted it between the granite blocks Crew members completed this task by holding the mortar on a trowel or masonry hawk—a tool made of a horizontal sheet of metal—and then using a tuck point—a thin trowel-like tool—to push the mortar into the empty space An important consideration for the repointing process is determining how hard the new mortar should be If you use a mortar that is harder than the stone or brick it surrounds then the water will penetrate into the stone/brick instead of the mortar causing damage that is much harder to repair identifying the best type of mortar is crucial as these bricks are usually much softer than modern bricks Most repointing in historic structures is done using cement due to its wide availability cement mortar can end up harder than the brick it is being used on lime putty is more compatible with historic brick due to being softer it is crucial to not let the mortar dry too fast or else it will fail Since the 2024 crew did this project in the heat of the summer at the end of each day they covered the mortar in wet burlap and shaded it with plywood to keep the surface of the wall cool and moist [1] Stephen P. Carlson, Charlestown Navy Yard Historic Resource Study vol. 1. Boston, MA: Division of Cultural Resources, Boston National Historical Park, National Park Service, US Department of the Interior, 2010, 24. NPS History. [2] Stephen P. Carlson, Charlestown Navy Yard Historic Resource Study vol. 1. Boston, MA: Division of Cultural Resources, Boston National Historical Park, National Park Service, US Department of the Interior, 2010, 220. NPS History. (WJAR) — Despite Saturday’s heavy winds firefighters were able to get the drop on a large afternoon brush fire According to the Charlestown Richmond Fire Department crews responded just after 3 pm and were able to contain it but they took extra time mopping up the area with windy conditions causing a risk flames could rekindle and spread Crews from the Dunn’s Corners and Cross Mills Fire Departments and Charlestown Ambulance Rescue Service also responded (WLNE) — The Charlestown Police Department said a barred owl that was rescued earlier in the week is “making a strong recovery.” Charlestown police discovered the owl in distress on Jan and transported it to the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island police said the owl has received “expert care and rehabilitation” from the Congress of the Birds Charlestown police said the owl is expected to be brought back into the wilderness this weekend Download the app to LISTEN LIVE wherever you are and connect with us like never before In a wide blue building near Charlestown High School and it’s painted blue to match the high school across the street This is Ensembles, Inc. — a space for people of all ages to learn and make art and music together It’s the decades-long dream of Rebecca Putman a longtime music teacher who wants to help break down the barriers to arts “You get strengthened when you surround yourself with others,” she said You grow as a musician when you're playing with others.” At a late morning class for elementary aged home-schoolers the kids are gathered on a rug around Putman They also go through an exercise where the students choose a picture of an instrument they’re interested in playing The kids are eager to learn and participate. Putman said this foundation is so important at this age, especially as funding for school arts programs has taken hits in the U.S. in recent years or deciding what they want to play later in school and it's about letting them express themselves artistically,” Putman said very important in the kindergarten through fifth grade — elementary age.” Ensembles provides multiple art and music classes for different ages and Putman has been creative and persistent in adding to their offerings When a woman expressed an interest in learning to play saxophone She got a second through a family member of one of the teachers at the center “And so we got to open the class,” Putman said and “it was a whole circle of people at first There was also interest in starting a bell choir That came to fruition by way of a monetary donation by a local woman Louis who sold them the bells at a discount “So then we had three active bells,” Putman said to pay a teacher and we now have a wonderful bell choir It goes all the way from ages eight to ages 70.” Putman’s musical background spans back to elementary school and she recalled the impression it left on her when her music teacher sang and played autoharp Her piano teacher also made a strong impression — Putman started lessons with her in third grade and continued studying piano through high school Putman was also a drum major in high school she studied music in college and earned a master's degree in music education and started to think of creative ways they could play together It was the spark that eventually led to Ensembles and they do better when they're playing with others,” she said and she and her family moved back a few years ago when her mother was ill It’s on land inherited from Putman’s parents that Ensembles is built The center is a joint effort with Putman’s husband who she said helps with operations and is on the board of directors Ensembles’ mission is to help make art and music accessible “Music and art are expensive,” Putman said but music and art are integral to our soul … is part of multiple homeschool classes at the center One of the younger kids in Putman’s Tuesday morning music class though he also got excited about other instruments Ten-year-old Judah Ramsey also likes singing and playing recorder His siblings have also been part of Ensembles “We spend quite a bit of time here,” their mother and board member “They're trying to reach so many people of different interests and …I love that they’re trying to build community within the community.” Putman said she’s seen the transformation in students at the center She also understands that making music and art can feel vulnerable “This is a place where your confidence can grow,” she said “...This is a safe space to learn and to try.” Putman’s personal mantra is “may God be glorified in all of it,” which she said they have kept in mind throughout the inception of Ensembles Putman invited community members to write their favorite scripture on the wooden studs before drywall went up Putman is humbled and honored at the opportunity to do this and grateful for the people who have helped make it happen — support from her parents and the community the teachers and the foundation that started her on this path so long ago What you do with that will make a difference Correction: This story has been updated to correctly spell Rebecca Putman's last name In honor of LPM’s 75th Anniversary, we're sharing the stories of 75 people who are changing our community for the better. We want to hear about someone who makes your life better. Share your story at lpm.org/75andChange and the Caesars Foundation of Floyd County Louisville Public Media depends on donations from members – generous people like you – for the majority of our funding You can help make the next story possible with a donation of $10 or $20 We'll put your gift to work providing news and music for our diverse community Mahfuza Ahmed’s spice collection was the tipping point in deciding whether she and her husband “He purchased the apartment next to his a few years back with hopes of one day combining them but we realized there wouldn’t be enough space for my spices,” Mahfuza says with a laugh my mother visits for months from Bangladesh.” set their sights on a single-family in Charlestown where they could grow their family and host Mahfuza’s mom The Ahmeds purchased a mid-19th-century Greek Revival row house Like many historic homes in the neighborhood a narrow two-story wing jutted 30-plus-feet out from the back of the main redbrick structure The 2,850-square-foot home mostly fit their needs which tapers to just 8 feet wide at the end (It also tended to vibrate when the husband’s treadmill workout was in full swing.) Looking to finish the basement with a dedicated gym and hangout area — and also remedy a flow issue on the second-floor — the couple contacted Isamu Kanda of I-Kanda Architects Well-versed in expanding homes with tight footprints and unique constraints the architect transformed the dark basement beneath the main structure into appealing living space the space called out for increased headroom — the ceiling was only about 6-feet high thanks to a tangle of pipes — and natural light “then six inches more for a sunken gym that accommodates the treadmill and overhead exercises.” To pull sunlight into the subterranean space open stairwell behind the main part of the house A flight of granite stairs descends from the patio to an 11-foot wide floor-to-ceiling slider that opens into the newly finished underground rooms “The granite stairs and trim play off the granite window headers and sills on the front and back of the exterior,” Kanda says Granite also tops the ipe-clad concrete planters that line the stairwell “Vines can drop down from the planter boxes to create a green wall,” Kanda says “The greenery helps bring the outside in.” Natural light spills into the seating area Polished floor tiles help bounce light around the bright white room A floor-to-ceiling glass wall separates the two spaces allowing light — but not a lot of noise — to pass between them the couple can hang a curtain from a track embedded in the ceiling which fills the back wing of the first floor The couple worked with Divine Design Center in Boston to outfit the space with new cabinetry The kitchen’s biggest drawback was its lack of pantry storage Kanda covered the back wall with cabinetry that masquerades as wall paneling Mahfuza reports the added storage (including for her spice collection) helps keep the kitchen so tidy that guests can’t believe they have a toddler That cabinetry was installed over a mural painted by the prior owner’s mother; Mahfuza is certain someone will uncover it someday “The cabinets shortened the room by two feet,” Kanda says “Padding the back wall made the room more comfortable by changing its proportion and scale.” A built-in bench maximizes seating and defines the eating area Mahfuza refreshed the dining room and living room with new paint Kanda reworked the space outside the primary bedroom and nursery “You had to walk through the bathroom and laundry room to access the back bedroom,” Mahfuza says The architect turned the bathroom at the top of the main staircase into a hallway with the washer and dryer along one side he turned the former laundry room into an airy landing with floor-to-ceiling closets that flank a built-in bench The remainder of the wing became a luxurious primary bath The front part of the bath with the vanity and partitioned-off toilet boasts a checkerboard-patterned floor that Mahfuza selected so the space would not skew too modern A glass wall reminiscent of the one in the basement divides it from the wet room there’s an overhead rain shower and soaking tub centered under a new skylight that washes the moody space in sunlight “Our son spends 40 minutes playing in the tub every night and I can shower at the same time,” Mahfuza says “The layout [originally] felt like a long hall to nowhere,” the architect says “Now it’s a long walk with a destination and a sculptural Architect: I-Kanda Architects Cabinetry: Divine Design Center Contractor: Brite Builders Incorporated Marni Elyse Katz is a contributing editor to the Globe Magazine. Follow her on Instagram @StyleCarrot. Send comments to magazine@globe.com. Home Delivery Gift Subscriptions Log In Manage My Account Customer Service Delivery Issues Feedback News Tips Help & FAQs Staff List Advertise Newsletters View the ePaper Order Back Issues News in Education Search the Archives Privacy Policy Terms of Service Terms of Purchase Work at Boston Globe Media Internship Program Co-op Program Do Not Sell My Personal Information (WJAR) — A local James Beard Award- winning chef has announced the immediate closure of her southern Rhode Island eatery The abrupt notice coming as the staff at the Sly Den Fox Too in Charlestown say they have been issued a notice of termination of tenancy by the local constable Chef Sherry Pocknett said the buildings broken heating system had been a continuous point of contention with thee landlord but says she never could've imagined the visit she got from the state constable Both sides are threatening legal action against each other this marks the end of their chapter in Charlestown-- they're eager to move forward with plans to open a new location in Preston Connecticut.