Following the closing of North Square for reconstruction, another popular Freedom Trail public space in Boston’s North End has been fenced off for an overhaul. The Paul Revere Mall, known as “the Prado,” was closed to the public as construction begins on a major renovation, the second since it was created in 1925. [See the restoration design renderings from the public meetings.]
The renovation project will include new brick paving, fountain restoration, accessibility improvements, planting of new trees, pruning of existing ones and significantly more lighting. The budget for the project is $2,900,000 of which $1,900,000 came from the City’s Capital Plan with the remainder provided by the George Robert White Fund. City of Boston, Freedom Trail advocates and local officials held a groundbreaking in late July 2018.
Access from Hanover Street is completely blocked and likely will be for the bulk of the renovation. Freedom Trail pedestrians can get to Unity Street and the Old North Church by going down Tileston or Charter Streets.
Most impacted along the Freedom Trail are the Paul Revere House and Old North Church, two major destinations adjacent to the construction. Tourism waves are typically heavy in the summer and fall foliage season in Boston’s North End. Coming off years of record attendance, the sites will remain open despite the detours.
On the plus side it is a nice opportunity for travelers to enjoy the experience of what a true American version of a European (Italian) town is like. Our Boston version is unconditionally the most authentic and most charming in all of America.
It needs a face lift and i am happy that the city is dedicating the resources to refurbish this treasure of an open space. The tourists will have to come back – I went to Italy a few years ago and both the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps were being worked on. Luckily I have seen both before – but I went back in June anyway and both sites look great!
Very true Daria.