Former batting cages are transformed into a local's eatery in the city's cathedral of baseball.
Boston, MA – May 16 2008 –Shawmut Design and Construction (www.shawmut.com), a leading national construction management firm, in collaboration with architects and designers Cubellis Inc. and DIAQ Architects, completed construction on The Bleacher Bar this week. In its premiere location under Fenway's centerfield bleachers, the sports bar provides a unique dining experience with sweeping, field-level, off-season views of the beloved Fenway Park.
The owners, The Lyons Group, sought to transform what was previously the visiting teams' batting cages into a true local's sports bar. The abandoned space had been unused since 2005 when the batting cages were moved during the Gate E expansion. This vacancy left an amazing opportunity to transform the space into a classic pub-style eatery in one of Boston's most revered landmarks, with a unique feature that no other restaurant or bar can boast: a field-level window facing out into Fenway Park. Adjacent to Gate C, there were numerous considerations that came into play during construction to preserve the timeless feel that is prevalent throughout the historic park. Shawmut executed the designer's and owner's vision to preserve the integrity of the structure while enhancing the Fenway experience for Red Sox nation.
The 3,353 square foot bar holds around 200 people with both sitting and standing room. A maple bar with seating for 25 is situated near the entrance with high-top bar tables and banquette style seating spread throughout the space. The bar, mimicking the geometrically unique shape of Fenway, slopes from 30 feet near the entrance to 15 feet along the back towards the field. The project team sprayed the underside of the bleachers above with a K-13 spray-applied insulation to provide noise reduction, color, durability, condensation control, and texture. In keeping with the sports theme, memorabilia from Fenway Park and the Red Sox punctuates the interior, while 12 flat screen televisions will offer patrons sports entertainment. Noted Chef Art Welch will head the kitchen, offering diners a sophisticated take on typical pub-style fare.
Fenway Park, built in 1912, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Because of this designation, historic preservationists were utilized to preserve certain aspects of the bar. Glass used for the entrance and exit doors were replicated to match the original hammered wire glass used throughout the park, while railings are replicated ball and pipe fittings seen in other areas of the structure. To play-up the history of the venerated park further, one of the bar's alcoves features a windowed wall showcasing a piece of the original left centerfield wall at 379 feet as well as an original park flagpole.
The 20 by 20 foot multi-paned roll-up door facing Fenway is undoubtedly the highlight of the space, offering a spectacular view of the famed landmark. The windowed door sits behind a solid door and a metal screen. The Shawmut team coated the outside of the windows with a perforated green film, accurately matching the exact color of Fenway's outfield walls. This allows patrons on the inside to see out to the field during the off-season, bringing the on-field experience inside the space.
Because the Red Sox franchise requires construction companies chosen to work in the park to utilize certain sub-contractors who know the intricacies and delicacies of the historic structure, Shawmut was a good partner to the franchise, The Lyons Group, and other hired subcontractors, ensuring that systems and tie-ins were handled smoothly. Access to the park was limited at many times throughout the project, as there have been 19 home games this season while construction was still underway. With access to the construction site off of busy Lansdowne Street and through Gate C, all construction materials had to be removed three hours prior to the start of a game and during day games, construction halted completely. This delicate balance of schedules was managed so as to not impede construction progress and not negatively impact the Fenway experience for fans coming to games.
Shawmut has worked on many additional bars and restaurants with The Lyons Group, including Game On, Sonsie, The Dubliner, and Summer Shack. Shawmut is also building the new House of Blues on Lansdowne Street for which ground is breaking in July. The complex will include a music venue to accommodate 2,500, a 350-seat lounge and function room, and a 125-seat restaurant.
"We are thrilled to work with The Lyons Group on such amazing bars and restaurants in unique locations such as Fenway Park," said Brian Stys, Vice President of Hospitality at Shawmut. "The fact that our long-standing relationship with them is still going strong after many years is a testament to the great service and attention we give them."
Other recently completed Shawmut projects in the Greater Boston area include sushi restaurant Haru in the Prudential Center, The Oceanaire Seafood Room in the Financial District, and the Cheesecake Factory in Peabody, Braintree, and Natick. Last summer, Shawmut wrapped up construction on the Hard Rock Café in Faneuil Hall and P.F. Chang's China Bistro in the Prudential Center. Shawmut has long-standing relationships with all of these restaurants, including having worked on over 60 Cheesecake Factories and over 45 P.F. Chang's nationwide.
About Shawmut Design and Construction
Shawmut Design and Construction is a 100% employee-owned construction management firm headquartered in Boston with offices in New York, Providence, Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and New Haven, providing client-oriented services in the following markets: Academic, Commercial, Corporate Interiors, Cultural and Historic Preservation, Healthcare and Science, Gaming, Restaurants, Retail, Spas and Health Clubs. For more information, visit Shawmut's website at www.shawmut.com.
