Today we’d like to introduce you to The Lawn On D Powered by Citizens Bank.
Please give us some background on The Lawn On D’s story.
The Lawn On D was conceived in the Summer of 2014 as a temporary urban space, designed to activate D Street and the surrounding area. The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority engaged a design team, Sasaki Associates and Utile, to help shape a vision for this new vibrant district. Thanks to the power of social media, The Lawn On D quickly became a viral sensation, garnering extensive press coverage and multiple awards (Boston Society of Landscape Architects, Honor Award for General Design; Boston’s Best 2015, 2016 & 2018, Improper Bostonian, AIA National Small Project Award, American Institute of Architects; Downtown Merit Award for Public Space, International Downtown Association; Honor Award for General Design, American Society of Landscape Architects).
At the top of almost every “what to do/see in Boston” list, The Lawn On D proved to be extremely popular among both residents and tourists and in 2016 and 2017 alone, more than 500,000 people visited the park.
As time went by, The Lawn On D set a new standard of design excellence for urban greenspace. and become known as a center for innovation, public art, and placemaking.
Has it been a smooth road?
Because it was initially meant to be a temporary space, The Lawn on D has faced some funding challenges for long-term programming. Since the space is not part of Boston’s park system, it needs a self-sustaining revenue stream to continue delivering high-quality programming to its visitors, as well as to keep up with maintenance and security.
In its second season (in 2015), The Lawn was operating at a loss of $2.3 million. By the end of the following year, that loss was cut to only $250k-$350k thanks to strong attendance, food and beverage sales, and a significant increase in private event sales, along with a $250,000 sponsorship from Citizens Bank.
In 2017, the numbers were even stronger, and the venue generated a $350,000 in profit.
We’d love to hear more about, what else should we know?
There is always something to see, do or experience at The Lawn On D. Open daily during designated hours, The Lawn On D provides a colorful collection of public seating and lounge chairs, interactive art exhibitions, oversized lawn games, and ping-pong tables, free Wi-Fi, concessions, live music, and special community events every month. The Lawn On D is the perfect place to relax, enjoy the South Boston neighborhood, and spend time with friends and family.
One of the highlights of the space is the glowing swing set, Swing Time, designed by award-winning architects Howler & Yoon. Swing Time is outfitted with solar-powered LED lights that change color when swung at varying speeds and heights. This immersive and visually stunning public work of art interacts with guests and reflects the playful nature of The Lawn On D.
Contact Info:
- Address: 420 D Street,
Boston, MA 02210 - Website: www.LawnOnD.com
- Email: lawnond@signatureboston.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawnond/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelawnonD
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/lawnond
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-lawn-on-d-boston
Image Credit:
The Lawn On D, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
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