With Menino’s backing, park makeovers on tap – Plans for the reuse of old bathrooms still on
By Andrew Ryan – Globe Staff / February 6, 2010

Prospects for an outdoor cafe or bike rental kiosk in Boston Common improved considerably yesterday when Mayor Thomas M. Menino unveiled legislation designed to spark an extreme makeover of a dilapidated 90-year-old restroom.

The move would allow entrepreneurs to sign 15-year leases for the stone, octagon-shaped building near Tremont and Boylston streets and for another historic but shuttered park bathroom in the Back Bay Fens. The hope is that a long-term commitment by the city will encourage investors to spend the roughly $700,000 to $1 million needed to renovate each of the structures.

“I think there is opportunity in these buildings to adapt and reuse them in a creative way,’’ said Antonia M. Pollak, commissioner of parks and recreation. “The bones are there.’’

The measure still requires several layers of approval, but the involvement of the mayor signifies that there is broad support for moving forward, said City Council president Michael P. Ross, who has pushed for the projects.