Mayor Walsh Wants a City Hall Coffee Shop

BOSTON, MA — In a continuing effort to make Boston's stoic City Hall a little friendlier, city officials are seeking applicants interested in operating a coffee shop out of the building's lobby this spring.

It's part of an ongoing renovation project for the lobby, scheduled to complete this spring.

In a statement issuing a Request for Proposals for the coffee shop, Mayor Marty Walsh said in a statement: "Boston City Hall oftentimes serves as a person's first face-to-face interaction with their local government, and it's important that everyone who visits our building has an enjoyable and productive experience. This is a small step to activate the people's public space and will undoubtedly have a big impact that will enhance constituent interactions with their government."

The city has been experimenting with different local vendors through a coffee cart pilot program over the past 18 months, according to a city press release.

The announcement "builds on Mayor Walsh's vision for Boston City Hall to be a public place where residents, visitors, and employees may conduct necessary business in an open and welcoming space," the release said.

The RFP is open to any vendor who would like to apply, and the City encourages participation from local, minority and women-owned businesses. Application details can be found here.

Responses are due February 9, 2017. Interested respondents are invited to tour the space with City staff on today, January 24, 2017 at 4:00 PM, and also on January 31, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.

Photo by Patch satff