Regarding the SoWa Power Station
Dear Editor,
As a small business owner in the state of Massachusetts who makes my living through events like the SoWa Winter Festival, I’m writing in support of The SoWa Power Station procuring an all-alcohol license for their events venue. SoWa was a huge portion of our 2019 revenue and they are very careful about supporting only small, oftentimes family-owned, businesses. Our small business is unbelievably grateful for the role that SoWa has played in growing our small business and local reach, plus we absolutely love shopping for our own family at each SoWa Market.
SoWa Boston and GTI Properties support hundreds of local small businesses through their weekly events, annual events and their permanent retail presence. They choose to champion creative entrepreneurship in an increasingly corporate-leaning world and the SoWa Power Station affords the capability to expand that work. I look forward to future art and maker events in SoWa and believe that the all-alcohol license is a valuable amenity to the SoWa Power Station event space.
Laura Beohner
The Healing Rose Company
Regarding the SoWa Power Station
Dear Editor,
As a small business owner who generates living wages through venues like the SoWa Winter Festival, I encourage you to thoughtfully support and grant the issuance of an all-alcohol license for their events at the SoWa Power Station.
Christopher Evans
Granite Ledge Coffee
Regarding the SoWa Power Station
Dear Editor,
I was surprised to read the recent article in Sun regarding Jeffrey Gates presentation of the Power Station plan at the EBNA meeting.
The larger voice in the (Zoom) room was the neighbors across the street and next door concerned about noise. The voice not as easily heard in the (Zoom) room is the enthusiasm of those of us that are looking forward to people returning to SoWa and helping support the artists/galleries/shops and showrooms. The Power Station brings new people into the neighborhood and will help us thrive. I’m an artist at 450 Harrison, one of over 100 artists in the building. Having the Power Station hosting events will be a huge asset to us. I understand that noise is an issue, but what I heard from Jeffrey’s presentation is that noise will be greatly reduced due the addition of windows and doors. It also sounded like the number of people in the Power Station will be smaller than in the past.
I was also at the EBNA meeting in March when Mario laid out the detail plan for the Power Station…so writing that it “hadn’t been well publicized to the community until now…” is simply incorrect and gives the wrong impression to the community. The article makes it sound like they were only disclosing the information because of the liquor license. That feels irresponsible. In fact, I looked up, on the Sun’s page, the article written after that meeting in March, spelling out the detailed plan, quite similar to the plan that Jeffrey Gates spoke about this week. That’s what I remembered and was happy to confirm my memory with that article.
Debby Krim
Regarding the SoWa Power Station
Dear Editor,
I am a small business owner in the state of Massachusetts and primarily make a living at events like the SoWa Winter Festival, I’m writing in support of The SoWa Power Station procuring an all-alcohol license for their events venue.
SoWa Boston is and has been a key element in the growth of my business, they support hundreds of local businesses through their wonderful events. They choose to broadcast our craftsmanship and entrepreneurship in very organized and well-executed markets. That is why I believe the SoWa power station can help all of us to expand our work. I dream of the day when we can all go back safely to the SoWa maker events and believe the all-alcohol license is a valuable amenity to the Sowa Power Station event space.
Cristina Garcia
Designer / Founder
Regarding the SoWa Power Station
Dear Editor,
As a small businesses owner in the state of Massachusetts who makes a portion of my living through events like the SoWa Winter Festival, I’m writing in support of The SoWa Power Station procuring an all-alcohol license for their events venue.
SoWa Boston and GTI Properties support hundreds of local small businesses through their weekly events, annual events and their permanent retail presence. They choose to champion creative entrepreneurship in an increasingly corporate-leaning world and the SoWa Power Station affords the capability to expand that work. I look forward to future art and maker events in SoWa and believe that the all-alcohol license is a valuable amenity to the SoWa Power Station event space.
I look forward to the day when we can celebrate together again, raising a glass to the creative entrepreneurs that make Boston one of the best places to shop, eat and play.
Thank you,
Jen Gubicza
Zooguu Handmade
Regarding the SoWa Power Station
Dear Editor,
As a small business owner in the state of Massachusetts, I make my living through important events like the SoWa Winter Festival, I’m writing in support of The SoWa Power Station procuring an all-alcohol license for their events venue.
SoWa Boston and GTI Properties are the main champions of creative entrepreneurship and the creative community in Boston. They support hundreds of local small businesses like mine through their weekly events, annual events, and their permanent retail presence.
The SoWa Power Station affords the capability to expand that work. I look forward to future art and maker events in SoWa and believe that the all-alcohol license is a valuable amenity to the SoWa Power Station event space.
Chris Gwynn
Fridgedoor, Inc., Quincy
Regarding the SoWa Power Station
Dear Editor,
We at Holland Companies strongly support GTI Properties application for a full liquor license for the Power Station. The activation of the Power Station as an event space is an incredible re-purpose of this historic structure. It is unlikely to be a successful project unless the applicant can reasonably serve their guests. The request is appropriate for the use, the location and we believe it will be welcomed by the residents, the business owners and the visitors who live, work, and enjoy this lively neighborhood.
The applicant, GTI Properties has a vested interest in the neighborhood and they have been a good neighbor. In fact, the neighborhood and SOWA would not have developed as a live, work and enjoy the neighborhood without their years of hard work. They remodeled thousands of square feet of blighted buildings, and supported restaurants, galleries, shops, businesses, and artists’ studios in the neighborhood. The artists are especially dependent on the visitors and the visitors are attracted to the neighborhood by the unique and walkable open markets, restaurants, and events.
Our firm, The Holland Companies, is a 75-person Design-Build firm located at 519 Albany St. We operate our businesses locally and own and manage several properties in the neighborhood, including 477 Harrison Avenue, 46-76 Wareham Street, and 519-527 Albany St. All the properties we own and manage in the neighborhood are mixed uses of retail, office and residential. The mixed uses are what make this neighborhood vibrant and why we chose to locate our business and develop other properties in the neighborhood.
Therefore, we strongly support the GTI application for the full liquor license in the Power Station.
John Holland, AIA
Regarding the SoWa Power Station
Dear Editor,
As a small business owner in the state of Massachusetts I have been making my living through events like the SoWa Winter Festival. Their events add to the community directly in a financial way, but even more so, build up the community spirit within the city. SoWa events bring us locals (even before I owned a business) a lot of pride when locals and tourists alike are drawn to such well-planned events. Now more than ever, I am so proud to be a small part of this SoWa community from a small business side and contribute to the arts and local neighborhood culture.
I am writing in support of The SoWa Power Station procuring an all-alcohol license for their events venue.
As you may already know, SoWa Boston and GTI Properties support hundreds of local small businesses through their weekly events, annual events and their permanent retail presence. They choose to champion creative entrepreneurship in an increasingly corporate-leaning world and the SoWa Power Station affords the capability to expand that work.
I’m looking forward to future art and maker events in SoWa and believe that the all-alcohol license is a valuable amenity to the SoWa Power Station event space –that is already a proven “hit” as an event space– and is consistently, professionally well-managed.
Kimberly Huestis
Regarding the SoWa Power Station
Dear Editor,
I have been running my photography business in the South End for almost 30 years.
I was surprised when I read the December 3 story that the Power Station project in the South End “hadn’t been well publicized.” Everyone around here knew about it back in March and we were sorry that COVID stalled it out. The Sun wrote about it in the March 5, 2020 issue of The Boston Sun.
As a restaurant photographer, I am looking forward to photographing their property and food, but as someone that has patronized Jeff’s restaurants for almost 30 years, I always appreciate the safe and professional experience that Mr. Gates is known for.
Joe Greene
Regarding the SoWa Power Station
Dear Editor,
As a long-time business owner and manager of properties in the direct area of The Power Station I am offering my support for the addition of an all-alcohol license to that property. The continued evolution of the Power Station will a bring much needed boost to the neighborhood and the newly enclosed space and complete restroom facilities will provide for a more suitable sound-controlled venue space. This all-alcohol license will allow The Power Station and its operator better control over the service of alcohol from various caterers and other organizations. Mr. Gates has an excellent reputation as a responsible restaurateur and this license will offer far greater accountability than the present arrangement.
The owner of the Power Station, GTI Properties, and their anchor tenants have made an amazing impact on this neighborhood over the years and we expect that this would only continue with this first-class event space.
BILL KASPER
President, Urban Property Management
Regarding the SoWa Power Station
Dear Editor,
I am both a resident and business owner in SOWA. My business Laidlaw Group is located at 560 Harrison Avenue adjacent to The Power Station, currently being renovated by GTI properties. I am writing to you to express my enthusiasm and support for the space’s renovation and its intended use as an event space. When I read the most recent article about the project, I was also encouraged to learn Jeff Gates is “at the helm.” For years, I’ve known Jeff and frequented his restaurants, especially Gaslight and Cinquecento, and have the highest level of respect for his professionalism. Under his management, I’m sure the Power Station will succeed in its new life.
I’m an architecture buff, and I’ve long admired the Power Station sitting in what I would describe as the heart of SoWa. I’ve watched as the new roof went on and renovation progress continues, and I think it’s impressive. I welcome the addition of the Power Station to the neighborhood. I think it will be an asset for businesses, non-profits, and the community to book for special events and personal celebrations.
Cindy Laidlaw
Principal, Laidlaw Group
Regarding the SoWa Power Station
Dear Editor,
My name is Sarah Wasser, and I am a business owner in the state of Massachusetts. For the last three seasons, I have supported myself through events like the SoWa Winter Festival, and so I’m writing in support of The SoWa Power Station procuring an all-alcohol license for events.
SoWa Boston and GTI Properties support hundreds of local small businesses through their weekly events, annual events, and their permanent retail presence. They choose to champion creative entrepreneurship at a time when corporations continue to overtake smaller companies. SoWa Power Station will allow them to continue the work of keeping our city and state vibrant.
I look forward to future events at SoWa, and I believe that the all-alcohol license is a valuable amenity to the SoWa Power Station event space that will help all vendors.
Sarah Wasser
Chief Infusion Officer
ParTea
Regarding the SoWa Power Station
Dear Editor,
As a small business owner in the state of Massachusetts I make my living through events like the SoWa Winter Festival. In fact, I make at least a quarter of my yearly income during this one event. I am writing in support of The Sowa Power Station procuring an all-alcohol license for their events venue.
SoWa Boston and GTI Properties support hundreds of small businesses through their weekly events, annual events and their permanent retail presence. They choose to champion creative entrepreneurship in an increasingly corporate-leaning world and the SoWa Power Station affords the capability to expand that work. I look forward to future art and maker events in SoWa and I believe that the all-alcohol license is a valuable amenity to the SoWa Power Station event space.
Tiffany Williams
Regarding the SoWa Power Station
Dear Editor,
We are long time business owners in the South End and we are lending our full hearted support to the addition of an all-alcohol license to The Power Station. The Power Station has hosted events over the years which bring needed visitors, jobs, and other valuable economic support to our neighborhood. We own a small jewelry store in close proximity to the Power Station and the traffic from many of these events is felt through the neighborhood – it makes our the South End vibrant and alive. The owner of the Power Station, GTI Properties and Jeff Gates, have been an amazing champions of our neighborhood and especially thoughtful of neighbors and tenants during this very challenging time. We fully support this license and look forward to a vibrant spring full of creative events. The surrounding small businesses need it.
Megan Flynn and Moria Riordan
M. Flynn Jewelry Boston
Regarding the SoWa Power Station
Dear Editor,
As a small businesses owner in Boston who makes my living through events like the SoWa Winter Festival, I’m writing in support of The SoWa Power Station procuring an all-alcohol license for their events venue.
The SoWa Arts Market and their annual events are among my top three revenue-producing shows I do each year. They’re invaluable to me and other artists working to make a living here in Boston and beyond. An alcohol license would allow them to up their game, and as a result, we would all benefit. And there’s no question in my mind that customers and local regulars would love it, regardless of season. SoWa is a beloved neighborhood institution, and in a time when we’re losing a lot of those, it’s something to be championed.
I look forward to future art and maker events in SoWa and believe that the all-alcohol license is a valuable amenity to the SoWa Power Station event space.,
Lucy Orloski
Regarding the SoWa Power Station
Dear Editor,
As a small businesses owner in the state of Massachusetts who makes my living through events like the SoWa Winter Festival, I’m writing in support of The SoWa Power Station procuring an all-alcohol license for their events venue.
SoWa Boston and GTI Properties support hundreds of local small businesses through their weekly events, annual events and their permanent retail presence. They choose to champion creative entrepreneurship in an increasingly corporate-leaning world and the SoWa Power Station affords the capability to expand that work. I look forward to future art and maker events in SoWa and believe that the all-alcohol license is a valuable amenity to the SoWa Power Station event space.
Ross Ozer
Regarding the SoWa Power Station
Dear Editor,
I’m writing in support of The SoWa Power Station procuring an all-alcohol license for their events venue.
As a small business owner and friends of many other small business owners throughout the region, SoWa market & holiday events are our lifeline. They have allowed us the opportunity to own and be successful as a small business owner. Without SoWa, there would be hundreds if not thousands of small businesses that simply wouldn’t exist. We are here, because of SoWa.
SoWa Boston and GTI Properties support hundreds of local small businesses through their weekly events, annual events and their permanent retail presence. They choose to champion creative entrepreneurship in an increasingly corporate-leaning world and the SoWa Power Station affords the capability to expand that work. I look forward to future art and maker events in SoWa and believe that the all-alcohol license is a valuable amenity to the SoWa Power Station event space.
Miles Perry
Owner, Fiber and Water
Regarding the SoWa Power Station
Dear Editor,
As a small business owner in Massachusetts, I have come to know and love the SoWa community and the environment they have created. That is why I am writing in strong support of the SoWa Power Station procuring an all-alcohol license for their events venue.
Every year SoWa Boston and GTI Properties support quite literally hundreds of small and micro businesses by hosting their weekly Arts Market, Winter Festival and maintaining a constant retail and restaurant presence. These events form the basis of my business decisions, and the community of customers I have been able to make through SoWa is unparalleled. There is truly no better place for my businesses throughout the year.
Events held in the Power Station in particular have traditionally had the best overall returns of any market I have ever attended, and I would expect that to only increase after the renovations are complete. Having an all-alcohol license for these events and ones like it are integral to all of our financial success.
This year especially, SoWa was crucial in the survival of my business and many others like mine. I urge you to support SoWa Boston and GTI properties in procuring this license, just as they have continually supported the small business community of Boston and beyond.
Tucker Gaccione
The Happy Cactus / The Fat Cactus / Tuck’s Boston