Watertown, MA – Arsenal Yards is installing three large-scale murals at various locations around the property, coinciding with the Fall 2019 debut of its first round of restaurants and retailers.
Inspired in part by the lush natural beauty of Arsenal Park, the Charles River, and the history of its distinctive East End Watertown location, the mural artworks are currently being created by locally and nationally recognized artists commissioned by Arsenal Yards.
Creating a vibrant and eclectic environment, one that includes one-of-a-kind public artworks, is part of the plan to make Arsenal Yards a new and unique urban village. “From day one, we envisioned Arsenal Yards as a destination offering engaging experiences, stimulating design elements and visually interesting buildings,” said Bill McQuillan, Principal at Boylston Properties, co-developer with Wilder of Arsenal Yards. “These large-scale, captivating murals promote the work of local and national artists, enhance Arsenal Yard’s unique character, and, we hope, stimulate the daily experience for the people who live, work and visit here.”
Arsenal Yards’ approach to public art was curated to reflect the property’s inclusive and eclectic style, including works from international artists alongside regional and hyper-local art installations. These large-scale murals bring bold nature elements to the historic site and will be joined by event activations and future programs this spring for ongoing community involvement.
The Mural Artists
Born and raised in Los Angeles to Shanghainese parents, nationally recognized artist Louise “Ouizi” Jones is best known for her large-scale floral mural installations which can be seen in public spaces internationally, from museums to public parks. Her signature floral style will cascade across the loading dock doors and beyond the frame near The Majestic 7, and a smaller wall between Old Navy and Ulta, both of which are located in the newly-restored arsenal buildings. The mural will include vibrant, bright colors, presenting visitors with a larger-than-life floral arrangement.
Massachusetts resident and painter Kim Carlino’s interpretation of Arsenal Yards brings a fresh energy to the historical site, translated through bold colors and wide line work. Visitors will find Kim’s colorful abstract mural upon the main entrance to the right of Marshalls. Kim is a mixed media abstract painter who teaches adult workshops in watercolor, abstract painting and color theory. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and also studied at the New School and the Drawing Room in New York City.
Weaving modern urban scenes into his art, Felipe Ortiz is a Boston-based artist, originally from Colombia. His love of the Boston landscape, paired with his nostalgia for his Colombian heritage, inspires him to create visual eye-stimulating scenes that he characterizes as “explosive nature.” Felipe’s mural will live in stairwell A of the parking garage next to Marshalls, which exits directly onto Bond St.
All murals will be complete by mid-November.
Arsenal Yards Phase 1 Store Openings
A thriving new urban village is coming to life at Arsenal Yards with 250,000 sq. ft. dedicated to retail, dining, fitness and entertainment. Joining already-open Marshalls, Arsenal Yards retailers and popular fast casual restaurants’ Shake Shack, Chipotle, Gap, and Old Navy are all expected to open in November. SQZ Biotech, the first of several life science companies, will be moving into Arsenal Yards’ state-of-the-art biotech lab space by the end of the year.
Arsenal Yards’ upcoming lineup of restaurants includes City Works Eatery and Pour House, The Gallows, Kura Sushi, Pokeworks, Tori Jiro, and local family-owned restaurant Condesa Restaurante Mexicano. The upcoming retail and entertainment roster includes The Majestic 7, a seven-screen entertainment venue, Roche Bros., Ulta Beauty, European Wax Center and more. Kymera Therapeutics is also slated to move into Arsenal Yards’ life science lab space, with additional leases to be announced soon.
“After years of planning, it’s exciting to see our vision to create a true destination with a fantastic mix of tenants and experiences begin to settle at Arsenal Yards,” said Tom Wilder, Principal at Wilder. “The diverse and eclectic offerings that make up Arsenal Yards, including art, fulfills our vision of turning a dynamic multi-use development into a vibrant, new neighborhood experience.”
