The Speedway

The Speedway Secures $1.6M in Historic Tax Credit Funding

Twain Financial Partners have invested $1.6 million in federal historic tax credit equity in the adaptive reuse of the Charles River Speedway in Brighton. The project will transform the historic buildings of the site into 17,000 square feet of unique and varied spaces that will become home to a collection of small format retail shops, local artisans and makers, small food purveyors and a full-service restaurant, event space, as well as non-profit and creative office space. All of these uses will surround an 8,000 square foot courtyard with seating and space for public events and programs.

Renovations Progressing for The Speedway in Brighton

Renovations are quickly progressing for The Speedway along Western Ave. in Brighton. The historic site's deteriorated shingles have been entirely stripped away and are being replaced with new ones made of Eastern white cedar. Elsewhere on the project, interior cleanout and abatement have been completed and the restoration is underway for the building's original windows and doors. Expected to open this summer, The Speedway will feature 17,000 square feet of unique spaces offering a collection of small format retail shops, small food purveyors and a full-service restaurant, event space, as well as non-profit and creative office space. All of these uses will surround an 8,000 square foot courtyard with seating and space for public events and programs.

Photo courtesy of Jason Baker

Construction Underway for Revamp of The Speedway in Brighton

After a groundbreaking ceremony last month, construction is underway for the revamp of the Charles River Speedway Headquarters Administration Buildings in Brighton. The Speedway will offer 17,000 square feet of space for small retail shops, a restaurant, events, and non-profit and creative offices. Notch Brewing’s second brewery and taproom will serve as the project's anchor tenant. Construction is expected to be complete in summer 2020.

The Speedway to Open Summer 2020

The Speedway, a revitalized destination to eat, drink, shop and gather in the historic Charles River Speedway Headquarters Administration Buildings in Brighton with Notch Brewing’s second brewery and taproom serving as its anchor retail tenant. Set to open in summer 2020, The Speedway will offer year-round discovery at the gateway to Boston’s Charles River parklands, restoring it into a vibrant, dynamic marketplace and gathering space for local Brighton neighbors and the broader Boston community alike.

The Speedway will transform the historic buildings of the site into 17,000 square feet of unique and varied spaces that will become home to a collection of small format retail shops, local artisans and makers, small food purveyors and a full-service restaurant, event space, as well as non-profit and creative office space. All of these uses will surround an 8,000 square foot courtyard with seating and space for public events and programs. 

AHF also announced that Notch Brewing will open a taproom and brewery at The Speedway, becoming the project’s first tenant. This will be the first Boston-area location for the popular Salem-based craft beer brand. Notch’s beer garden will feature outdoor seating that spills out into the courtyard, enlivening the site throughout the week. Launched in 2010, Notch Brewing – named for the nick made to keep record when you’re having more than one – was the first brewing company in the U.S. to focus exclusively on session beers (flavorful yet highly drinkable beer of 4.5% ABV and lower).

“AHF is thrilled to rehabilitate the historic Charles River Speedway buildings into a revitalized destination to enjoy local fare, drink, craft, and community,” says AHF President Sean McDonnell. “We’re excited to partner with Notch to create a brewery and open-air taproom along the Charles River.” 

“We’re thrilled that our second brewery and tap room will anchor this historic renovation. The Speedway is the perfect location for this expansion -- it's distinctive, historic, and we have great partners,” explained Chris Lohring, Notch’s Founder. “I can't wait to pour the first liter and celebrate with our new community.”

To make The Speedway project possible, AHF is proud to have partnered with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the Department of Conservation & Recreation’s (DCR) Historic Curatorship Program. Under this unique program, DCR partners with curators to rehabilitate, manage, and maintain historic properties in return for a long-term lease. The Speedway has been a part of the Curatorship Program since 2012.

AHF and DCR worked closely with Massachusetts State Representative Michael Moran (18thDistrict), Boston City Councilor Mark Ciommo (9thDistrict), and the Brighton community to bring this project to fruition. “Without the commitment of our legislators and the support of our community The Speedway would not have been possible” added McDonnell.

The Charles River Speedway was once a mile-long racetrack along the Charles River and was one of the city’s most popular gathering areas after its opening in 1899. Located at 525 Western Avenue in Brighton, the buildings that supported the racetrack and were once the headquarters for the Charles River Reservation will soon become a revitalized destination for the Brighton community and beyond, bringing new energy and excitement back to the historic site.