Danger: Falling Floors

I was walking past the construction on the old Filene's building the other day, and they had some kind of crazy machine that was reaching in and tearing down the floors. I couldn't find an angle I liked, until I gave up and went shoe shopping. I took this photo out the window of DSW across the street, so you'll have to excuse the lights that are reflected.

Light and Shadow

I love how the light reflects off the old Filene's building onto the side of Macy's.

Lyons Iron Works

This is what the old Filene's building looks like these days (Here's an older photo of the same side of the building). I love how the iron workers always find a way to label the buildings they are working on - click to enlarge so you can see the "signature" here. Demo is kind of like an archaeological dig - you wouldn't find things like this if you weren't tearing down the walls, right??

Street Food

There are at least half a dozen vendors that sell food from the carts in Downtown Crossing. I used to work with a woman who always warned "beware the street food!" because she had gotten sick once from food she'd bought at one of these carts. I've never tried the food, but you can get hot dogs, roasted nuts, lemonade, tacos, and probably even more I don't know about!

Snow (hey oh)

It's been snowing all day today - going on about 15 hours now. Every time I looked at the weather online throughout the day, they had added another inch to the forecast. This morning it said 1-3, by the time I left work they were saying 4-6! We've had quite a few mild winters in a row, so all the snow this year is causing quite a fuss.

All is calm, all is bright

Throughout the holidays, Downtown Crossing has a lot going on. There's a petting zoo on the weekends (I don't know what exactly there is to pet and how impressive it is, but I've seen the signs), and there's musical entertainment throughout the week. Whit has already shown you the New Liberty Jazz Band, and I enjoyed these strolling carolers during my lunch break one day last week.

The New Liberty Jazz Band

The New Liberty Jazz Band was jamming away in dowtown crossing at lunchtime today. They attracted a large and varied audience including some traditionally dressed carolers.

Boston's Finest

I saw these guys hanging out in downtown crossing last day on my lunch break. Just a block down the street, there were piles of horse poop in the middle of the street and about a million teenagers walking by pointing it and yelling "Ewwww, disgusting!".

Talking Pictures

The Paramount Theater was opened in 1932 and was the only move theater in Boston (at the time, obviously) devoted exclusively to talking pictures. It was closed in 1976 and still sits abandoned today. But not for long! In 2002 the facade was fancied up and the sign cleaned and repaired by Millennium Partners, in exchange for permission to complete their Ritz-Carlton Towers project next door. Now the Paramount is being renovated by Emerson College! They'll be tearing up the interior of the theater (with the exception of the lobby which they have promised to restore to its original glory) to create some live performance space, so no more movies but at least it'll be put to good use.

This is an area of the city that has come a long way in recent years and this type of project (which includes renovations to an adjoining building and the parking lot across the street) is exactly the type of thing that will continue to push it in a good direction.

In A Corner

This kid doesn't care at all that Harry Potter was released the night before, and I love him for it!

Borders, Downtown Crossing

Next parish over, just west of Galaway Bay...

It's no secret that Boston has a history filled with Irish immigrants - just take a look at the stereotypes played out in all the Hollywood movies that take place here! In honor of the 150th anniversary of the Irish Famine, a memorial and small park was built at the corner of School and Washington Streets. This statue is one part of the Boston Irish Famine Memorial.

Street Performers - #2 in a series

This gentleman can be found on the orange line platform in Downtown Crossing on Saturday mornings, with his seeing eye dog sitting patiently beside him as he plays.

Boston Marathon

London Harness Company, Downtown Crossing.

I know the marathon was two days ago, but how can I not share this? This store always has great window displays.

Oompa-pa oompa-pa

I've been listening to this guy for the last few days at the Downtown Crossing T stop while I wait for my train home. He smiled when he noticed me move and start lifting my camera to take a picture, but then he studiously avoided looking at me when I was actually taking them!

Chacarero

The lunch line at Chacarero. Chacarero is every restaurateurs dream - they serve only one item and don't hurt for business! In case you're wondering what a chacarero is, here's the description off their site:

A Chacarero is a traditional Chilean sandwich. It begins with homemade bread, that we make fresh daily. The main ingredient is either tender grilled steak or chicken (or both). Then with your main ingredient, we add steamed green beans, which gives it that authentic Chilean touch, Muenster cheese and fresh tomatoes. After that, we add an avocado spread, salt, pepper & our secret hot recipe to complete the sandwich.

The girls I work with will sometimes wait in line for theirs, but not when they have face to face meetings or interviews after - apparently there's enough garlic in this sandwich to warrant both brushing your teeth AND using mouth wash.

This line was already long on my way to get lunch (not from here!), and it was even longer on my way back. The line is often equally long for dinner after work. It always makes me laugh to see people in their gym clothes, fresh out of Boston Sports Club across the street, and lining up to get their sandwich!

Downtown Crossing

Downtown Crossing is the shopping district that is...well, right downtown. In the past it had been regarded as high end shopping, but lately has been the place that many turn to for discount shopping. This little fruit/veggie stand is in the corner of the old Filene's building, and is always packed.