Friday, August 21, 2009

New Signs of Summer

Well along with the recent summer weather, the "new signs" of Summer are here in Bedford.

First, Bedford Car Wash at 345 Great Road got a $20,000 exterior renovation, replacing the canopy with a new facade to the front.
The new facade at Bedford Car Wash. A new sign will be going up soon.

Second, Bedford Shopping Center got a new sign and is now rebranded Bedford Marketplace. Renovations are still on hold due to the economy. According to Salvatore Capital Partners, they do plan to start the renovation once the economy improves for retail tenants.

The new sign has space for all the stores. The old sign only listed the anchor stores Marshalls and Whole Foods.

Third, Depot Park (aka the Bedford end of the Minuteman Bikeway) finally got a sorely needed Kiosk.
The new Kiosk is located in the center of Bedford Depot park and contains maps and information about the surrounding area.
The Kiosk also has a Video Monitor that can be used to show historical information.

Along with the Minuteman Bikeway and Depot Park area, the map also shows the Reformatory Branch and Narrow Gauge Rail Trails as well as other nearby trails. Please click on the image for a larger view.

While a think all the changes are an improvement, I think the biggest one is the addition of the Kiosk. This new Kiosk will encourage bikers and walkers to do some additional exploring and might even benefit some of the local retailers. I am wondering if any of the Bedford restaurants would be interested in advertising and getting listed on the Depot Park Insert on the map.

Friday, August 14, 2009

New Cambridge Savings Bank Building Nearing Completion

 Construction on the new Cambridge Savings Bank branch is wrapping up. The new building at 181 Great Road replaces the Mobil Gas Station. Most of the exterior work has been completed. The bankm which is currently across the street in the Bedford Shopping Center should move in to the new building in the next few months.

The new Bank has a dual drive through. One lane for a Drive up ATM and the other lane for a human bank teller. Note that you can only make a right turn on to The Great Road.


The parking lot also exits on to Weber Avenue. The sidewalk only extends to The Great Road. There is no sidewalk on Weber. Across the street is TD Banknorth.


While the exterior has been completed, their is still much work to do with the interior.

 The view from Great Road. The sidewalk was rebuilt and set back further from the road while the building is set back closer to the road with parking in back to provide a more urban look.