June 3, 2005

MGHers caught in jailbreak

There may not have been any police escorts, sirens or handcuffs, but members of MGH leadership found themselves in the middle of a "jailbreak" May 27 as they participated in an unusual ground-breaking event to commemorate the beginning of construction of a four-star hotel on the Charles Street Jail site, next door to the Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care. Boston hotel developer Dick Friedman of Carpenter & Company welcomed MGH leaders, public officials and guests. Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH, was among the guest speakers.

"This section of the city is an important gateway into the city of Boston, and unfortunately, it hasn't been a very attractive or welcoming section," said Slavin. "But all of that is changing. In a well-coordinated and collaborative manner, the city Boston, the MBTA, Carpenter & Company and the MGH have been working together to transform this area into an inviting, vibrant and attractive place to live, work and visit."

The 308-room hotel will feature restaurants, a bar, health club and conference room space and is expected to be completed in two years.

From left, William Galvin, Massachusetts secretary of state, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, Friedman, Slavin, Mark Maloney, director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority and John Fish, president of Suffolk Construction