Business

Mount Auburn Club Closing, Property to be Turned into Life Science Space

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The Mount Auburn Club in East Watertown has become a victim of the COVID-19 outbreak, with owners recently announcing that the club will be closing and the property will be sold to a firm looking to build space for life science companies. The Boston Globe reported that the Club sent a letter to members Monday which stated that said the coronavirus crisis pushed them to close down and sell. The club, located at 57 Coolidge Avenue, has been operating for nearly half a century and is recognizable for the bubbles put up over its tennis courts over the tennis courts during the winter. The 6.3-acre property will be sold to Alexandria Real Estate Equities and Newton-based National Development, the Globe reported. Alexandria recently purchased the Arsenal on the Charles complex from athenahealth, and the firms plan to use some of the space for life science companies, a growing industry in Watertown in recent years.

Business

Watertown Business Coalition Surveying Businesses About Reopening Challenges

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The Watertown Business Coalition wants to know what challenges are facing local businesses as they reopen from the COVID-19 shutdown, and have put together a short survey. Some of the barriers or obstacles maybe getting PPEs, financial advice, or getting inventory. Click here to take the survey. The group sent out the following message:

Hello Friends & Neighbors in the Business Community! As we move through the reopening phases, we want to help you reopen successfully.

Business

Watertown Restaurants Can Apply for Temporary Outdoor Seating as Part of COVID-19 Reopening

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Temporary outdoor seating will be allowed for Watertown restaurants as part of the COVID-19 reopening, with certain regulations including keeping seating at least six feet apart. As a way to allow Watertown restaurants to offer more seating as the reopen during COVID-19, the Town Manager announced that owners and managers can apply for temporary outdoor seating. Town Manager Michael Driscoll sent out the application on Thursday afternoon. The tables must remain at least six feet apart when diners are seated, and the take out area must be at least six feet from where seats are located. A five-foot path must be maintained on the sidewalk outside the restaurant to make them ADA handicap accessible.

Business

Tufts Health Plan Leaving Town, Real Estate Investor Taking Over Building

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Tufts Health Plan will leave its offices on Mt. Auburn Street after swapping it with Spear Street Capital for a property in Canton. Shown here, runner gather for the Watertown Police Department’s Finish Strong Road Race. Tufts Health Plan will be swapping its Watertown headquarters for a location in Canton after it merges with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and the building on Mt. Auburn Street will be acquired by a real estate investor.

Business

See What Programs the CARES Act Has for Businesses, Non-Profits Impacted by COVID-19

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The Federal government unveiled the the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act which will help business of all sizes, and has special programs for small businesses and private non-profits. The legislation passed by Congress last week and signed by President Trump provides programs to help retain employees, gives grants and loans to businesses negatively impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak

The Payroll Protection Program offers loans to businesses that maintain their payroll during the Coronavirus emergency. Businesses with fewer than 500 employees can qualify. The Small Business Debt Relief Program gives loans to businesses. Loans can up to $5.5 million, and there are also micro loans of up to $50,000.

Business

Watertown Company Looks to 3-D Print Medical Equipment to Help With Coronavirus

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A Watertown company has started looking at how it can produce much-needed medical equipment to help during the Coronavirus outbreak. A shortage of medical supplies has been a problem as hospitals test for and treat patients with the COVID-19. Mark-Forged, located on Pleasant Street, has started to develop ways to 3-D print swabs and protective face shields used by medical staff when working with patients who may have the Coronavirus. The company was featured in a story on WHDH Channel 7. CEO Mark Greg estimates that 20 3-D printers could make 14,000 swabs a day.

Business

Watertown Dance Studio, Personal Trainer Hosting Virtual Classes in Response to Coronavirus

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Two local businesses announced they will be holding video classes during the Coronavirus outbreak. The owners of Ballroom in Boston and Get Lively sent out the following announcement:

Due to the National Emergency and the need to temporarily cancel most fitness and dance classes, Ballroom in Boston and Get Lively will be doing their best to keep you active and feeling lively during this challenging time. Over the next two weeks, they’ll be exploring various ways to offer online videos, classes, and programming to keep you moving and smiling while the studios are closed. Virtual personal training and private dance lessons are now available for booking with a variety of video call and conferencing platforms available for you to use. (Contact information below to book your session!)

Ballroom in Boston will be offering free daily programming on their Facebook page, including:

● 11:30am Kids Dance Class ● 2:00pm Daily Dose of Dance (fun for all ages!) ● 6:00pm Dance Date Night

Get Lively® will also be offering a variety of free programming via the “Lively Lounge” Facebook group listed below.

Business

Watertown Business Coalition Hosting After Hours Networking Event

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Watertown’s Commander’s Mansion. Head to the historic Commander’s Mansion and network with people from Watertown businesses and other local groups at the After Hours event. The Watertown Business Coalition’s recent Coffee Connect drew nearly 50 people, and the group invites people to its next event on Thursday, March 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Watertown Commander’s Mansion, 440 Talcott Avenue, Watertown (the Arsenal on the Charles). Network with others from the Watertown business community, enjoy appetizers and a cash bar, and hear about development and the Arsenal Corridor. The event is free.