April 26, 2021 Transforming Upham’s Corner Comfort Station into Comfort Kitchen
It has been awhile since we gave an update on the Upham’s Corner Comfort Station (1912), but so much has been happening behind the scenes. We’ve been working our way through the list of approvals needed before we can obtain our new building permit and begin construction. If you live in Boston, you might have wondered why local restaurants (or other new developments) take so long to go from announcement to opening. In addition to raising the necessary funds for build-out and operations, much effort goes into planning the design, layout, and kitchen equipment required to operate a successful restaurant.
Comfort Kitchen has been working with architect Supernormal to ensure the design of the space is not only comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, but also practical, efficient and flexible. Meanwhile, the project team has been obtaining the many approvals required by the Inspectional Services Department before they will issue a building permit. For example, the City of Boston Health Division must meet with the restaurateur to review and approve the planned equipment, layout, employee training, garbage removal plans, and many other details to ensure the operator is prepared and competent before signing off for construction to begin. Due to the Comfort Station’s proximity to the historic Dorchester North Burying Ground, design approvals must be sought from the Boston Landmarks Commission and the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department, as well as the Mass. Historical Commission.
The general contractor must submit evidence of qualifications and good standing, and in this time of Covid, worker safety measures must be planned. Inspectional Services also ensures compliance with zoning, and the Boston Water & Sewer Commission must approve and stamp plans before construction can proceed. We’re happy to report these requirements have been met, so now we await the review of our submission by Inspectional Services so that construction can resume soon with an opening anticipated in autumn 2021.
In other news, Comfort Kitchen is currently hosting a series of pop ups at Little Dipper. The team is providing a Special Menu at Little Dipper launching on April 29 and will be available Thursdays–Sundays 5:00–8:00pm. The team will plan to open on Wednesday in early June for Nepali Thali night. Same hours. Pre sale for this event. All tickets will be handled on Little Dipper’s website. Look out for CK’s monthly recipe on Bay State Banner all summer starting May and introductory article on Edible Boston for summer edition. Stay in the know: Comfort Kitchen updates are posted here.