The Substation

The Substation is a bar, event venue and coworking space in Roslindale, set in a historic industrial building of about 7,100 square feet. It combines coworking, community activations and collaborative programming under one roof. The main level offers almost 3,000 square feet with 34-foot ceilings, large windows, glazed concrete floors and original features such as a steel gantry crane, while the lower level suits events of under 50 people.

The building dates to 1911, when it was built as one of seven substations converting power for the Boston Elevated Railway’s trolleys, the predecessor of the MBTA. Decommissioned in 1971, it sat boarded up for nearly 50 years before a long redevelopment led by Historic Boston Inc., Roslindale Village Main Street and developer Peregrine Group. The design highlights as much of the original structure as possible, and Adam Rogoff and Laura Charles now run the space.

What to Know

• Private events include weddings, birthdays, fundraisers, galas, corporate retreats and trainings.
• The lower level includes tables, a kitchenette and a soft seating area.
• The Substation runs a Donated Space Program.
• The redevelopment earned the Boston Preservation Alliance’s 2020 Preservation Achievement Award.