Civil Municipal View Feb2023

89 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 The first phase of Patriot Place opened in 2008, signifying a major domino in the ongoing evolution of Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place into a foundation for business and economic development in Foxborough, Norfolk County and along the Route 1 corridor. Now 15 years later marks another integral chapter in this continued growth with Quarter Point, the 1.5 million square foot development planned to host life science labs, commercial office space and limited manufacturing, on the horizon. Nestled equidistant from Boston and Providence, this world-class life sciences hub will build on Patriot Place’s and Foxborough’s existing amenities to bring cutting-edge biotech and life science firms to the Gem of Norfolk County. With unparalleled flexibility to create an efficient and environmentally conscious campus experience, Quarter Point promises to be the next major step in economic development for the region and a significant step in cementing Foxborough and Patriot Place as a leader in the biotech space. In the more immediate future, 2023 will see the completion of the most dramatic Gillette Stadium improvements since its opening in 2002. This comprehensive $225 million investment is fully funded by the Kraft family and includes the installation of the largest outdoor stadium HD video board in the country, new hospitality and function spaces, a plaza leading into the stadium, enhancements to the signature lighthouse and more. Scheduled for completion prior to the 2023 NFL season, these cutting-edge improvements will keep Gillette Stadium as a destination for the world’s top concerts and sporting events for years to come, continuing to bring business to Foxborough year-round. Speaking of year-round Foxborough business opportunities, Red Sky Studios, a new film production facility, opened just down the street from Patriot Place and Gillette Stadium in spring 2022. This 135,000 square-foot building features two soundstages and is a new destination to shoot TV shows and movies, with HBO Max’s second season of “Julia” getting the lights, cameras and action underway. Once again, the proximity to Boston, Providence and Patriot Place’s amenities makes this location highly desirable, with more productions slated for the future. A key part of this current and future economic development for Foxborough, Patriot Place and Gillette Stadium is establishing permanent commuter rail service. Working hand-in-hand with the Town of Foxborough and the MBTA, this goal took a big step forward as weekday commuter rail service returned to Foxboro Station in fall 2022 with a new year-long pilot. Featuring free parking and a commuter- friendly schedule with daily service to and from Boston, Foxboro Station is on the track to success. The past several years have seen Patriot Place’s footprint expand to include weekday commuter rail service from Foxboro Station, Red Sky Studios and countless more business opportunities in the heart of Norfolk County. We look forward to continuing to work with our essential partners in Foxborough and throughout the region in our shared goal to cement this area as a hub for economic development and a leader in business. For more information, visit us at www.patriot-place.com