Courtney O’Keefe.

By Courtney O’Keefe

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

Slowly, but surely the empty storefronts in Magoun Square are, not only filling up, but being occupied with businesses that are offering important services to residents, patrons and current business owners! They are complimenting the other great occupants that are already here, helping Magoun return back to the bustling business district it once was.

For the past couple of years, Magoun endured tough losses that included multi-year tenants Basil Tree Catering and Lil’ Vinny’s. Other businesses, such as Mimi’s Nail Salon, soon followed suite.

Mid-2012 began a revival in the square as we welcomed Daddy Jones Bar with its lovely Greek fare and the promise of K2 Beer and Wine opening despite a previous real estate bump in the road. Olde Magoun’s Saloon hosted a successful Biergarten and monthly clean-ups kept the square looking pristine! Residents and patrons are now looking forward to the opening of the Modelo Butcher Market and King of Wings!

Services such as dry cleaning and tailoring have also found their way to Medford Street. These businesses now share the same customers as Magoun’s mainstays Olde Magoun’s Saloon, White Sport Pizza, Caprese Pizza & Grille, and Panificadora Modelo Bakery just to name a few. New and historical business owners put their faith and, of course, finances into Magoun and I hope they realize the immense appreciation that so many of us feel for their dedication to this part of Somerville.

As the Magoun Square construction project winds down to traffic light recalibrations, the square is ready for our well-deserved reconnection with other notable Somerville locations through the reinstallation of Magoun Square sign set for April-a very ironic month choice considering just three years earlier, the month of April would jumpstart the very construction project that improved our streets, sidewalks, and lighting.

Magoun still has some ways to go, but as a life-long patron and daughter of a former Magoun Square business owner, I, along with others, are so happy at how far it has come. The amount of concerned and loyal Gouners is growing and prepped to do whatever it takes to keep this momentum continuing far beyond the Green Line arrival.

Courtney O’Keefe
Creator of Ward 5 Online
Moderator of the Magoun Square United Listserv