By Jim Clark

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Boston broke ground at Assembly Row last week, as State and local officials participated in the ceremonies heralding the commencement of construction of the family friendly entertainment venue.

A front-end loader dropped 50,000 LEGO® bricks, while Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone, Massachusetts Senator Patricia Jehlen, James Burleigh, Divisional Director, Midway Developments, Merlin Entertainments, and Russ Joyner, Vice President, General Manager, Federal Realty Investment Trust dug in to symbolically launch the project.

The LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston is scheduled to open in May 2014. It will employ a staff of approximately 100 and will be one in New England to date.

“The entire Assembly Row development, and notably today the groundbreaking of LEGOLAND Discovery Center, is something that the City of Somerville and its residents have been looking forward to and will greatly enjoy,” State Senator Patricia Jehlen told those who gathered for the ceremony. “We are excited to welcome these new ventures to our city and to experience what LEGOLAND Discovery Center and the rest of the developments have to offer. Personally, my family and I are looking forward to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Building things is fun and a great way to learn.”

The indoor facility, measuring some 44,000 square feet, is designed to attract the interest of children aged 3 to 10, as well as their families. Millions of LEGO bricks will be available for play by visitors. Additionally, rides and various multimedia presentations will be an integral part of the experience.

“We’re thrilled about bringing the first LEGOLAND Discovery Center to New England,” Divisional Director, James Burleigh said. “This new attraction will be the ultimate destination for children and their families who love LEGO, and we can’t wait to begin delivering these unforgettable experiences this spring.”

 – Photos by The Somerville Times Staff