Menino Approves Lease To Turn Common Bathroom Into Sandwich Shop

BOSTON (AP) -- Boston Mayor Thomas Menino has officially signed a lease for converting a former bathroom in the nation's oldest public park into a sandwich shop.

The 660-square-foot "Pink Palace" on Boston Common built in the 1920s hasn't been used as a restroom since the 1970s.

City officials announced Wednesday that the mayor has signed a 15-year lease with the Florida-based Earl of Sandwich chain for a takeout operation at the site.

The Earl of Sandwich will pay $50,000 annually and will renovate the interior of the mausoleum-like structure for use as a kitchen, with storage and prep areas.

The goal is to open the shop as early as spring of next year following renovations.

The Boston Common was officially set aside as public land by a vote in 1640.

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