Powered by Community
the substation powers a dynamic and warm community space by uniquely combining coworking, innovative activations, and a collaborative approach to programming.
THE SUBSTATION LIES IN THE HEART OF OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. ITS ARCHITECTURE IS ICONIC AND BOLD. LIKEWISE WE AIM TO DO A LOT WITH ALL 7100 SQUARE FEET.
Substation History
The Substation was built in 1911 as a part of a city-wide network that powered the trolley system of Boston Elevated Railway (BERy), the predecessor to the MBTA.
A since demolished coal-fired power plant in South Boston generated electricity and delivered it by alternating current (AC) through underground cables to the Substation (along with six other similar substations), which in turn transformed the electricity to direct current (DC) for localized use by the trolleys.
The Substation was decommissioned in 1971. It lay boarded up and vacant for nearly 50 years and its redevelopment was a long, meandering process. Check out the full history of the building and its redevelopment here.
The redeveloped building has been the recipient of several grants, awards and acknowledgements. We are very grateful for the support of the following:
Amelia Peabody Foundation
George B. Henderson Foundation (funding the front glass curtain wall, and the radicant moments and Substation Control Panel art installations)
Boston Preservation Alliance’s 2020 Preservation Achievement Award
Preservation Massachusetts’ Mayor Thomas M. Menino Legacy Award
National Trust for Historic Preservation feature in Preservation Magazine
City of Boston Community Preservation Fund for historic preservation
The Substation’s past very much informs what we do with it today. We take seriously our role as a custodian of its unique history, and so we sought a design that would highlight as much of the original building as possible.
We are grateful for the leadership and vision of Historic Boston Inc. and Roslindale Village Main Street over the almost two-decade redevelopment process and for the Peregrine Group, the building’s developer and prior owner, for tolerating a less profitable model in order to preserve and repurpose this amazing building.
Our Team
Adam Rogoff & Laura Charles, C
o-owners
The Substation is a project – and passion – of Adam. He fell in love with the building’s potential first as a volunteer with Roslindale Village Main Street’s Substation Redevelopment Committee. Then after seeing a few businesses fail to take hold in the building he decided to become an entrepreneur himself. He led the company from the original concept of a coworking space in the lower level to opening (at the beginning of the COVID Pandemic!), and then expansion throughout the whole building a few years later. He is responsible for financial management and the aesthetics of The Substation. He is particularly interested in activating interstitial spaces in the building uniquely to draw people in and engage with the space and with each other in different ways. That’s why you’ll find art installations on stair risers, in old switch boxes and on the elevator shaft. You’ll also find much of his own woodwork and design projects throughout the structure. Adam also maintains a practice as an environmental and real estate attorney.
Contact: adam@substation.space
Laura leads the people and programming at The Substation. She serves as an ambassador of The Substation within the community and as the director of the bar and public activation experiences that enrich the environment the community at large. She is chiefly responsible for The Substation’s open, supportive community where people can find opportunities for collaboration, innovation and connection with each other. She brings to The Substation 15 years of program design and community-building experience, including 6 years of small business-focused programming and network building. She also has over a decade of hospitality experience and works as a holistic life coach and yoga instructor.
Contact: laura@substation.space
Vickie Spiess, Director of Operations & Community
Vickie believes that small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the heart of our community. Her deep love for Roslindale Village and dedication to the success of local businesses have found a perfect match at The Substation. In her role as Director of Operations, Vickie seamlessly blends her passion with her experience. She is integral to the overall growth of the business, managing operations across all our activities, keeping the team organized, and providing a solid foundation for growth.
Vickie oversees the day-to-day operations of Workhub, fostering a welcoming and supportive co-working environment. She is committed to creating a space where individuals can thrive in their work and discover opportunities for collaboration and connection within the community. Vickie also manages a variety of events at The Substation from contract signing through to the event's completion, ensuring every event runs smoothly and successfully, creating memorable experiences for all guests.
With over 14 years of experience in business, government, and technology combined with more than a decade of volunteering in the Boston public school community, Vickie brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong sense of community spirit to The Substation
Contact: info@substation.space
Valerie Nixon
Lead Bartender
Growing up, Valerie didn’t know who she wanted to be, just what she wanted to do: help her community grow into a safe and enjoyable place to exist. In her role at the Substation, she does just that. She started working here as a Bartender in June of 2025, and got promoted to the Lead Bartender position just a few months later. As the lead bartender here at the Substation, Val assists with both front and back of house bar operations–meaning that when she isn’t mixing your cocktails behind the bar, she is likely in the walk-in counting inventory or curating specialty cocktails for the next scheduled event. She wears many hats as the liaison between the management team and the staff, the scribe during event meetings to ensure every detail for your event is relayed, and the enthused staff member pouring your locally brewed beer.
Valerie brings nearly six years of hospitality and bartending experience to the Substation. She has a passion for building a safe, exciting space for people to come together and enjoy a variety of experiences–whether it's listening to live music, playing games, discussing wine tasting notes, or having a dance party until 2am. Beyond her bartending experience, she has a rich education, with a Masters degree in English Literature, and a year of teaching under her belt. From the classroom to the bar, Valerie has strengthened her leadership skills, passion for community, and innovative ideas on how to make everyone feel included and valued.
Contact: bar@substation.space
Andrew Escoto
Activations Manager
Contact: activations@substation.space
The Substation Gallery
The Substation Gallery is located in the MAIN hallway on the lower level. It is open to the public Monday - Friday from 9AM to 5PM and features the work of local artists.
Currently featuring Nature Illustrations by Sarah Loftus. Opening Reception October 3, 2025 at 7 PM.
Interested in showing at The Substation Gallery? Apply here.
Supporting Our Community
Since we started operating the entire building in January 2022, The Substation has offered its space to support local projects, individuals and organizations. We have donated both the main level and the lower level for numerous events, amounting to tens of thousands of dollars in saved rental fees for local non-profits and causes.
These donations are in addition to the important work of the non-profit Substation Community Supporters and include events for the following efforts:
Our Donated Space Program provides space for one event about ever quarter, to an organization or project that aligns with our value of community building, celebrates artistic expression or highlights the historic building through innovative use of the space.
We try to prioritize events that:
Are BIPOC, woman, and/or LGBTQI+ run
Are open to the public as free or ticketed events
Celebrate the arts
Focus on social services that directly impact our Boston-area communities
To apply for a donated event in 2025, please submit an inquiry here.
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