Project Update & FAQs
Hey Vermont!
Burlington residents and local entrepreneurs, Jovial King and Alex Crothers have teamed up on an exciting new project to redevelop 453 Pine Street. The project consists of two new businesses. Silt Botanica, a state-of-the-art Nordic-inspired bathhouse and wellness space will include indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, cold plunge, steam rooms and botanical gardens. Backside Bowl is a two-story contemporary bowling alley and community gathering space that embraces the South End Arts District aesthetic. Incorporating local food and beverage offerings, Backside Bowl will provide multiple lanes of traditional and duckpin bowling.
Construction and development details are still being finalized but the team hopes to break ground next spring. Before construction, brownfield remediation will be completed at the former industrial site in partnership with the Agency of Natural Resources Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Each project is designed to bring people together, create opportunities for connection and offer the community something new and not currently available in the city. The project also includes a commitment to open space through the donation of land, which will be developed over the next several years with leadership from the City of Burlington and input from the public.
We are thrilled to share this new space for wellness, connection and inspiration with Vermonters and visitors alike. Check back for updates as the project unfolds!
Local News
MyChamplainValley.com: Burlington brownfield to get $6 million makeover
Seven Days: Bathhouse, Bowling Alley Planned for Burlington Brownfield Site
Vermont Biz: Burlington Barge Canal site gets $6 million brownfields investment
What People Are Saying
“Vermont’s commitment to our environment and our communities has put us at the forefront of brownfield clean-up across the country. Turning these once-polluted sites into community spaces that are affordable and accessible is an important step in our shared goals of protecting our local economies and making the environment safer, healthier and able to thrive. As a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, which has oversight of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), I will continue to work to ensure the federal Brownfields Program receives the support and funding needed to continue this important work and I look forward to seeing this project move forward.”
— Senator Bernie Sanders
“As I travel around the state visiting sites like this, I see job creation and economic opportunity where it was not possible before and that is absolutely critical to ensuring Vermont is an affordable place to live and raise a family.”
— Governor Phil Scott
“It is gratifying to see this piece of our South End come to life with this great new project,” said Senator Patrick Leahy, who has long championed federal appropriations for brownfields redevelopment work. “Along with places like the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, this is another tangible and practical example of how federal policies can support real world efforts to strengthen our communities.”
— Senator Patrick Leahy
Project Development FAQs
What is Silt Botanica?
Silt Botanica, a state-of-the-art bathhouse and wellness space that includes indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, cold plunge, steam rooms and botanical gardens.
What is Backside Bowl?
Backside Bowl is a two story contemporary bowling alley and community gathering space that embraces the South End Arts District aesthetic. Incorporating local food and beverage offerings, Backside Bowl will provide multiple lanes of traditional and duckpin bowling.
What will the open space be like?
The project includes a commitment to open space through the donation of several acres of land, which will be developed with leadership from the City of Burlington and the public. This process will take place over the next several years and involve inclusive planning and public input. The open and public space could include art installations, walking trails, Burlington Bike Path access, and views of the lake and sunset; elements that make the South End so special.
When will this project be complete?
With permits in place, we plan to break ground in spring 2023 and open our doors to the public in late 2023/early 2024.
Will there be local discounts and memberships available?
YES!
What is a Brownfield?
A Brownfield is typically a former industrial site that requires specific clean-up to remediate for use once again. Learn more at the EPA website.
Are Brownfields sites safe?
With appropriate remediation led by state and federal partners, Brownfields sites are ideal places for economic growth and community spaces. Here in Vermont, sites like the Burlington Waterfront and City Hall Park in Burlington, Jones & Lamson in Springfield and City Place in Barre have all benefited from successful remediation efforts and new economic development.
“This exciting new project highlights the best of what Vermonters can do by working together to make our communities better. By redeveloping this brownfield, Burlington will gain economic, social and environmental benefits. I want to commend the team who is working hard to turn this project into a healthy and fun place to visit in our community.”
— Congressman Peter Welch
The South End Arts + Business Association (SEABA) serves to bring together artists and businesses to support a thriving city district. “SEABA is thrilled to welcome this great new project to our South End community,” said Christy Mitchell, SEABA’s Executive Director. “We're excited for a development on this property that will serve as a unique gathering space, while leaving much of the land to nature. SEABA is especially eager to collaborate on art installations to bring opportunities to our creative community, further enhancing the vibrant South End Arts District."
— Christy Mitchell
Katharine Montstream is a widely respected arts leader in Burlington and maintains a studio at the Soda Plant. “Twenty years ago I painted on the edges of the Barge Canal and always hoped it would be accessible for residents to explore in the future,” she shared. “Silt Botanica and Backside Bowl is the perfect combination to make Pine Street just that much more extraordinary. This is incredible news for the South End and Northern Vermont, for that matter.”