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Future of Fenway: Developing a vibrant neighborhood for a new generation

BOSTON — In a few weeks, baseball will return to Fenway Park. When the Red Sox return, fans may notice some big changes in the Fenway neighborhood.

For generations, Fenway Park and the Red Sox defined the Fenway neighborhood of Boston.

From Opening Day to hopefully the end of a successful World Series in late October, Fenway Park has been where it's at.

But that's changing - and in a big way.

Opening Day is still a few weeks away, but right now, the area around the beloved ballpark is very much alive.

All around Fenway, Boylston Street, Van Ness, and Brookline Avenue, there is not just growth, there is transformation.

The old commercial Fenway neighborhood is receding - many would say disappearing - and sprouting up in its wake is a new neighborhood for a new millennium.

A place attracting people year round. People like Brent Refsland.

He co-owns the pop up art gallery Room 68 located on Boylston Street. Room 68 opened for the holiday season for what was originally going to be for a limited time, but now, might be more long-term.

"There's something about the way they are developing this tight space on Boylston Street. They are being very smart about the way they are curating the local fare with the more established brands," said Refsland.

Over on Van Ness - just across the way from Fenway Park - a new old-time barbershop to go with the old-time ballyard. The Bostonian Barbershop has only been open for business for a year and a half, but business is booming.

"I've talked to people who came back to this neighborhood, haven't been here in awhile, and they are like, I don't even know where I am right now."

It's clear Fenway is not your grandfather's neighborhood, but business owners, city officials and residents are working together to keep the area vibrant - even when baseball is not in season.

MORE: How the grounds crew transforms Fenway Park during off season