The Pru's Top Of The Hub And Skywalk Observatory Will Close In April

Two of Boston's top attractions are closing.

The Top of The Hub restaurant and Skywalk Observatory will shutter on April 18, according to the operator of the venues.

"The closures are the result of the decision of Boston Properties Inc., owners of The Prudential Tower, not to provide a new lease for the venues despite several years of discussion," Select Restaurants, Inc., the owner and operator of the restaurant and observatory, said in a statement.

The venues — located atop The Prudential Tower — have been prime attractions for many years.

The Top of the Hub restaurant sits 52 floors above Boston's Back Bay and has been a destination for celebrating special occasions. Meanwhile, the Skywalk Observatory boasts sweeping 360-degree views of the city — and is New England's tallest observatory, according to its operator.

In a statement, Boston Properties thanked Select Restaurants, the operator of the venues, "for their many years of service."

"Boston Properties is planning an exciting new design for an observatory at Prudential Center that will provide a world-class visitor experience for visitors to Boston," Boston Properties executive vice president Bryan Koop said. "We thank the community in advance for their patience during the construction process and look forward to sharing plans for this exciting new experience."

Select Restaurants announced the closure of The Top Of The Hub and Skywalk Observatory at a staff meeting Wednesday afternoon. More than 200 employees will lose their jobs, according to the company.

Select Restaurants chairman John Quagliata said the lack of a new lease is not due to management failure, an inability to pay escalating rents or a downturn in business.

"Despite continued sales growth, a commitment to once again invest millions of dollars in the restaurant, and our heartfelt desire to operate the restaurant as we have for decades, Boston Properties chose not to extend our lease," Quagliata said in a statement.