Mayor Menino Announces: New Developments Move Forward
Oct 18, 2012
Approved projects will create 1,527 new jobs and invest $276 million in Boston
Boston University School of Law Expansion Approved
Private investment / Total project cost: $172MTotal square footage: approx. 245,000 SFJobs: 1,000 construction jobsThe BRA Board unanimously gave final approval for the $172 million expansion and addition to the Boston University School of Law complex located at 765 Commonwealth Avenue. The construction will create learning and study space and update outdated facilities.
The iconic 18-story BostonUniversity Law School designed by Jose Luis Sert was built in 1964. Boston University’s plans call for the rehabilitation of the existing Law School exterior and renovation of its 150,000 SF interior. The proposal also calls for an approximately 95,000 SF, 96-foot addition on the west side of the Law School above the existing one-story Central Boiler Plant building. The Law School rehab and expansion will make room for formal and informal student social space, a dining area, group study facilities, and the expansion of the School’s Professional Education programs.
Project construction is slated to begin in winter 2012-2013 with completion expected for fall 2015. The project was previously approved under Boston University’s 2000-2010 Institutional Master Plan. The Board's approval reflects recent revisions to the project.
Affordable Housing Funding Secured for Key Chinatown Development
The BRA Board unanimously approved $1.8M, resulting from the construction of the W Boston Hotel and Residences, to be used for the creation of affordable housing. The monies from the recently completed building in the Theater District will help finance approximately 145 affordable units at nearby Parcel 24 bounded by Kneeland, Hudson, and Albany Streets.
The $120 million project planned for Parcel 24 is being developed by New Boston Fund in partnership with the Asian Community Development Corporation. The two-phase project will create 362 new units of housing, including the approximately 145 affordable rental units, and 200 market rate rental units.
Other funding for the development includes $6.5 million in state subsidies, $2 million in federal low income housing tax credits, $1 million in state low income housing tax credits and $3.5 million in City of Boston HOME funds.
Hotel Approved for New Brighton Landing in Allston/Brighton
Private investment / Total project cost: $500M (New Brighton Landing)Total square footage: 110-140,000 SFAddress: Guest Street, Allston-BrightonJobs: 400 full-time construction jobs, 600 peak constructions jobs, and 3,000 permanent jobs (New Brighton Landing)
The BRA Board unanimously approved a 140-175 key hotel with 75 parking spaces next to the future New Balance World Headquarters. Last month, the BRA Board unanimously approved office space, a sports complex, a commuter rail station, retail, restaurants, and open space as part of the New Brighton Landing project.
New Balance’s goal is to create a corridor of renewed activity along Guest Street through public infrastructure improvements, new jobs, and public, open space to promote health and wellness.
The development team is composed of New Balance, Elkus Manfredi Architects, Goodwin Procter, Howard/Stein-Hudson, Inc., Carol R. Johnson, Inc., Beals Associates, and Epsilon Associates.
Future Home of North Bennet Street School Approved
Private investment / Total project cost: $16MTotal square footage: 65,000 SFJobs: 150 construction jobs and 10 permanent jobs
The BRA Board unanimously approved the rehabilitation of two buildings in the North End to serve as the home of the North Bennet Street School, a nationally-recognized center for fine craftsmanship.
The School will rehabilitate 61,000 SF in 130-140 Richmond Street and 152 North Street and add a 2-story, 4,000 SF link to an existing low rise facility at 150 North Street. The connecting building will house classrooms and public education areas. The North Bennet Street School will also make improvements to Richmond Street and North Street. The school will share programming space and educational opportunities, a gallery, and more with the community.
Housing for 1085 Boylston Street Approved
Private investment / Total project cost: $5.5MTotal square footage: 28,860Housing: 30 unitsJobs: 80 construction jobs and 1-2 permanent jobs The BRA Board unanimously approved a 6-story residential building with 30 rental units, 18 parking spaces, and a green roof for 1085 Boylston Street, a parking lot one block from Massachusetts Avenue and Boylston Street. The BRA Board approval is contingent upon design review approval.
The development team is Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation and Developmental Resources.
New Housing for Jamaica Plain Approved
Private investment / Total project cost: $75MTotal square footage: 253,000 SFHousing: 196 unitsJobs: 225 construction; 10 permanent jobsGreenovation: LEED silver certified
The BRA Board unanimously approved new housing for South Huntington Avenue. The 196-unit building will add new family and affordable living options in Jamaica Plain.
Olmsted Place is a $75 million project at 161 South Huntington Avenue that replaces the former location of the Home for Little Wanderers. The 253,000 SF building will have a 4-story and 5-story component with a unit mix of studios, one, two, and three bedrooms, including 30 affordable units. The project includes 156 parking spaces of which 147 are partially below grade and 9 spaces are at grade.
The project is moving forward after an extensive community process. As a result of neighborhood stakeholder input, the developer changed the project’s massing, decreased parking in front of the building, increased the number of three bedroom units and the number of affordable units.
Olmsted Place is being developed by Boston Residential Group LLC with architect ADD Inc. The project will create 225 construction jobs and is anticipated to break ground in April 2013 with an estimated 18 month construction period.
New Housing for Vacant South Boston Building
Private investment / Total project cost: $6MTotal square footage: 10,474 SFHousing: 24 unitsJobs: 50 construction jobs
The BRA Board unanimously approved new housing for the vacant Gate of Heaven gymnasium building at 616 East Fourth Street in South Boston. The $6M project will breathe new life into an unused building and complement the reuse of the neighboring Gate of Heaven Rectory building.
The existing 10,474 SF Gate of Heaven gymnasium will be converted into a 4-story residential building with 24 units, including 3 affordable units. The project includes 21 parking spaces located in a garage below the building, six of which are located within the adjacent rectory building garage. The building will have entrances onEast Fourth Streetand I Street.
The development team consists of the developer, Cronin Group, LLC, and architect, French Architects, INC. Construction is anticipated to begin in January 2013 with an estimated completion date of March 2014.