Thank you! Director Meade leaves BRA as more than $6 billion of development is underway with $10 billion in the pipeline
Jan 03, 2014
On Monday the BRA bids farewell to Director Peter Meade as more than $6 billion of development is underway with $10 billion in the pipeline. Director Meade has been a charismatic, approachable, and civic-minded leader to the more than 200 professionals who staff this agency, and we wish him well as he says goodbye.
Director Meade was appointed by Mayor Menino to head the BRA in April 2011 when Boston was recovering from the national recession. Mayor Menino hired Director Meade “to get stuff done.” Over the course of his nearly 3 year term, 84 projects totaling 15.5 million square feet have broken ground, creating 17,000 construction jobs and adding 6,516 units of housing. These projects represent a more than $6.8 billion investment in neighborhoods across Boston.
“I’m truly proud of the bright, hardworking, and caring professionals whom I have worked with at the BRA, and I am proud of the work that’s been done, especially in Boston’s one-of-a-kind neighborhoods,” said Director Meade. “Working under Mayor Menino has been an honor and a privilege; he’s a real inspiration.”
Some of the neighborhoods projects that have move forward during Director Meade’s tenure include:
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Redevelopment of the Roslindale Substation - Transforming the former Roslindale Square substation on Washington Street into a mixed-use project with a restaurant, cafe and produce market
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The East Boston Greenway - Extending the Greenway connection from the Boston Harbor to Constitution Beach
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Charlesview Apartments and Barry’s Corner Redevelopment in Allston - New housing means stronger neighborhoods
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Boston Landing in Allston/Brighton - Expansion of New Balance HQs, new jobs, commuter rail stop
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Portside at Pier One on East Boston Waterfront - First East Boston waterfront project to break ground, new housing
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Ferry connections between East Boston, South Boston, and Charlestown are on their way
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Continued high growth of the Innovation District - attracting 5,000 new jobs in over 200 new companies since 2010
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New supermarkets in several Boston neighborhoods, strengthening and nourishing communities
Roche Brothers, Millennium Tower, Downtown Crossing
Star Market, Boston Garden Redevelopment, West End/North End
Whole Foods, Ink Block, South End
Tropical Foods Expansion, Parcel 10, Dudley Square
Wegmans, Landmark Center, Fenway
In addition, Director Meade did critical work on several of Mayor Menino’s core initiatives:
In February 2012 Mayor Menino announced that Millennium Partners would take an ownership stake in the redevelopment of Filene’s in Downtown Crossing. Director Meade was critical to brokering the agreement, which will result in a striking 625-foot residential building and the future Boston headquarters of Arnold Worldwide. The project broke ground in September 2013.
In March 2012 Boston celebrated groundbreaking on the $115 million Dudley Municipal Office Building restoration, transforming the old Ferdinand building in the heart of Roxbury into the Boston Public Schools Headquarters.
Director Meade was a part of the team that worked to attract Converse to Boston, emphasizing the city’s young, talented, and creative workforce. In January 2013 Mayor Menino announced the move, which has spurred the rehabilitation of Lovejoy Wharf and continues the revitalization of Bulfinch Triangle.
In September 2013 the BRA Board approved $750 million redevelopment plans for the Christian Science Center. Director Meade is proud of these “spectacular” buildings that will grow Boston’s high spine on the city’s iconic Christian Science Plaza, including adding Boston’s tallest residential building rising 691 feet and totaling 58 stories.
Menino Park in the Charlestown Navy Yard is the city’s first universally accessible playground in Boston. Opened in November 2013 the 15,000 square foot rubber playground area has ADA accessible paths and gathering spaces, 63 pieces of play equipment, and a 23,000 square foot boardwalk. The land for the project was owned by the BRA and transferred to the Parks Department. A $1 million donation from Liberty Mutual Insurance was critical to the project’s success.
Featured Photo is from September 2011 Groundbreaking at the Avalon Exeter in the Back Bay