News & Updates

BRA Board Moves Projects Forward

Mar 13, 2014

Redevelopment of Hood Dairy Site Underway in Charlestown, New Charter School in East Boston, West Roxbury YMCA to Expand, RFP for Boston Marine Industrial Park, New Chief of Staff Named

The Boston Redevelopment Authority Board of Directors has approved a number of projects in several Boston neighborhoods. The projects will create more than 1,075 new construction and permanent jobs and invest more than $60 million in the City of Boston.

State of the Art Research and Office Park Planned for the Charlestown Hood Dairy Site

Total Project Cost: $25 million
Total SF: 61,000 square feet
Jobs: 200 construction jobs, 450 permanent jobs
LEED: Certified

The BRA Board approved a project change at 500 Rutherford Avenue at the former Hood Dairy site in Charlestown. The project is part of a 20 acre development plan, which will transform the existing industrial plant into a state of the art research and office park.

The existing warehouse at 500 Rutherford Avenue will be rehabbed and a 61,000 square foot one story interstitial addition will be constructed. Under the project's previous approval, the developer was approved to add 158,000 square feet to the existing warehouse.

The total square footage of the planned development at the Hood Dairy site is 1,168,820 square feet, and will not change with the alteration at 500 Rutherford Avenue. The total reduced square footage from the project change, totaling 97,000 square feet, will be applied to other projects in the site.

The project developer is Hood Business Park, LLC with project architect Symmes Maini & McKee Associates. The project will create 200 construction jobs and 450 permanent jobs. This is the first phase of the Hood Business Park to move forward since 2001.

Excel Academy Plans New Charter School Facility in East Boston

Total Project Cost: $25 million
Total SF: 70,000 square feet
Jobs: 70 construction jobs, 105 permanent jobs
LEED: LEED Silver

The BRA Board approved the development of a new charter school at 413 Bremen Street in East Boston. The three story building will house the Excel Academy East Boston Middle/High School and replace a parking lot and three vacant buildings.

The new two acre campus will include a 70,000 square foot building with 35 classrooms, community rooms, a cafeteria, gymnasium, office space, and support space. The project also includes a 30-car pick up and drop off area, a dedicated bus pull off area, a 50 space parking lot for faculty and visitors, and a 24,100 square foot outdoor student courtyard.

With the construction of the new facility, Excel Academy plans to relocate its Orient Heights middle school (Grades 5-8) operations at 1150 Saratoga Street with approximately 224 students to the project site. In addition the project will house approximately 672 high school students (Grades 9-12) for a total enrollment of 896 students.

The $25 million project is being developed by Excel Academy Charter Schools, Inc and Studio G Architects. The project will create 70 construction jobs and 105 permanent jobs, with a groundbreaking planned for spring 2014.

West Roxbury YMCA to Expand and Update Facilities

Total Project Cost: $10 million
Total SF: 36,000 square feet
Jobs: up to 250
LEED: Certifiable

The BRA Board approved a rehab and addition to the West Roxbury YMCA at 15 Bellevue Street.
The existing YMCA will undergo a complete renovation, including the demolition of 16,000 square feet of the existing structure, which contains an outdated pool and gymnasium. In addition 24,000 square feet will be added, replacing the adjacent former Federal Post Office at 1972 Centre Street.

The updates and additions to the West Roxbury YMCA will better accommodate existing programs and allow for new initiatives such as a teen fitness center, expanded child care, senior programming, water therapy, handicapped access, youth sports, and programming for special needs children. A new aquatic center will expand instruction for youth and adults, and allow for collaborative sharing with local schools for training, competitions, and instruction. The project includes 84 parking spaces.

The $10 million renovation is being developed by the YMCA of Greater Boston, Inc with project architect LINEA 5, Inc. The project will create up to 250 construction jobs.

RFP to be Issued for Parcel in Boston Marine Industrial Park

The BRA Board approved a request to advertise and issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to redevelop Parcel V-1 located in the Boston Marine Industrial Park (BMIP).

Parcel V-1 contains approximately 105,000 square feet of land and an approximately 47,000 lightweight prefabricated structure, and is zoned Maritime Dependent. EDIC seeks to develop Parcel V-1 to its highest and best use in accordance with the BMIP Master Plan and Chapter 91 legislation.

Parcel V-1 is currently utilized by several licensed users for truck and commercial vehicle parking on a month to month basis.

Heather Campisano, Deputy Director for Development Review, Named Chief of Staff

The BRA Board approved the Acting Director's recommendation to name Heather Campisano Chief of Staff of the BRA/EDIC. Heather started as an intern at the BRA 14 years ago and worked her way up in the Development Review Department from Project Assistant to Assistant Project Manager to Project Manager to Senior Project Manager. In 2006 she was named Deputy Director for Development Review. In this position she provided leadership for the BRA's review of development proposals, oversaw a staff of project managers, coordinated development review activities with the agency's planning, design, zoning, and legal divisions, and interfaced with and provided guidance to development teams to advance their project proposals.

Heather is the consummate professional, and her knowledge of the BRA/EDIC is broad and deep. She has managed sophisticated projects, mentored dozens of project managers, and has shown to be a strong and consistent leader. Heather is well respected by her colleagues within the agency, and by the outside development community. Heather is a team player who is dynamic and committed to responsible development across the city.

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