News & Updates

BRA Board approves two new residential projects, athletics complex for Wentworth, and self-storage facility in West Roxbury last night

Jan 16, 2015

BRA-owned building in Chinatown to be renovated for new tenant

In its first meeting of the new year, the Board of Directors for the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) approved $55 million in new development projects that will create 230 construction jobs when they break ground. Of the four projects approved at last night’s meeting, two will create housing in Jamaica Plain and South Boston. Wentworth Institute of Technology received approval to construct a new athletics facility on the site of an existing parking lot that the school owns in Mission Hill. The Board also approved a new self-storage facility that will be constructed in West Roxbury.

In addition to the private developments that were allowed to move forward, the Board of Directors allocated approximately $638,000 in funds to renovate the BRA-owned China Trade Center in Downtown Boston. The BRA has operated the facility since 1993, and in recent years improvements have been made to create energy-efficient systems, redesign the lobby and elevators, and make restrooms accessible to people with disabilities. The latest round of renovations will prepare the second and third floors for a future tenant that the BRA is currently seeking.

New housing and retail slated for Washington Street in Jamaica Plain

Total Project Cost: $3,500,000
Total SF: 27,633
Construction Jobs: 15

An outdated single-story restaurant building at 3383-3389 Washington Street in Jamaica Plain will be redeveloped as a mixed-use residential and retail building under a plan approved last night. The project will create 21 units of rental housing and over 2,300 square feet of ground floor retail space along Washington Street. The building will include a residential storage area, fitness center, and dedicated roof terraces for the fourth-floor penthouse units.

The residences will be a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Four of the units will be designated as affordable in accordance with the City of Boston’s Inclusionary Development Policy. The project includes 23 on-site ground level parking spaces.

The development team anticipates an 18-month construction schedule from the time they receive a building permit. The project is being developed by RTP Washington Street, LLC and was designed by Studio47 Architects.

New condominiums to be developed on L Street in South Boston

Total Project Cost: $7,100,000
Total SF: 20,130
Construction Jobs: 32

Moawed Properties, LLC will develop 13 condominium units at 57 L Street, between East Broadway and East Third Street, in South Boston. The $7 million project includes ten two-bedroom units, two three-bedroom units, and one studio. Two of the units will be restricted as affordable. Residents will be able to access convenient parking with 21 on-site and off-street spaces, as well as an enclosed bicycle rack.

The developer will make a $10,000 contribution to the City’s Fund for Parks to support the nearby Christopher Lee Playground as part of the community benefits for the project.

Construction is expected to commence this coming spring. The project was designed by Roche Christopher Architects.

Wentworth Institute of Technology set to move forward with state-of-the-art athletics facility in Mission Hill

Total Project Cost: $30,000,000
Total SF: 110,000
Construction Jobs: 125

Wentworth Sweeney Field Athletics Complex

Wentworth received approval last night to construct the new Sweeney Field Athletics Complex on their campus in Mission Hill. The 110,000 square foot project will include a state-of-the-art athletics playing field with seating for event attendees atop a single-story parking structure that will accommodate 330 vehicles. The NCAA Division III turf field will be used for varsity and intramural soccer, lacrosse, softball, and flag football.

When not in use by the college, the athletics field will be available for community programming. Wentworth’s Athletics Department will work with neighborhood organizations to coordinate these opportunities. A summer youth sports program will be developed in partnership with the Boston Centers for Youth & Families Tobin Community Center.

Two existing structures on the site that were once part of the Vienna Brewery and are designated as historic buildings will be rehabilitated for future use with oversight from the Boston Landmarks Commission.

Wentworth estimates that the construction period will last approximately 13 months. The college hopes to begin initial site work by the middle of this year so that the facility is ready for use during the fall 2016 athletic season. CDM Smith is the project architect.

CubeSmart to operate new self-storage facility in West Roxbury

Total Project Cost: $14,000,000
Total SF: 154,376
Construction Jobs: 58

Developer VLR-Roxbury, LLC received approval to construct a self-storage facility at 99 Rivermoor Street in West Roxbury off of VFW Parkway. CubeSmart, a self-storage operator that manages approximately 600 facilities nationwide, will run the new facility once constructed.

The project will significantly upgrade an existing industrial warehouse structure by improving the exterior façade and enhancing landscaping in the area, which abuts Millennium Park.

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