Development Projects

A Citizen's Guide to Development Review

Design Review

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285 Columbus Ave Project Address   285 Columbus Ave Neighborhood    South End/Bay Village Uses    Retail  Residential  Ownership   Land Sq. Ft.    14,765 sq ft Building Size    92,600 sq ft Residential Units    63 Applicant    Boston Residential Group Project Description    Renovation of an existing eight-story, approximately 96,200 square foot building, to include 63 residential condominium units, and approximately 9,000 square feet of street-level retail/restaurant space on Columbus Avenue. Last Updated    7/29/2009

Article 80 Review Process


Why is review required?

Large Project Review (described further on pages 6-9 of A Citizen's Guide to Development Review) applies to virtually all major projects in Boston. In most locations, Large Project Review applies to projects that add at least 50,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area. In Large Project Review, the BRA, guided by comments from the public, examines a project's impacts on its immediate neighborhood and on the City as a whole.

Depending upon the project's size, location and use, the review may address the project's impacts in a variety of areas, including traffic and parking, environmental protection (wind, shadow, noise, etc.), the design character of the area, historic buildings, and infrastructure systems (water, sewer, electricity, etc.). Depending upon the project's impacts, the BRA may require the developer to change the project's design or to take other measures to reduce (or "mitigate") those impacts.


What are the criteria for review?

An Article 80B submission is required in accordance with Article 80 of the Boston Zoning Code. You can read more about these requirements in Article 80 and in A Citizen's Guide to Development Review.


What is the current review status?

Construction Complete
BRA Board Approval Date: 4/25/2006


Please refer to the community calendar for the most current listing of public meeting dates.



How can I find out more? For more information or to comment on the application, contact the project manager, Heather Campisano, at 617-918-4404.

By mail:

Heather Campisano
Boston Redevelopment Authority
One City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201-1007.

By e-mail: Heather.Campisano.BRA@CityofBoston.gov


If you would like to review the project application, the Boston Redevelopment Authority offices are located on the 9th floor of Boston City Hall, One City Hall Square, and project submissions are available during regular office hours (9:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, except legal holidays).