Development Projects

A Citizen's Guide to Development Review

Design Review

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49-63 Melcher Street Project Address   49/51/63 Melcher Street Links (big files)   Project Notification Form       Notice of Project Change       Planned Development Area Amendment       Neighborhood    South Boston Uses    Retail  Office  Residential   Land Sq. Ft.    N/A Building Size    173,000 sq ft Applicant    W2005 BWH II Realty LLC Project Description    63 Melcher: 38 units, including 5 affordable artist live/work units, 27 Innovation Units & 6 lofts. 51 Melcher: 94,220sf office bldg w/ 4,780sf of retail. 49 Melcher: 14-22 units and 14,100sf retail/restaurant uses. Last Updated    2/14/2013

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


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, Geoff Lewis, at 617-918-4297.

By mail:

Geoff Lewis
Boston Redevelopment Authority
One City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201-1007.

By e-mail: Geoff.Lewis.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).