BRA Board approves nearly $152 million of new development
Oct 17, 2014
Projects will create 195 housing units, a boutique downtown hotel, and light manufacturing space for small businesses
The Board of Directors for the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) approved six new development projects at last night’s meeting that together represent $151.7 million worth of investment and nearly 674,000 square feet of construction. The approvals pave the way for 195 new units of housing to be developed in Brighton, South Boston, and downtown. A boutique hotel near North Station and light manufacturing space in Hyde Park were also approved at the meeting. The projects are expected to create over 450 construction jobs and close to 700 permanent jobs.
The board meeting concluded with a presentation from the BRA’s Urban Design Department about newly developed guidance that makes it easier for homeowners and local businesses to navigate the approval process for small projects.
Boutique hotel at 104 Canal Street will add to growing mix of development near North Station
Total Project Cost: $30,000,000
Total SF: 47,355
Construction Jobs: 91
The site of a former bank branch at the corner of Canal Street and Valenti Way will be redeveloped by Somnath Hospitality, LLC as a 90-room hotel to serve the rapidly growing North Station area of downtown. The Canal Street hotel will be a short walk from the TD Garden and Haymarket and will include a public art installation and a café with outdoor seating to enhance the pedestrian experience in the neighborhood, as well as a ground floor lobby and fitness center for hotel guests. Guests will have easy access to public transit, as connections to the MBTA’s Green Line, Orange Line, and commuter rail are in close proximity.
Local architecture firm ADD Inc designed the building with a pedestrian friendly approach that is meant to encourage the use of public transit.
Readville Yard 5 project will transform former rail yard into light manufacturing space for small businesses
Total Project Cost: $20,000,000
Total SF: 375,000
Construction Jobs: 60
Readville Yard 5 entails the construction of six new buildings on a 21 acre parcel adjacent to the MBTA’s Readville commuter rail station. The six buildings will vary in size from one end of the triangular-shaped parcel to the other in order to maximize the potential of the site. Five of the six structures will be one-story buildings that contain up to 51 individual units to accommodate small-scale light industrial and manufacturing uses. The sixth structure will consist of a 42,000 square foot three-story office building that will serve as a gateway to the entire development.
The project site, which for over 100 years was used for railroad maintenance, passage, and materials storage, underwent extensive environmental remediation in 2011 by the MBTA. The new development will further improve environmental conditions at the site and create public pedestrian access that previously did not exist. Planned streetscape improvements include new multi-use paths, street lighting, plantings throughout the property, and a connection to the adjacent commuter rail station.
Spearheaded by First Highland Management and Development Corporation, and designed by Utile, Inc, the project is expected to be completed in two phases. Phase one will commence in March 2015, and will include the construction of site infrastructure and two buildings to house some of the manufacturing units. Phase two is expected to begin in March 2017, and will include the construction of the remainder of the buildings.
Brighton Marine Health Center to redevelop campus with affordable housing units intended for veterans
Total Project Cost: $40,000,000
Total SF: 111,650
Construction Jobs: 121
Brighton Marine Health Center has provided social services, with a focus on veterans and their families, in Allston-Brighton since 1940. In an ambitious plan to create 101 units of housing, including 80 units that will be offered at various levels of affordability, the Brighton Marine Health Center residential development marks a new chapter in the history of the campus. To the extent feasible under local, state, and federal regulations, all of the units will be leased with a preference for veterans. The project aligns with a priority of Mayor Martin J. Walsh, who in July announced the “Boston Homes for the Brave” initiative to address homelessness among local veterans.
As part of the redevelopment process, a historic structure on the site will be rehabilitated with ground floor common space for the community. Brighton Marine Health Center will also work with the City of Boston’s Department of Veterans’ Services to construct a World War II memorial that pays tribute to fallen heroes from Allston-Brighton.
The Brighton Marine residences are designed by The Architectural Team, a firm that specializes in historic restoration.
55 India Street will bring new condos and ground floor retail along the Rose Kennedy Greenway
Total Project Cost: $45,000,000
Total SF: 67,000
Construction Jobs: 136
Boston Residential Development, LLC was given approval to move forward with its plans to construct a twelve-story residential development that includes 44 condominium units and 4,000 square feet of ground floor commercial space in the heart of downtown along the Greenway. 55 India Street will contain one-, two-, and three-bedroom units in a building that is designed for residents to take advantage of the many public transportation options in the area. The building will have no on-site parking, but it will offer secure bicycle storage for every unit.
The development will replace a surface parking lot. By transforming an underutilized site on the edge of the Greenway with a vibrant mixed-use building, 55 India Street will substantially improve the pedestrian environment in the area.
Hacin + Associates is the project architect.
South Boston residential projects will create 50 units of new housing in the neighborhood
The project will consist of a newly constructed four-story building containing 20 residential units with on-site parking for 27 vehicles. The building will include 17 two-bedroom units and three three-bedroom units. Three of the 20 units will be affordable.
The developer will contribute $10,000 to the City of Boston’s Fund for Parks to help maintain Christopher Lee Playground, which is located near the development.
Construction is expected to begin before the end of the year, with the goal of completing the building for occupancy in late 2015. Roche-Christopher Architecture, LLC designed the project.
45 L Street
Total Project Cost: $11,050,000
Total SF: 42,963
Construction Jobs: 33
45 L Street will be a five-story mixed-use development containing 30 condominium units, with four of those being affordable. The building consists of 20 two-bedroom, six one-bedroom, and four three-bedroom units. The project will provide 32 on-site parking spaces and an enclosed bicycle storage facility.
The developer of 45 L Street, like that of 933 East Second Street, will contribute $10,000 to the City’s Fund for Parks to help maintain Christopher Lee Playground.
Construction is expected to commence in the spring of 2015. Sutphin Associates, Inc is the project architect.