Mayor Thomas M. Menino today joined Boston Redevelopment Authority and Boston Properties officials for a ceremonial “topping off” of the $500 million mixed-use project at Russia Wharf. The 854,000 square-foot project will greatly transform the underutilized historic buildings with the creation of approximately 700,000 square feet of new commercial office space, 60,000 square feet of retail/restaurant/civic space, 5,000 square feet of artist work space and 65 new units of housing. The façades of the historic buildings have been retained and a new 31-story building is rising above. Once complete, the project will provide an attractive 1/3 acre public plaza and promenade that connects to the new water transportation facilities at 500 Atlantic Avenue and the Boston HarborWalk trail system.

“This project will be a tremendous addition to our downtown waterfront, bringing new residential, office, retail and artist work space to the area,” Mayor Menino said. “Even in this economic climate, Boston still has projects that are moving forward. 350 construction workers have been working on this project and soon it will employ 500 workers as the construction moves into the next phase.”

Construction of the project has been underway since early 2008. CBT Architects oversaw the design for the historic rehabilitation of the 19th Century Buildings. The developer has pre-leased nearly all of the commercial office space to Wellington Management, who will bring approximately 1,500 employees to the new building. Boston Properties expects that the 5,000 square feet of work space will provide for 10-15 artist work studios. The project is expected to be complete in 2011.

Press Contact: Jessica Shumaker, 617.918.4446.

Release Date: September 15, 2009