Four development projects, totaling $137 million, approved by BRA/EDIC Board
Will create nearly 300 units of housing and revitalize areas
BOSTON – Last night, the Board of Directors for the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) and Economic Development Industrial Corporation (EDIC) approved four projects that are now one step closer to coming to fruition. The developments, which will create new housing and commercial space in Boston’s neighborhoods, represent a combined investment of $137 million in the local economy. The 523,000 square feet of projects will span from East Boston, to South Boston, to Jamaica Plain and create over 400 construction jobs as a result.
The latest approvals add to an already bustling year for development activity in Boston, where nearly $3 billion in projects have received the green light since January.
The BRA/EDIC Board also approved funding to support two arts-related initiatives. Sasaki Associates was granted a contract not to exceed $150,000 to produce design guidelines for the Avenue of the Arts. The initiative is being funded by academic and cultural institutions along the Avenue of the Arts. Additionally, Artists for Humanity in South Boston will receive a $100,000 grant to support its expansion efforts with the goal of broadening the organization’s community, civic, and maker space for the Fort Point Arts and Innovation District communities. The grant was made possible with mitigation funds from the Channel Center project.
Fort Point building at 319 A Street to be restored and converted from office space to mixed-use development with housing and retail
Total Project Cost: $30,000,000
Total SF: 48,500
Construction Jobs: 91
Boston Residential Group, LLC will transform an existing office building at 319 A Street in Fort Point into 48 residential units with approximately 5,500 square feet of ground floor commercial space. The building will contain studio, one-, and two-bedroom units, and residents will access to a roof deck that offers views of the neighborhood. The commercial space could include a 550 square foot outdoor terrace on an adjacent alleyway.
The developer will preserve and rehabilitate the brick building, which was originally constructed in 1914, so that it maintains the historic character that defines other buildings in the Fort Point area. With convenient access to the MBTA’s Silver Line and South Station, the project is transit oriented and will improve the pedestrian experience with sidewalk upgrades and street lighting enhancements. The building will provide bike racks for commercial customers and employees, as well as secured bicycle storage for residents.
The project was designed by Add Inc, and the contractor is Lee Kennedy Co.
Underutilized lot in Jamaica Plain to be redeveloped with housing, self-storage facility, and other commercial space
Total Project Cost: $80,000,000
Total SF: 313,050
Construction Jobs: 242
On a site where partially occupied warehouse buildings currently sit, SSG Development, LLC and New Boston Ventures, LLC will create a three-building development that includes 132 units of housing spread between two buildings, a 132,000 square foot self-storage facility with a community room for the neighborhood, and a community garden.
The residential portion of the project is comprised of a four-story building with 44 condominium units and a five-story building with 88 rental units. The rental building will house 25,000 square feet of ground floor retail. Both buildings will contain below grade parking. Between the two buildings, 19 of the units will be designated as affordable in accordance with the City of Boston’s housing policy.
The development team will provide significant environmental cleanup of a contaminated former industrial site. In addition to the garden and other open space contained within the project, the developers will provide $100,000 in funding to support the planned Southwest Corridor Extension.
135 Bremen Street project will bring new housing near East Boston Greenway
Total Project Cost: $19,000,000
Total SF: 127,770
Construction Jobs: 57
East Boston continues to see new investment in housing. Earlier this week, the community celebrated the grand opening of Portside at Pier East on the waterfront in Jeffries Point, and last night, the BRA Board approved a proposal for new housing at 135 Bremen Street. The project will create 94 residential units, including 12 affordable units, and 8,300 square feet of commercial space along the ground floor near the East Boston Greenway. The units will be a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedrooms.
The six-story building is ideally situated within close proximity to the airport, the MBTA’s Maverick Square Station, and the Sumner and Ted Williams Tunnels. The project will include an underground parking facility that will be able to accommodate 110 vehicle spaces and 100 bicycles for residents and commercial patrons.
Construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2015 and last for approximately 12 to 14 months. The project is being developed by 135 Bremen, LLC, a partnership of real estate developers Joseph Ricupero and Michael Merullo. Neshamkin French Architects, Inc. designed the building.
24 condominium units approved for South Boston near Broadway MBTA Station
Total Project Cost: $8,000,000
Total SF: 34,095
Construction Jobs: 24
City Point Place, LLC will redevelop a lot at 150 West Broadway Street in South Boston, razing two existing structures to make way for a five-story mixed-use development that will contain 24 condominium units as well as 32 on-site parking spaces. In accordance with the Inclusionary Development Policy, three of the units will be affordable. 22 of the units will be two-bedrooms, and the other two will be one-bedrooms.
The design for the building, the product of architects Choo & Company, Inc, is a traditional red brick façade with metal accent paneling, large windows on the first floor, and double hung windows on the floors above.
The developer plans to commence construction of the project next spring.
