BRA Board approves $65.8 million in new projects at May meeting
Approved projects will introduce over 600 units of housing and target needs of specific populations
BOSTON – The Board of Directors for the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) approved three new development proposals at last night’s meeting and revisions to two previously approved projects. The new projects represent over $65.8 million of investment in Boston’s economy, and over 1,600 construction jobs are expected to result from all the projects that received approval. New housing projects were approved for South Boston and Brighton, with the latter calling for construction of new senior units to help meet existing demand and advance Mayor Walsh’s agenda for housing a changing City by 2030. The Copley residential and retail expansion and a residential project at 1350 Boylston Street in Fenway obtained new approvals for relatively minor project changes.
The local economy gained additional support through a citywide amendment to the Boston Zoning Code. The approved amendment makes it easier for small businesses to open throughout the City, by allowing “low-impact” uses in all of Boston’s commercial districts. Art galleries, and specific entertainment, retail, service, and trade venues defined as low-impact may now open citywide, without business owners having to navigate dense, neighborhood-specific zoning restrictions. This update to the Zoning Code makes good on the Mayor’s call to streamline the permitting process for small businesses, which he discussed in a December speech to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. City Councilor Ayanna Pressley supported the measure, specifically as it relates to art galleries.
Below is a summary of the projects that are set to move forward.
Copley Place residential and retail expansion moves forward with boundary amendment and updated affordable housing agreement
Total Project Cost: $500,000,000
Total SF: 1,960,000
Construction Jobs: 1,477
The Copley Place residential and retail expansion site boundaries have been revised and redrawn to accommodate overhangs on the façade. This adjustment was made to prevent exterior features from encroaching onto areas outside the approved site, and will enable the Elkus-Manfredi-designed project to progress.
The project is comprised of two components: an expanded retail base at the plaza near Stuart and Dartmouth Streets and a residential component to be built above. The 690,000 square feet of new residential space will include amenities for approximately 542 residential units, with 76 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units created on-site as affordable housing. The BRA facilitated negotiations with Simon Properties, the developer, and the community to include five additional affordable units from what was previously approved.
The retail expansion and residential programming are designed to dramatically improve the site’s character, refine the overall pedestrian experience, and support sustainable design goals, with the development team stating a commitment to achieving LEED Silver Certification.
49 residential units approved for 14 West Broadway at Cornerstone Pub location
Total Project Cost: $35 million
Total SF: 90,000
Construction Jobs: 84
CPC Cornerstone Development, LLC gained approval to redevelop a site that is currently occupied by the Cornerstone Pub in South Boston.
The development team proposed construction of an approximately 90,000 square foot mixed-use building, with either the first or second floor reserved for commercial use. The remaining space would house the 49-unit residential component, featuring a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units, six of which will be maintained as affordable. The project also includes 70 below-grade parking spaces.
The neighborhood economy will benefit from new commercial and retail spaces along Dorchester Avenue and West Broadway. The streetscape and pedestrian experience will be enhanced with new trees and other landscaping.
Construction is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2015 and be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017.
Two new residential buildings slated for construction at 815 East Fifth St. & 812 East Sixth St.
Total Project Cost: $8 million
Total SF: 31,673
Construction Jobs: 23
815 East 5th Street, LLC received final approval to construct two new residential buildings on a 17,500 square foot site at 815 East Fifth Street and 812 East Sixth Street in South Boston. The two buildings will be separated by an open space garden courtyard that will serve as an important natural bridge between the nine-unit and ten-unit buildings.
The nineteen-unit development consists of one (1) one-bedroom unit, twelve (12) two-bedroom units, and six (6) three-bedroom units, two of which will be created as affordable housing. The project will also include an underground parking garage with 33 off-street residential parking spaces. There will be approximately 19 spots reserved for bicycles (one per unit) within the garage.
Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly adding 61 units to Chestnut Hill campus in Brighton
Total Project Cost: $22.8 million
Total SF: 56,172
Construction Jobs: 40
Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly (JCHE) received approval to construct 61 apartment homes on its Chestnut Hill campus. These would enhance the existing 700-unit campus, which provides reasonably-priced housing for seniors. Residents will have immediate access to a senior-specialized fitness center, uniquely equipped computer center, multi-lingual library, auditorium, recreational space and additional amenities.
JCHE will apply universal design principles to the greatest extent possible so that all residents can age independently in their own apartments. The project is also designed to assist other special populations. Through a partnership with Hearth, seven units will serve formerly homeless seniors, and a 5-unit studio grouping for aging adults with lifelong disabilities will be developed in conjunction with Jewish Children & Family Services.
The project also includes approximately 3,500 square feet of retail and commercial space to be occupied by a tenant who will serve both the 900 residents in JCHE’s Brighton community and their neighbors along Chestnut Hill Avenue. By offering a neighborhood-friendly commercial use on the first floor of the new building, JCHE hopes that seniors on its campus will have an opportunity to engage with members of the surrounding community.
Tentative designation approved for Boston Marine Industrial Park’s Parcel Q-1
Skanska USA Commercial Development, Inc. received tentative designation to lease and develop Parcel Q-1 in the BRA-owned Marine Industrial Park. The 36,799 square foot site is one of only two parcels in the industrial district that does not restrict development to either maritime or industrial projects. Skanska plans to capitalize on this opportunity by constructing 215,000 square feet of office space with first floor retail.
