The Architectural Team

Construction Resumes on $400M Raffles Boston Back Bay Following the city-wide COVID-19 shutdown, construction has resumed for the $400 million Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel & Residences, developed by Saunders Hotel Group, The Noannet Group and Cain International. Following new guidelines set forth by the Mayor, Suffolk Construction has made extensive modifications to create a safe workspace for all construction workers. New site protocols include modified site access so that all workers will enter the site through a temperature reading tent, an on-site safety office, multiple generator-powered hot water hand washing stations, infrared cameras monitoring temperature ranges, and segregated areas for different trades.  Projected to open in early 2022, the 33-story, Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel & Residences will be the first mixed-use property in North America for the world-renowned and iconic hospitality brand. The project will feature 147 guestrooms, 146 branded residences, and six food and beverage venues. The project will also provide over $22 million in public benefits in total, including street and public realm improvements, seven on-site affordable housing units and a contribution of over $13 million that will support additional affordable housing in Boston.  When asked about an updated timeline for the project because of delays, Developers Gary Saunders of Saunders Hotel Group and Jordan Warshaw of The Noannet Group who are developing the project in partnership with Cain International told BLDUP "We broke ground in September 2019 and began site demolition in December 2019. We ceased construction in mid-March per the Mayor’s orders, but we are still on track to deliver in 2022." "Overall, we are fortunate to have had a very mild winter in Boston, free of the snowstorms and Nor'easters that can typically delay work.  So apart from the COVID-19 shutdown, construction was full steam ahead between Fall 2019 and Winter 2020. We are excited to resume!"  

Interior Finishing Kicks off for the Worcester Courthouse Redevelopment With heightened safety regulations in place, Tocci Building continues work on the redevelopment of the historic Worcester Courthouse. Framing and rough MEPs are underway in the 1800s Building, and in the Annex finish work has started. The building which was originally constructed in 1843 and had been vacant since 2008 is being converted into 114 apartments. Units will range in size from studios through three bedrooms and amenities will include a fitness center, clubhouse lounge, and gallery space.  Photos: Tocci Building Corporation

Plumbing & Gas Permits Pulled for 2 Buildings in the Whittier Choice Redevelopment A series of plumbing and gas permits have been pulled for 25 Whittier Street & 180 Ruggles Street within the Whittier Choice development.  The redevelopment will create a total of 387 residential units, apartments & condos, along with 7,680 square feet of retail space. The first phase of the project opened earlier this year.  

Construction Continues on Quincy's Tallest Tower With virtual tours and pre-leasing underway for expected move-in this summer, construction is carefully continuing at Chestnut Place in Quincy Center. The 15 story tower, now Quincy's tallest, will feature 124 modern apartments over around 4,000 square feet of retail space. Residents will have access to garage parking as well as a fitness center and clubroom.

  Wood Partners is still being considered for a very large development in the town of Wayland to be developed on town owned land. The 200+ unit project is slated to have 25% affordable housing as a component of the 3 building complex containing over 300,000 square feet of development.

Interior Finishing Continues for Modera Framingham With window and facade install nearly complete interior finish work is ongoing for Modera in Framingham. The 6-story building will feature 270 units in total a mix of 1 through 3 bedrooms. Resident amenities will include a fitness center, theater room, along with a  coffee bar, cyber cafe, and a game room.

Site & Foundation Work Underway for Alta Xmbly Site & foundation work is underway for Alta Xmbly in Somerville. The next addition to Assembly Row will feature 329 residential units along with over 10,000 square feet of retail space. The project will also include a 188 car parking garage. 

Check out the Gorgeous Interiors at Alexan Wrentham Alexan Wrentham, which recently wrapped up construction is a luxury apartment community featuring 240 modern apartments along with a full suite of resident amenities. The spacious residences offer stainless appliances and large islands plus European flat-panel cabinetry and granite countertops. In the bathrooms, beautiful and extremely flexible Cardinal Trufit shower enclosures were installed by Middlesex Glass. The units also feature walk-in closets and are tech-enabled living with smartphone keyless entry and USB outlets.  Click here for more information on the Cardinal Trufit product used at Alexan.

Plumbing Permit Pulled for Hearth at Four Corners On March 16th, prior to the Mayor's order to halt construction plumbing and gas permits were pulled for The Hearth at Four Corners in Dorchester. The upcoming 4-story residential building will feature 54 affordable senior apartments. A multipurpose room will also be located on the building's first floor that will be used for resident dining and recreational activities. 

Notice of Project Change Approved for Phase 2 of Fenway Center With construction wrapping up for Bower (phase 1 of Fenway Center), the BPDA has approved an NPC for Phase 2 of the project. The change will adjust the mix of uses within Buildings 3 and 4 from a mix of residential, office, and lab uses to office/R&D/lab and life science. Parking has been reduced by 500 spaces in a fully automated garage while around 3,669 square feet of additional civic open space has been added. The project will sit on a podium to be constructed over the 8 lanes of the Mass Pike knitting the Fenway/Kenmore community together by creating a new connection between Beacon Street, Brookline Ave. and Lansdowne. Renderings: Gensler An opportunity to “Knit” the community An opportunity to “Knit” the community via connections from Beacon Street, to Lansdowne Station, to Brookline Avenue.via connections from Beacon Street, to Lansdowne Station, to Brookline Avenue.

Renovation of Lenox Apartments Approved The rehabilitation of the Boston Housing Authority’s Lenox Apartments housing development located at 136 Lenox Street in Lower Roxbury has been approved by the BDPA. The Lenox Apartments features 285 units across twelve (12) three-story walk-up buildings, originally built in 1939. The renovations project will include both interior and exterior renovations to all buildings along with the management office space. 

Leasing Kicks Off for One Chestnut Place in Quincy With interior finishing well underway leasing has kicked off for One Chestnut Place in Quincy Center. Quincy's tallest tower will feature 124 luxury apartments just a short walk from the Redline. Rents are ranging from $2100 per month for a 540 square foot one-bedroom through $3625 for a 2 bedroom 2 bath home. Amenities at One Chesnut Place will include community work pods, a fitness center, clubroom and garage parking.