VHB

Steel Framing Rapidly Rising for Final Phase of The Hub on Causeway

Steel framing is rapidly progressing for the final phase of the Hub on Causeway, the 650,000 square feet office tower. Verizon has already committed to a lease of 440,000 square foot within the building. Elsewhere in the project interior work is ongoing for the residential tower, citizenM hotel, and the office and commercial spaces in the podium.

The citizenM hotel is expected to open in mid-September and fit-outs are also ongoing for the Star Market, what will be Boston's largest supermarket, along with the ArcLight theater with both expected to open this fall as well.

Leasing is also underway for the residential units, 440 in total, which feature Italian cabinetry with under cabinet lighting, Silestone countertops, and in-unit laundry. Residents at Hub 50 House will have access to an array of luxury amenities including a fitness center overlooking the Zakim Bridge, a game & media room, outdoor deck, Skypool, and Woof Deck. First residents are set to move in this fall, making for what are sure to be a busy couple of months for one of Boston's largest project.

Facade Install Nearly Complete for The Factory at 46 Wareham

Facade install is wrapping up for The Factory at 46 Wareham in The South End, This luxury condo project will include 18 homes along with over 32,000 square feet of office space. An automated parking system will also be utilized in the basement garage of the building.

Tocci Selected as Builder for Worcester Courthouse Redevelopment

Tocci Building Corporation has been named Construction Manager for the historic restoration of the former Worcester County Courthouse in Worcester, MA. Tocci is joining Trinity Financial and The Architectural Team, Inc. (TAT) to deliver this multi-family, residential, preservation, and adaptive reuse effort. The 202,000 square-foot building will be converted into 117 market-rate and affordable apartment units.  The amenities will premier a museum dedicated to “American bicycle racer Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor (1878-1932), the world’s first African-American sports-superstar, who became known as “the Worcester Whirlwind” after his adopted hometown.” (Major Taylor Association, Inc.)  Additionally, the historic courtrooms in both the majestic 1800s building and 1955 mid-century modern Annex will be restored to their previous grandeur and used for apartments and amenity space. The courthouse has been vacant since 2007 awaiting this transformation.

Cooperation between the City of Worcester and Trinity Financial has been impressive, as the City helped the development process with their abatement and building stabilization efforts.  The construction team is excited about bringing an A+ work/live/play environment to this vibrant city with the support of local, minority and female labor. All in all, this project is a powerful example of Public-Private partnership.

This pivotal urban site is ideally nestled between Main Street, Highland St., Harvard St., Court St. and in close walking distance to Downtown Worcester and the campus of Worcester Polytechnic Institute.  The historic restoration scope of work includes masonry restoration on the exterior façade as well as historic plaster restoration, millwork restoration, and window replication. The grounds surrounding the Courthouse will be restored and will feature tenant gathering spaces, green-life, trees, and re-imagined parking. The interior space will be transformed as three enormous courtyards (one is 74’ x 20’) spanning multiple floor levels, will bring natural light throughout the interior of the building and to adjacent apartments.

“It is an honor to work on a project of this scale, imagination and potential civic impact.  The City has rightfully long-awaited the right team to take on the challenge of transforming a gorgeous and iconic building in the heart of their city. Trinity Financial, TAT, and Tocci is that right team.  This promises to be another key piece in the on-going transformation of the City of Worcester. Tocci is proud to be a part of this effort.” -- Valentino Tocci

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Breaks Ground on New Inpatient Building

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) has launched construction of a new inpatient building that will further advance its mission to deliver extraordinary patient care, supported by world-class research and education.  Leaders from BIDMC and Beth Israel Lahey Health joined clinicians, staff, patients, city officials, philanthropic supporters, and community members for a celebratory groundbreaking event on Thursday, June 13th, to mark the beginning of the construction process. 

Located at the corner of Francis Street and Pilgrim Road on BIDMC’s West Campus, the new 345,000 square foot building will include 158 single-bedded, family-friendly patient rooms; leading-edge surgical and diagnostic suites; a medical helicopter landing pad; and a rooftop green space and healing garden. 

The ten-story structure will be ‘wired for the future’ to accommodate sophisticated technology, advanced treatments, and team-based care. The building has been designed to be energy efficient and environmentally sustainable, consistent with BIDMC’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

“This new building will further strengthen our ability to deliver the highest quality care to our patients and fully support our committed physicians, nurses, and staff,” said Peter Healy, President of BIDMC. “This new structure will propel Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center forward in delivering on our commitments to the people and communities we serve. We are proud to be at the forefront of innovation in health care for the benefit of our patients, our communities and our region.” 

As part of the building process, BIDMC has embarked a Community-based Health Initiative to identify and invest in important community health priorities, with a focus on the Allston/Brighton, Bowdoin/Geneva, Chinatown, Fenway/Kenmore and Roxbury/Mission Hill neighborhoods of Boston, as well the City of Chelsea.

The new inpatient building is expected to be completed in 2022. 

Pictured left to right

Kevin Tabb, MD – President and CEO, Beth Israel Lahey Health

Peter Healy – President, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Doug Linde – BIDMC Campaign Co-Chair; Beth Israel Lahey Health Board of Trustees

Carol Anderson – Chair, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Board of Directors

Marty Martinez – Chief of Health and Human Services, City of Boston

photo courtesy: Johnson Photography, Inc., for BIDMC

625,000 Square Foot Office Tower at 125 Lincoln Street Officially Under Review

Oxford Properties planned 24 story office tower to replace the garage at 125 Lincoln Street is now officially under review. The plans call for a 625,000 square foot office building with retail and publicly accessible ground floor uses. The development would also include the redesign of 7,500 square feet of existing open space at the corner of Lincoln Street and the Greenway along with the creation of a publicly accessible indoor space of approximately 7,000 square feet that includes gathering and retail spaces. Parking capacity for up to 275 vehicles would be located in up to five levels below grade. Oxford Properties purchased the garage for around $40M in May 2017.

Inside One Dalton

On our previous visit to One Dalton this past fall, Boston’s newest skyscraper was still very much a construction site. Now with the Four Seasons open the property has been transformed into the 5-star, luxurious yet subtle retreat synonymous with the brand. During a tour hosted by the developer, Richard Friedman, President and CEO of Carpenter and Company, we got a look inside Boston’s second Four Seasons.

The One Dalton, Four Seasons Hotel Entrance. Residents will enter through a separate entrance to the property around the corner.

Developer Richard Friedman, President & CEO of Carpenter and Company, in one of the three duplex penthouses at One Dalton

After buying the land 7 years ago, One Dalton has been a long time in the making for Friedman and his team. Friedman, who will live at the property himself, mentioned it has been an “amazing experience to change the skyline” and he expects when fully complete One Dalton will be the “social hub of the city”.

In talking with Darren Messina, Executive VP Design and Construction at Carpenter and Company, we learned of some of the challenges the construction team faced while bringing the 742-foot tower to life on this postage stamp site. To mitigate movement, the team installed a giant belt truss around the 24th floor of the building, something that had never been done before in Boston. Messina credits Rachel Parks, at Suffolk Construction, with making this happen by creating the BIM modeling for this complex piece of the puzzle. The logistics of delivering the tons of concrete necessary for the poured-in-place reinforced concrete columns, core walls, and slabs and ensuring the proper strength also kept the construction team on their toes.

The view from the last remaining penthouse home at One Dalton

Up in the last available penthouse (a steal at around $40M) work still remains to be finished however the scale of the 7,500 square foot, duplex unit is impressive and the views of course amazing. Last time we visited we took the hoist elevator to the top of the tower. Luckily this time the permanent elevators were in place and when moving at top speed will transport residents to the 61st floor in under a minute.

Down a few levels, interior finishing is a bit further along for the other condo residences. These homes come with a choice of 3 kitchen cabinet, countertop, and flooring options. Wolf and sub-zero appliances are of course included. While the team won't tell us how many of the 160 condo units have been sold, they did comment that One Dalton is the fastest selling Four Seasons project to date.

Interior finishing is still wrapping up for the condo residences at One Dalton.

On the Wellness Floor (the 7th floor) the 2,500 square foot fitness center, offers an array of equipment selected by renowned celebrity trainer, Harley Pasternak. Also on this level is the gorgeous, curved lap pool and the spa. All amenities on the Wellness Floor are available for both residents and guests to utilize. Condo owners will also have access to their own private amenities including the 24th floor Entertainment Gallery featuring a golf simulator, private theater, and family activity center. On the 50th floor, the 50/50 Club designed by the interior designer and architect Thierry Despont offers residences an exclusive club and lounge featuring more of those wonderful views of the Charles River and Boston skyline. 

The Wellness Floor at One Dalton features a fully equipped fitness center, lap pool, and spa.

Within the hotel's, 215 guest rooms, no detail has been left ignored including 6 different types of wallpaper in a deluxe guest room, a tv in the bathroom mirror, voice-activated remotes along with fine crystal for the bar and herringbone china for your morning coffee. The property also boasts 2GB internet, the fastest network in Boston (right behind MIT).

Guests rooms at One Dalton feature a mix of modern & classic finishes.

A key piece of the One Dalton finishing is the art curated by Kate Chertavian. Chertavian, who has over 25 years of experience curating independent projects, traveled the world finding unique and fitting pieces for the project with Friedman. While we are certainly not art critics, the pieces chosen throughout the lobby and hotel space are all unique and beautiful but not stuffy or pretentious.

A sampling of the art specially curated for One Dalton.

Our final stop of the tour was the globally renowned Zuma restaurant. The restaurant space, designed by Studio Glitz, features a variety of textures, including wood, stone, glass, and metal to offer the visitor hidden pockets of discovery throughout the space. The restaurant is definitely eye-catching and the cocktails and food we sampled were delicious. Zuma's GM says business has been busy with bookings being made 3 weeks in advance.

Along with final finishing on the condos, yet to come at One Dalton is the Trifecta Bar, named for the soft triangle design of the building. Currently blocked by the crane, future guests of the hotel will walk through this bar to access the elevators. A small park across from the hotel entrance is also now underway, adding some green space to the project site. The development team expects construction to be 100% complete sometime in September.

Waterside Place Phase 1B Tops Off

The 23-story tower at 501 Congress Street next to the MBTA Silver Line station has topped off. Waterside Place Phase 1B will include 307 apartments along with 3,500 square feet of retail space. Resident amenities will include a resort style pool, fitness center, pet spa, and an outdoor lounge. Construction is set to be complete in 2020.

Emerson Completes Renovations at 171 Tremont Street

Emerson has completed renovations at 171 Tremont Street across from the Boston College. The college purchased the property for $24M in November 2017 and has now converted the building into a student center including a cultural center, spiritual center, and health services. 

Radius Apartments in Brighton Now Open

Radius Apartments at 530 Western Avenue at the gateway to Brighton is now open. The project features 132 luxury apartments and 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail along with parking 108 cars and 132 bicycles. Units feature stainless appliances, quartz countertops, walk-in closets, and smartphone-enabled keyless entry. Prices range from $2455 for studios to 2 bedroom/2baths at just under $4000 per month.

Four Seasons One Dalton Now Open

The Four Seasons One Dalton is now open and welcoming guests to its 215 rooms. Boston's newest skyscraper features the hotel rooms on the lower floors topped by 180 luxury condos. Residents and guests alike will have access to luxury service and a full suite of amenities including The Wellness Floor. Spanning the entire 7th floor, The Wellness Floor features a fitness center, 64-foot lap pool, and salon, all overlooking Back Bay.  Also now open within One Dalton is global dining sensation Zuma. Zuma specializes in dishes designed for sharing from three open kitchens: the main kitchen, sushi counter, and robata grill.

Membership Leasing Begins for Hub50House at The Hub on Causeway

Membership leasing for Hub50House, the 440-unit, 38-story residential tower at The Hub on Causeway has now launched. Potential residents can tour the model homes and reserve units for fall occupancy in one of the city’s hottest neighborhoods by visiting the well-outfitted leasing center at 100 Causeway Street. Hub50House is a vibrant luxury rental property located at 50 Causeway Street adjacent to TD Garden and North Station, featuring unique amenities, Boston’s most connected location and exclusive access throughout The Hub on Causeway as part of the property’s HubClub, an insider’s access club. 

Fully integrated into the 1.5-million square foot The Hub on Causeway and located atop the site of the original Boston Garden, Hub50House is the most accessible, transit-oriented location in the city with direct access to 65% of the MBTA’s stations via subway, commuter rail, and shuttle buses. The neighborhood also offers easy walkability to the Financial District, Beacon Hill, the North End, Charlestown, and Government Center. Plentiful on-site parking also includes bike storage and repair. 

Hub50House offers expansive indoor and outdoor community spaces for residents, their pets and their guests – the most shared amenity space in the city, including three amenity floors and three outdoor lounges providing: 

• Rooftop sky pool adjacent to two reservable lounge rooms, one with private catering kitchen, one with demonstration kitchen
• Woof Deck with adjacent pet spa and lounge, oversize laundry, and additional storage lockers
• Outdoor skyline deck for grilling and lawn games, with a fire pit and a communal outdoor kitchen including four open grills, fridges, sinks and ice maker, and two reservable private grill pods with their own fridges, sinks, and outdoor televisions
• Business center including reservable conference room, coffee bar, three party rooms (one with demonstration kitchen), quiet room, game room with pool and poker tables, media room, fitness center with yoga and spin studio

Residents at Hub50House will experience a highly convenient, cutting-edge and full-service lifestyle.  Offerings include Tide dry cleaning lockers for easy drop-off/pick up, dog walking services, package delivery with smartphone notification and an on-site transit screen with real-time information. Destination dispatch elevators provide modern convenience alongside a 24/7 concierge paired with a highly secure building entrance equipped with three security touch points at every entrance.

Hub50House members will receive exclusive access and perks at The Hub on Causeway through the property’s HubClub. This includes membership to ‘Rafters’, a whole new level of entertainment in TD Garden’s Boston Garden Society opening for the 2019/20 season.  HubClub also offers additional VIP experiences at Big Night Live and ArcLight Cinema.

 “Hub50House combines the most connected location in Boston with the most unique amenities to create a living experience unmatched in the city of Boston,” stated Bryan Koop, Executive Vice President for Boston Properties. “Through the combination of our distinctive spaces and HubClub access, residents at Hub50House will be able to make the most of each and every day.”

“Not only is The Hub on Causeway bridging together the residents of the North and West End but with Hub50House, it will now be the new home to hundreds of Boston residents,” said Charlie Jacobs, CEO of Delaware North’s Boston Holdings. “Those that reside in Hub50House will soon be a short elevator ride away from the best entertainment district in the City of Boston.”

Each Hub50House residence features at least 9’ ceilings with floor to ceiling windows in all units that showcase unparalleled water and city views. There are a variety of layouts from metro units to three-bedroom penthouses and two finish packages to select from, but all interior finishes include Navona Italian cabinetry, Silestone countertops and a GE or Bosch appliance suite. Storage has been prioritized with Elfa closet systems and oversized vanities, shelving and cabinets. All units have washer/dryers and Nest thermostats.

Leasing and marketing for the property is handled exclusively by The Collaborative Companies. For more information or to make an appointment for a hard hat tour of the property, visit www.hub50house.com.

Construction Nearly Complete for The Brynx: First Units Expected to Open This Month

Final touches are wrapping up for The Brynx in Jamaica Plain as first units in 221 South Huntington Avenue are expected to open by the end of this month. The second stage of the project, 201 South Huntington will follow shortly after and open around July 1st. In total, the project will feature 149 apartments, a mix of studio, 1, and 2 bedrooms ranging in price from $2460 through $3920. Resident amenities will include garage parking with automated car stackers, a fitness center with indoor rocking climbing wall, and a large treetop outdoor patio.

Preleasing Begins for NEMA Boston

With construction nearly complete on the building's exterior, preleasing efforts have begun for NEMA Boston, at 399 Congress Street in the Seaport. NEMA Boston's 414 apartments will be smart home ready and feature luxury finishes including Lutron Caseta, Caesarstone kitchen countertops, and Bosch and Blombert stainless appliances.

Resident amenities will span the top floor of the tower and include a heated skyline pool, fitness center, and game, and media lounges. The first units in the project are expected to welcome residents this fall.

Innovation Point Acquired for $252 Million

Alexandria Real Estate Equities has acquired the property at Innovation Point in Boston, MA for $252,000,100 from GE and MassDevelopment.

The parcel consists of two historic six-story brick Boston Wharf Company warehouse buildings at 5 and 6 Necco Street and a section of the existing Gillette parking lot. Designed by Gensler, GE's approximately 2.5-acre, 390,000 square foot campus will restore the existing warehouses. Approximately 1.5 acres of public space will be constructed at Innovation Point, including a Harborwalk extension. The campus will also include a coffee bar and waterfront restaurant space on the ground floor.

Window Install Has Started for Waterside Place Phase 1B

With framing for the 23-story tower rising window install has started on the lower floors of Waterside Place Phase 1B. The new Seaport apartment tower will feature 307 units, ranging in size from studios through three-bedrooms.  The tower also includes 3,500 square feet of ground-floor retail and a second-floor parking garage with approximately 84 spaces. Waterside Place Phase 1B is be located next to the Silver Line MBTA station, allowing for easy access to downtown.

Early Stage Construction Continues for The St. Regis Residences, Boston: Sales Gallery Will Open in June

Early stage construction continues along Boston's waterfront for The St. Regis Residences, Boston. The upcoming 22-story-tower will contain 114 high-end residential condominiums along with a two-level signature restaurant. As Boston's first St. Regis, this project will offer residents access to a suite of signature amenities and personalized butler service. While luxurious, the design also takes into account the importance of climate resiliency with deployable flood barriers and other allowances for possible rising sea levels. 

The sales gallery for this much-anticipated development is set to open in June and will offer buyers and agents a first look at these world-class homes.

Foundation Work Underway for 212 Unit Condo Project in Canton

Foundation work has started for Copperworks condos in Canton, on the historic Paul Revere Heritage Site. The new development will feature a total of 212 1 and 2 bedroom homes along with a 9-acre public park abutting the Neponset River. As part of the project, the original copper foundry will be renovated into a new farm to table restaurant. The first units at Copperworks are expected to be ready for move in late this year. 

Exterior Work Progressing Quickly at Parcel K

The mixed-use hotel and rental project on the Seaport's Parcel K are rapidly moving forward with window and exterior install ongoing. The project will include a 304 unit rental building and a 12-story Hyatt Place hotel with 294 rooms. The hotel has been designed to reflect the nautical history of its location with a refined sense of style and is set to open in March 2020.  The apartment building will feature a rooftop pool, clubroom, and a terrace. A one-level underground parking garage on the site will have space for 420 cars.

Glass Facade Install Continues for Hub50House, Residential Tower at The Hub on Causeway

Exterior glass install is progressing for the residential tower of the Hub on Causeway, dubbed Hub50House. The teaser website for the 440 unit building promises "Boston's move innovative residential experience." Units will range in size from 1 through 3 bedrooms and resident amenities will include a rooftop pool.

Elsewhere on the massive project, tenant fit-out is underway within the podium for the Rapid7 Headquarters that will occupy nearly 150,000 square feet of this 175,000 section of the project. On top of the podium, a second tower crane is in place for construction of the third and final phase, another 525,000 square feet of office space. Verizon Communications has already leased 440,000 square feet here. 

All phases of the project are expected to be complete by 2021.

Trinity Financial Secures $54.45 Million in Financing for Courthouse Redevelopment

Trinity Financial has secured $54,452,500 in financing via Mass Housing and New Garden Park, Inc. for the redevelopment project at 2 Main Street in Worcester.

The redeveloped courthouse will feature apartments ranging from studios to three-bedrooms, with amenities including a resident club room, a fitness center, gallery and work spaces for artists and programming space. Half of the residences will be offered at market rates, and half will be designated affordable.

Notice of Project Change at Waterside Place

Framing Has Reached Full Height for Park 77 in Cambridge

Wood Framing is in place for Park 77 at 77 New Street in Cambridge. The project will feature a mix of one and two bedroom rental units, 97 in total. Resident amenities will include a roof deck, fitness center, and pet wash station. The building will also feature underground car and bike parking.

24 Story Building Proposed in Leather District 

Oxford Properties Group proposes to demolish the existing parking garage and construct a new, approximately 625,000 square foot, 24 story office building containing retail, restaurant, and other commercial uses on the ground floor, below grade parking and indoor/outdoor public space. The project will be a dynamic addition to downtown Boston that will revitalize the site.

The site currently features a 115,625 square foot parking garage including upper-floor office and ground-floor retail space located on a 27,800 square foot lot steps to South Station. Existing zoning for the 125 Lincoln Street parcel would allow up to 223,880 square feet of mixed-use development; current tenant lease termination options would allow a potential development to begin in 2018.

Interior Fit-out Ongoing for 145 Broadway in Kendall Square

With the high-performance curtain wall of painted aluminum and Low-E insulated glass panels in place, interior fit-out is ongoing for Akamai Technologies headquarters at 145 Broadway in Kendall Square. The 19-story tower will allow Akamai to consolidate its local workforce while accommodating future hires. Work is also ongoing to complete the ground floor spaces which will activate this corner of Kendall Square and create a public plaza.  Construction is expected to wrap up later this year.

Work Ongoing for Underground Parking Garage for 19 Unit Project in South Boston

Work is ongoing for the parking garage that will sit under the residential development at 815 East Fifth Street in South Boston. The new development will include 19 residences between two buildings on the site. The two buildings will be separated by an open space garden courtyard. The underground garage will have 33 parking spaces and also 19 bike parking spaces. Unit sizes range from 1 to 3 bedrooms and 2 of the units will be designated as affordable.

Construction Nearing Completion at One Dalton: Expected Opening Late April

The tower crane for the 61-story One Dalton has started shrinking as construction is nearing completion for one of Boston's most anticipated projects. The 712,500 square feet development will include 180 luxury condos along with a 215 room Four Seasons Hotel. Residents and guests alike will have access to an array of amenities including a fitness center and spa with lap pool, Zuma Restaurant, and a 5,000-square-foot park designed by award-winning landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh. One Dalton is expected to open late next month.

Dorchester Charter School Receives $27 Million in Construction Financing

The upcoming Conservatory Lab Charter School in Dorchester, MA has received $27,038,292 in construction financing via Civic Builders and the Conservatory Lab Charter School Foundation, inc.

The approved project will construct a three-story, 43,500-square-foot school building at 395 Columbia Road in Dorchester. The building would serve as a permanent location for its Elementary and Upper School (approximately 275 students in grades 3-8), currently located nearby in Dorchester.

Window Install Complete for The Factory at 46 Wareham

Install of black frame windows, that support the project's high-end design, is complete at The Factory at 46 Wareham in the South End. The project's developer, The Holland Companies, tells BLDUP construction is in its middle phase.  The Factory at 46 Wareham will restore the facade of an existing historic industrial building and construct a new addition to create 18 luxury condos and around 32,000 square feet of office space. 

Despite Small Fire, Construction Progressing on all Phases of The Hub on Causeway

This past Saturday afternoon fire broke out on the 25th floor of what will be the residential tower for The Hub on Causeway. The three-alarm fire is estimated to have caused around $200,000 worth of damage to the project. Despite this hiccup, construction is ongoing across all three phases of the project. Interior fit-outs are underway for the office and retail space as part of the podium in Phase 1. Phase 2, where the fire occurred continues with glass facade install while steel framing is going up for Phase 3, atop the podium.

The 38-story residential tower at The Hub on Causeway will contain around 440 rentals and a 10-story citizenM hotel tower with approximately 260 rooms. Resident amenities will include a rooftop deck and a  sky deck for dogs, "the Woof Deck". Construction here is expected to be complete later this year into early 2020.

The final phase of the project, the office tower, where Verizon has already signed up to lease 440,000 square feet is set to be complete in 2021.

Interior Finishing Underway for Radius Apartments as Preleasing Begins

With preleasing underway for an expected summer move in, interior finishing is ongoing for Radius Apartments in Brighton. The project will feature 132 apartments along with 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. Units range in size from studios through 2 bedrooms. Building amenities will include a penthouse level fitness center, mindfulness meditation room, and a rooftop deck with bbq grills and lawn games. Radius Apartments are located at the intersection of Western Avenue and Leo M. Birmingham Parkway overlooking the Charles River.

Building Permit Granted for Conservatory Lab Charter School

A building permit has been granted for the Conservatory Lab Charter School project in Dorchester.

The project calls to construct a three-story, 43,500-square-foot school building at 395 Columbia Road in Dorchester. The building would serve as a permanent location for its Elementary and Upper School (approximately 275 students in grades 3-8), currently located nearby in Dorchester.

NEMA Boston Facade Nearing Completion 

Construction is fast progressing for NEMA Boston, at 399 Congress Street in the Seaport. Window and facade install is nearly complete, showcasing the mix of textures that will cover the 21 story tower. The development will include 414 units, 63 of which will be designated as affordable. NEMA Boston will offer an array of resident amenities housed on the building's top floor.
NEMA Boston is expected to welcome its first residents this fall.

Construction Set to Begin Next Month on Worcester Courthouse Redevelopment

After sitting vacant for more than 10 years, Trinity Financial tells BLDUP they expect to begin construction on the redevelopment of the Worcester County Courthouse sometime in March. The historic building, originally built in 1843 was purchased by Trinity in December 2017 and will be converted to 117 mixed-income apartments. Resident amenities within the building are set to include a clubroom, fitness center, and gallery workspace.
The project has already received two rounds of historic tax credits worth $800,000 each and is awaiting an additional grant from the state Department of Housing and Community Development. Once underway, construction is set to last around 16 months with occupancy expected in Summer 2020.

Fenway Theater Under Official Review

The Fenway Theater, a 180,000 square foot, 5,000 capacity state-of-the-art performing arts center in the land adjacent to Fenway Park at the corner of Landsdowne & Ipswich Streets is now under official review.

The project proposes the development of a performing arts center adjacent to Fenway Park, construction of associated improvements to Fenway Park, and renovation of existing spaces to serve both the Fenway Theater and Fenway Park, (collectively, the "Project"), in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood.

Permit Issued for Fit Out of Star Market at The Hub on Causeway

A building permit has been issued for the fit out of The Star Market at The Hub on Causeway. The supermarket will be the city's largest at 60,000 square feet with fit-out costs estimated at around $20 million. The new grocery store will be completed by Danvers-based company, CM&B.

Portions of Phase 1 of the project, the parking garage, and the new TD Garden/North Station Entrance are now open. The supermarket is set to open later this year. Other commercial tenants moving into the space include a 15 screen ArcLight movie theatre.

Framing Nearly Complete for Parcel K as Exterior Work Kicks Off

Structural framing for the upcoming mixed-use project at Parcel K in the Seaport is nearly complete and exterior work has started. The 500,000 square foot project is comprised of two buildings, both 12 stories, one a Hyatt Place hotel, the other a rental project. The hotel will feature 294 rooms while the rental building will include 304 apartments. The buildings will also contain around 12,000 square feet of office space and approximately 18,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. A one-level underground parking garage will have the capacity for approximately 450 cars.

Construction is expected to be complete in Spring 2020.

Renovation Moves Forward at Innovation Point as GE Scraps Plans for New Tower

Renovations of two historic buildings in Fort Point continue as GE announces it will scrap plans for the second phase of the project, a new 12-story tower. Instead of the original 800 person campus, GE’s headquarters now will have about 250 employees in the two refurbished buildings. GE plans to lease the buildings, after selling them and the adjacent land for the tower jointly with the state to recoup the $25 million tax incentive received from the city.

At the site currently, structural steel for the glass enclosure connecting the two buildings has been erected and window install is ongoing. The crane on site is supporting the erection of the structural steel for the roof and the new 6th floor on the west building. Rough-in of interior walls and interior masonry restoration is also underway in both buildings. Construction is set to be complete by the middle of this year.

Exterior Work Nearly Complete for Boston College Rec Center

Exterior work is wrapping up for The Margot Connell Recreation Center at Boston College. The new 240,000 square foot building will offer the BC community a place to play and gather with friends.  The project includes a gymnasium, multi-purpose courts, swimming pools, a golf simulator, and a jogging track. Construction is set to be complete this summer.

Construction Underway for Phase III of The Hub on Causeway

With the new entrance to the TD Garden now open and exterior work continuing on the residential tower, another crane is in place and construction has started for the third phase of The Hub on Causeway. This final piece of the puzzle will feature over 650,000 square feet of office space above the podium built during phase 1. Verizon has already committed to a 440,000 square foot lease within the building.

The office tower will feature large floor plates, high ceilings, and an abundance of natural light. The office tower’s most dramatic elements are two-story bump-outs that extend from the corners on several levels, providing bright, open work areas with wide, two-story stairwells connecting floors. Construction on this final phase is set to be complete in 2021.

Construction Continues for The Brynx in JP

Renovations and the additions to the historic Goddard House along South Huntington Avenue in JP are nearing completion while interior work is ongoing for the new 6 story building being added to the project. In total, The Brynx will feature 149 apartments along with parking for 65 cars and 160 bikes. Resident amenities will include a roof terrace overlooking the Emerald Necklace and fitness center. 

The additions to the historic building, designed by Shepley Bulfinch, are meant to complement the original building while bracing the older structure to provide structural reinforcement. Construction is set to be complete in the spring.

Site Work Underway for St. Regis Residences, Boston

With demolition complete site work has started for the St. Regis Residences, Boston. The upcoming 22-story tower which sits directly on the waterfront in Boston's Seaport will feature 114 luxurious residences. The building's exterior and interior designs are inspired by this waterfront location. The St. Regis Residences, Boston will also feature a two-level signature restaurant and a new section of the Harborwalk around the property.

Framing Begins for Waterside Place Phase 1B

With the core climbing, framing has now started for Waterside Place's second phase along Congress Street in the Seaport. The upcoming 23-story tower will feature 307 apartments along with 3.500 square feet of ground floor retail and parking for 84 cars. Minimal parking is needed as this transit-oriented project sits directly next to the World Trade Center Silverline MBTA stop. 

CO Issued for Boulevard on the Greenway

A Certificate of Occupancy has been issued for Boulevard on the Greenway, the 36 unit luxury condo building overlooking the Rose Kennedy Greenway. The project also includes just over 3,500 square feet of ground-floor retail. Residents will have access to an automated parking system, fitness center, and club room.

Final Sections of Glass Facade Install Underway on Penthouse Levels of One Dalton

With a spring opening fast approaching, the final pieces of One Dalton's glass facade are being put in place. These last sections will enclose the duplex penthouse homes on the building's 60 & 61st floors. One Dalton will be the tallest residential tower in New England at 740 feet with the upper floors containing 180 private luxury condos. Underneath will be a Four Seasons luxury hotel with 215 rooms. 

At the base of the tower, work is also being completed on the building's grand entrances, one for the hotel and one for residences.

Both residents and guests of the hotel will have access to numerous amenities including a fitness center, spa, and indoor pool. Construction is set to be complete in April.

Cronin Development Brings BAMO on Board to Design Interiors for the St. Regis Residences, Boston

Cronin Development has hired BAMO of San Francisco to design interiors for The St. Regis Residences, Boston. The team, led by principal Billy Quimby, is developing the design for the kitchens, bathrooms, and finishes and fixtures throughout the individual units, as well as creating the full interior vision for the lobby and amenity spaces.

Located at 150 Seaport Boulevard, the residence-only tower will be BAMO’s first ground-up development in the Boston area. Initial designs of the interior spaces show reflections of Boston’s history, culture and maritime heritage with a sail-inspired carved feature wall, nautical reception desk, and the use of hand-forged bronze, barnacle textures, and a palette colored by the tones at water’s edge.

Well-known for both hospitality and residential designs, BAMO is an ideal partner for The Residences. The firm’s residential experience positions it well for interpreting the St. Regis brand for the Boston luxury condominium market.

”In the spirit of the building’s iconic design, the interiors take inspiration from maritime, complementing the forward-thinking vision of Elkus Manfredi Architects and owner Jon Cronin,” said BAMO Principal, Billy Quimby.  “Throughout the residential lobby and amenity spaces, subtle nautical nods and material elements connect the interiors to Boston and the Seaport district, with a level of detail and sophistication for which the St. Regis Brand has come to be known.”

In addition to the maritime influence, BAMO is taking inspiration from a number of local references. The influence of Boston Common’s lush greenery and dappled light reveals itself in the tranquil spa, while materiality in the amenity lounge references the Seaport district during the industrial revolution with detailed stitching, bronze fluting, and decorative blown glass lighting.   Drawing on the yachting lifestyle, The St. Regis Residences, Boston inspire an air of East Coast luxury, offering a unique sense of privacy and exclusivity, while locating owners at the heart of Boston’s most dynamic neighborhood. The interiors will reflect all of these qualities, as well as the exquisite living experience that the St. Regis brand delivers.

“BAMO’s creative spirit and exceptional design talent makes them a terrific partner for us at The St. Regis Residences, Boston,” said Cronin Development CEO Jon Cronin. “With their international hospitality experience, we’re confident their work for us will deliver the most beautiful, luxury experience for our residents.”

Framing Ongoing for Park 77

Framing is ongoing for Park 77, an upcoming 97 unit residential project along New Street in Cambridge. The 4-story project will feature a mix of 1 and 2 bedroom units along with garage parking. Park 77 is located next to Park 87, a recently completed project by the same development team. The buildings are located just minutes from Danehy Park, Cambridge's largest park.

Building Permit Granted for St. Regis Residences, Boston

A building permit has been granted for the upcoming development at 150 Seaport Boulevard in Boston's Seaport District.

The Upcoming 22-story mixed-use waterfront building is the future home of The St. Regis Residences, Boston. The building will contain 114 residential condominiums, 10,700 square feet of ground and second level retail space, and three levels of underground parking. The ground floor space will feature a signature restaurant.

Window Install Begins for NEMA Boston in The Seaport

As exterior work continues and framing is rising to full height window install has also started for NEMA Boston, at 399 Congress Street in the Seaport. The 22 story mixed-use building will include 414 apartments along with 2,500 sf of retail, innovation, and lobby space, and parking for 144 cars. The luxury residences will range in size from micro innovation units to three bedrooms. Construction is expected to be complete in Fall 2019.

Glass Facade Install Underway for the Residential Tower at the Hub on Causeway

The glass facade install for the 38 story tower that is part of Phase II of the Hub on Causeway has started. The residential tower will include around 440 units. As part of Phase II a 10 story CitizenM hotel will also be constructed to contain 269 guest rooms.

While this work is ongoing Phase I of the project is nearing completion with the parking garage now open. 

Letter of Intent Filed for Fenway Theater

Fenway Sports Group has filed a letter of intent with the BPDA for the proposed development dubbed “The Fenway Theater.” 

Fenway Sports Group, in partnership with Live Nation, is exploring plans for a 5,000 person capacity entertainment venue at the corner of Landsdowne and Ipswich Street.  The Fenway Theater would sit on the parcel of land adjacent to Fenway Park, behind the bleachers.  The new space could offer a variety of uses and hopes to create an epicenter for the performing arts community.

Suffolk Refinances New Headquarters for $50 Million

Suffolk Construction has refinanced their new headquarters at 65 Allerton Street in Roxbury for $50 million via East Boston Savings Bank.

Completed expansion of construction manager Suffolk Construction's existing headquarters facility by 38,000 square feet with new office and amenity space. 

Amenities include an auditorium, collaborative workspace, a new cafeteria, a salon, a massage room, a fitness and wellness center, new conference rooms, a ground-floor outdoor patio, and a second-floor outdoor terrace.

Building Permit Issued for Emerson Renovations at 171 Tremont Street

A building permit has been issued for Emerson's renovations of 171 Tremont Street across from the Boston Common. The full interior renovation will include new partitions, ceilings, and finishes. The renovated building will house a student center with a cultural and spiritual center and health services.

Emerson purchased the property in November 2017 for $24 million after plans for the "Skinny Tower" were scrapped.

Construction Continues at 145 Broadway in Kendall Square

Both interior and exterior work is ongoing for the striking 19-story building just outside Kendall Square. When finished in late 2019 all of the office space within the project will be home to Akamai Technologies, a content delivery network and cloud service provider responsible for serving between 15% and 30% of all web traffic.

The project is also set to include around 10,000 square feet of active ground floor space for retail and a five-level underground garage.

145 Broadway is the first phase of Boston Properties' planned 1.1 million square foot Kendall Square redevelopment project. Future phases would entail the construction of a 14-story, 318,644 square foot commercial building, a 34-story, 350,000 square foot residential tower, and a 12-story, 71,300 square foot residential building.

Demo Underway for St. Regis Residences

Demolition of Whiskey Priest & The Atlantic Beer Garden along Boston's waterfront has begun to make way for the upcoming St. Regis Residences.  Once the bars have been cleared work will start on the 22 story tower that will hold 114 luxury residences. The project also calls for around 10,000 sf retail space and three levels of underground parking.  

Construction is expected to be complete in around 2 years.

Model Unit Open at Boulevard on the Greenway

A luxurious model unit is now ready for Boulevard on the Greenway, the upcoming 36 unit condo project situated overlooking the Rose Kennedy Greenway.

Along with the condos, the development will include 3,550 sf of ground floor retail.  A historic building on site designed by notable architect Charles Bulfinch has also been preserved and integrated into Boulevard on the Greenway's facade. 

Samuels Parcel 12 Proposal Would Unite The Fenway & Back Bay

The block of Massachusetts Avenue between Newbury and Boylston Street is NOT one of the areas that makes Boston a walkable city. It's an unpleasant corner over the highway where walkers and bikers shuttling between The Fenway & Back Bay cross an on-ramp to the Mass Pike.

The proposal submitted to the city earlier this week from Samuels and Associates would make drastic improvements in this area as part of their 545K mixed-use project.  The Parcel 12 project would feature two buildings, an office tower and another for hotel/residential use.  A podium below will also include retail and restaurant space. Samuels proposal would also reopen a pedestrian tunnel to the Hynes Convention Center MBTA station and provide sidewalk improvements to the area.

The project is currently under review and the development team hopes to start site work next year.

Certificate of Occupancy Issued for First Sections of The Hub on Causeway

A certificate of occupancy has been issued for the new parking garage at The Hub on Causeway along with other sections of Champions Row.  The new parking garage brings 540 new parking spaces to the existing garage.  This first phase of the project also includes the new entrance to TD Garden along with North Station and 64,000 sf of expansion space for the arena. Expected to open soon are additional sections of Phase One including the Start Market and ArcLight Cinemas.

BLDUP's Sneak Peek Inside One Dalton

One Dalton has been rising to its full height for the past several years, changing the face of the Boston skyline. Now BLDUP has been given a sneak peek inside the luxurious $750 million project and we were not disappointed.

First stop the construction elevator to the 61st floor.  At 740 feet, One Dalton will be the tallest residential tower in New England. The top floor along with the 60th below will be home to three ultra-luxurious Penthouse Estates. The 360-degree views, even on a cloudy day are nothing short of amazing. You’ve got Fenway Park, The Charles River, Cambridge, Downtown, and you could practically reach out and touch the Prudential Center. On a clear day, I’m told you can see the Berkshires.

View of Fenway Park from the 61st floor

Along with the views, the Penthouse Estates will each feature Blue de Savoie polished marble countertops and backsplashes paired with SieMatic cabinets, bathrooms featuring heated glazed marble floors and Dornbracht fixtures and a double-height terrace complete with outdoor fireplaces.  There is also a service corridor neatly tucked into the back of each unit that will allow the hotel staff to deliver packages, dry cleaning, or room service unnoticed.

Two of these homes are already sold, with the third remaining available at $40 million. Debbie Collins, Director of Sales for Carpenter & Company tells BLDUP the residences at One Dalton are the fastest selling residential development in Four Seasons history.  And this is without advertising or marketing. The developers at Carpenter and Company, have run a whisper campaign to date. This word of mouth coupled with the Four Seasons brand has brought in buyers from throughout Boston and beyond.

Floors 26 to 61 of the tower are residential space with no more than 6 units on a given floor.  There will be 6 elevators total allowing for easy access to these sky-high condos. The residents will have access to all the hotel amenities below along with the 50/50 Club, a private residents only space on the 50th floor.  The development team is converting what would have been a $12 million condo into additional amenity space for the elite homeowners.

After taking in the views, we venture down to the lower floors to check in on the hotel portion of the building.  Here finishes are being installed and a sophisticated blend of textiles and textures gives the hotel the opulent feel you would expect from a five-star resort.  Every attention has been paid to detail from the millwork on the closets to the door handles that are shaped to look like the building.

The One Dalton shaped door handle

There will be 215 hotel rooms in total in this prime location between Back Bay and the South End.

A corner suite featuring floor to ceiling windows

A spacious custom millwork closet

A stylish black vanity featured in the hotel bathrooms.

Next, we make a stop on the 7th floor, the entire space dedicated to Health and Wellness.  There will be a spa, fitness center, and 65 ft curved lap pool. Unfortunately, the pool was covered during our visit but you could still see the beautifully tiled walls and comfortable design of the space.  We also saw what will be the fitness space, as with the rest of the building it features numerous large windows for an airy, open feel. We were then able to see what will be one of the luxurious ballroom spaces.  Even through the construction, you can see how impressive these spaces will be when complete.

The 65-foot curved lap pool will offer guests and homeowners a year-round retreat.

A pre-function space leading to an opulent ballroom.

Heading downstairs again, we hit the 2nd floor, food, and beverage, which will feature Zuma, Izakaya-style Japanese dining.  Zuma’s culinary concept features a main kitchen, sushi counter and robata grill offering modern, sophisticated Japanese cuisine.

As we exit past the site of the upcoming 5,000sf park, I learn what might be my favorite little gem of information about the property, all the sidewalks surrounding the project will be heated.  It seems the development and design teams really have thought of everything. With an expected opening in just several months, April 2019, we can’t wait to see One Dalton complete.

One of what will be two grand entrances to One Dalton (separate for the hotel & residences).

Glass Facade Install Nearing Top of One Dalton

Install of the glass facade for the 61 story, 740-foot tower is nearing its apex at One Dalton. The massive new Four Seasons Hotel and Residences will include 180 luxury condominiums and a 215 room hotel. Building amenities will include a lap pool, fitness center, salon, and 50th-floor residents lounge. There will also be a new 5,000 square foot park built at the tower's base.

One Dalton is scheduled to open in Spring 2019.

Exterior Work Underway at NEMA Boston

As framing continues exterior work has also begun for NEMA Boston at 399 Congress Street in the Seaport.  The new 414 unit luxury building will include a suite of resident amenities housed on the 21st floor with stunning downtown Boston Views.  The project will also include around 2,500 sf of retail and a three-level parking garage with 144 spaces.
Construction is expected to be complete in Fall 2019.

Exterior Work Progressing at The Factory at 46 Wareham

Exterior work is fast progressing for The Factory at 46 Wareham in Boston's South End.  The project will feature 18 condominium units along with over 30,000 sf of office space.  The developer, The Holland Companies originally planned to restore a portion of the factory that had been on the site however they were forced to demolish that building as there were structural problems. The new six-story building will also allow for a fully automated parking garage in the basement.

Photo courtesy The Holland Companies

Construction Ongoing at Radius Apartments in Allston

Construction is ongoing at the Radius Apartments (formerly W. Ave.) in Allston.  Apartments at the all-new luxury building are now available for lease with an expected move in this winter.  Radius will include 132 apartments along with around 5,000sf of ground floor retail and 108 parking spaces. Resident amenities will include a penthouse solarium overlooking the Charles River, a roof deck and sky lounge, meditation room, and rooftop fitness center with Boston views.

Interior Finishing Wrapping Up at The Alewife Research Center

Interior finishing is wrapping up at the new 223,000 square foot state of the art lab building located across from the Alewife MBTA station in Cambridge. The ARC will offer flexible research and development space along with a host of resident amenities including a fitness center and employee lounge. The project also includes around 7,500 square feet of ground-floor retail space.

Space is now available for lease with the project expected to be complete by the end of the year.

New Inpatient Building Approved at Beth Israel Medical Center

The Boston Planning Board has approved Beth Israel's plan for their first new building in over 20 years.  The 10-story, 345,000 sf building will feature 158 new single bed patient rooms along with operating suites that will accommodate the latest in medical technology.  The plans also call for the relocation of the existing helipad from the neighboring Rosenberg building to the new inpatient building.
The development will also bring pedestrian improvements to the Longwood Medical area along with enhanced landscaping at the entrance to the Emerald Necklace.

Phase One of the Hub on Causeway Set to Open November 1st

With construction rapidly progressing, Chris Maher, VP Development at Deleware North, told the audience at ULI's fall meeting that Phase One of The Hub on Causeway will open on November 1st.  The new entrance to the TD Garden and North Station is the centerpiece of this design and offers a striking impression from Causeway Street.

This first phase will also include a 60,000sf Star Market, 15 screen ArcLight Cinema along with 540 parking spaces and 64,000sf of the TD Garden expansion space. Phase Two of the project will consist of a 38-story residential tower with approximately 440 units and a 10-story citizenM hotel tower with approximately 260 rooms. Phase Three will consist of a 21-story office tower totaling approximately 525,000 square feet.

Renovations Continue for GE's Future Headquarters in Fort Point

Renovations of two historic brick warehouse building at 5 & 6 Necco Court continue for GE's new Headquarters, Innovation Point.  In addition to restoring the warehouse buildings, the project will include a new 12-story 293,000 square foot building and 1.5 acres of public space.   All three buildings will be connected by a pedestrian walkway and the project will also extend Boston's Harborwalk.

The first phase of the project, the renovations, are expected to be complete in the first half of 2019. Completion of Phase Two, construction of the new building by Suffolk Construction and creation of new public open space along Fort Point Channel, is expected in mid-2021.

Seaport Development Financed for $341 Million

Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P. (HFF) announced $341 million in construction financing and joint venture equity for the development of The St. Regis Residences, Boston, an iconic, luxury waterfront condominium tower located on one of the last remaining developable waterfront parcels in downtown Boston.

The HFF team worked as an exclusive advisor to the developer, Cronin Development, to secure $306.5 million in construction financing from JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.  Additionally, HFF advised Cronin Development in structuring a joint venture equity partnership for $34.5 million with a private equity partner, the JCM Opportunity Fund I, LLC, a subsidiary holding of Joyal Capital Management led by Gary F. Joyal, CEO and managing partner.

With 114 units spread over 22 stories, The St. Regis Residences, Boston features a twisting and angular contemporary design evoking billowing sails in a nod to its nautical location.  Every single residence in this architecturally significant building offers sweeping views of Boston or Boston Harbor as well as extensive access to outdoor space. The Residences will also include underground parking, a two-story signature restaurant, five-star amenities and customized services for owners.

Work Begins on Interior Core for Waterside Place Phase 1B

The interior core for the upcoming phase 1B of Waterside Place on Congress Street is beginning to rise.  The 23-story tower is set to feature 307 apartments along with 3,500 square feet of ground-floor retail. 62 of the residences on the project will be "innovation units".   

The first tower of Waterside Place, located next door, was completed in February 2014 and features 236 units.

Boston's First St. Regis Breaks Ground

Yesterday’s groundbreaking for the St. Regis Residences on Boston’s waterfront gave a glimpse into the luxury that residents will enjoy from one of the top luxury brands in the world. Guests to the groundbreaking were greeted by a string quartet and the Boston Police Galic Column and Drums bagpipe band. Instead of the ceremonial shoveling of dirt, the team opted for the sabering of champagne!

Jon Cronin, Founder of the Cronin Group, spoke about 12-year journey of the project and the importance of the site. He commended the late Howard Elkus on his visionary and beautiful design that mimics a billowing sail and will act as a gateway to Boston Harbor. The design is also on the cutting edge of climate resiliency with deployable flood barriers and other allowances for possible rising sea levels. The project will also provide for public waterfront access in an area where it does not currently exist.

The site at 150 Seaport Blvd, soon to the home of the St. Regis Residences

Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito was on hand for the ceremony along with Congressman Stephen Lynch and Mayor Marty Walsh.  All spoke of The Cronin family's commitment to the City of Boston and Jon Cronin’s active participation in various local charities including his contribution to the Martin Richard Park, just a few blocks from the St. Regis.

The upcoming St. Regis Residences will feature 114 luxury condominiums ranging from one-bedroom units to penthouse homes.  All residents will have access to the brand’s renowned signature services and amenities, including concierge and butler service. The project will also feature a pool, spa, health club, library and golf simulation room. 

The Cronin Group hopes to be cutting the ribbon on the luxurious waterfront residences in just under 2 years.

FSG Planning Fenway Theater Adjacent to Fenway Park

Fenway Sports Group, in partnership with Live Nation, is exploring plans for a 5,000 person capacity entertainment venue at the corner of Landsdowne and Ipswich Street.  The Fenway Theater would sit on the parcel of land adjacent to Fenway Park, behind the bleachers.  The new space could offer a variety of uses and hopes to create an epicenter for the performing arts community.

Park 77 Refinanced for $27 Million

The Developers Abode Z + Acorn Holdings have refinanced their development at 75 New Street in Cambridge for $27 million via Digital Federal Credit Union.  The project is currently under construction with foundation work nearly complete. 

The four-level complex will house 97 1-2 bedroom units and an underground parking garage including 108 bicycle spaces. A roof deck will also be a part of the amenities here. This Phase II project calls for the reuse of the existing curb and sharing of the existing driveway of sister development Park 87.

Phil Terzis with Acron Holdings told BLDUP via email they expect the project to be completed in Fall 2019.

Facade Work Nearing Completion at 145 Broadway in Cambridge

The glass facade is nearing completion on the 19-story tower in Kendall Square which will be home to Akamai  Technologies. In total the building will include just over 443,000 sf of office space and 10,000 sf of ground floor retail.  A five-story below grade garage will offer car and bike parking for the property.  The building is scheduled to be complete in late 2019. 

Framing Nearing Completion at 60 Cross Street East in Somerville

Framing is wrapping up on the 3 story building located at 60 Cross Street in East Somerville.  The upcoming project will feature 75 residential units and is just minutes away from both Sullivan and Union Squares. Plans call for a private courtyard with a pool in the center of the property.

Exterior Work Progresses on Phase One of the Hub on Causeway

Exterior work on the first phase of the Hub on Causeway is rapidly progressing with expected opening later this year. Phase one of the project includes 175,000 square feet of creative office space and 210,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space. Last month Boston Properties & Delaware North announced 75% of space is already leased.  Phase One also includes a new grand entrance to the TD Garden and entry for North Station.

Phase Two of the project, the 38-story residential tower set to include around 440 units and a 10-story citizenM hotel is expected to be complete in late 2019.

Boulevard on the Greenway Nears Completion

With expected opening in late September, interior finishing is wrapping up at Boulevard on the Greenway. The 36 unit luxury building, overlooking the Rose Kennedy Greenway is already 75% sold according to Sales Manager, Josh Carr.  Resident amenities on the project are set to include concierge service, a club room, fitness center, pet spa and state-of-the art automated parking.

Framing Underway at NEMA Boston

The framing for NEMA Boston, 399 Congress Street, is rising in the Seaport district.  The upcoming, 414 unit luxury building will include residences ranging from "micro" innovation units to three-bedrooms. Luxury resident amenities at NEMA Boston will be housed on the 21st floor of the building, framed by stunning views of the Boston skyline.  Around 2,500 square feet of retail, innovation and lobby space will be located across NEMA Boston's ground floor. A three-level parking garage will sit underneath the tower containing 144 parking spaces.

NEMA Boston is set to open in Fall 2019.

Emerson Receives Approval for Full Renovation of 171 Tremont Street

The BPDA has approved Emerson's proposal for full interior renovation of 171-172 Tremont Street.  The property, directly across from the Boston Common was purchased by Emerson in 2017 after the prior developer scrapped plans for a 13 story condo tower.  Emerson now plans to renovate the property to house a student center.  The new student center will feature a cultural center, a spiritual life center, and health services.

Redgate and Hilco Submit Updated Plans for South Boston Power Plant

Redgate and Hilco have submitted updated plans to the city for their redevelopment of the South Boston Power Plant site.  The new plans call for reduced square footage and building height, along with a more advanced design of pedestrian walkways, and innovative transportation options.  The developers will also now preserve the 1898 Building.

Exterior Work Underway at New Boston College Rec Center

Exterior work is underway at Boston College's upcoming Connell Recreation Center. The 240,000 square foot project will include a new gym, multi-purpose courts, swimming pool, jogging track, and golf simulator along with administrative offices.  The project is set to open next summer.

Site work Begins at Parcel K in Seaport

The building boom in Boston's Seaport continues as site work is not underway at Parcel K, at the corner of Northern Avenue & Congress Street.  The upcoming project feature 2 buildings, a 304 unit residential building and a 293 room Hyatt Place Hotel.  There will also be 12,000 sf flex/innovation space and 18,000 sf of retail on site.

Phase I Construction Continues at Innovation Point

Construction continues at GE’s future headquarters in Fort Point. The project is being completed in two phases, pushing full completion of the project to 2021.

Renovation of the two existing brick warehouses at 5 and 6 Necco Court, now dubbed “North Point”, by Consigli Construction is on schedule for delivery in the first half of 2019.

Construction of the new 12-story office building, now dubbed “South Point”, by Suffolk Construction on a former section of the Procter & Gamble parking lot along Fort Point Channel is now scheduled for completion in mid-2021, along with new public open space along Fort Point Channel.

Mayor Walsh Calls for Review of Neponset Wharf Proposal Amidst Community Concerns

Amidst an array of community concerns, from the height of the project to traffic issues, Mayor Walsh has released a statement asking the development team at City Point Capital to review their proposal for Neponset Wharf.  Residents of the Port Norfolk neighborbood have been vocal about their issues with the project since the proposal was submitted just over a year ago.  State Senator Nick Collins and State Rep. Dan Hunt have also come out on the side of the Dorchester community.

The development team at City Point Capital has attempted to allay the community concerns by amending their design and scaling back the project.  Orginally set to include a 25 room boutique hotel and 150 condos the hotel has been scrapped and the condo count reduced to 96.  The plan still includes a boat house, parking for 170 cars, and around 3,000 sf of retail space.  The plan also outlines new waterfront outdoor spaces, with over 50% of the site reserved as public use.

$750 Million One Dalton Tower Tops Off

The highly anticipated One Dalton tower has topped off on this sweltering August day. The $750 million project will be the tallest residential tower in New England at 740 feet and 61 stories tall and will consist of 712,500 square feet of residential, hotel and retail space. One Dalton's upper floors will contain 180 private luxury condominium residences. Underneath will be a Four Seasons luxury hotel with 215 rooms.

One Dalton building amenities will include a lap pool, a fitness center, a salon with manicure, pedicure and hair styling services, a private yoga and pilates studio, a golf simulator room with a wet bar and a private theater room. A 50th floor Private Residents’ Club Lounge designed by Thierry Despont will feature a dining room, a lounge area, a fully appointed bar and catering kitchen and a terrace with sweeping views of the Charles River and Boston skyline. A new 5,000 square foot park will be constructed at One Dalton's ground level.

The Hub on Causeway More Than 75% Leased

Delaware North and Boston Properties have announced that with the signing of a lease with Verizon for 440,000 square feet of space, The Hub on Causeway project is more than 75 percent leased.

The 1.87 million square foot mixed-use development will feature three towers with retail, office, hotel, and residential uses. Completion of Phase One of The Hub on Causeway is expected in late 2018. Phase Two will consist of a 38-story residential tower with approximately 440 units and a 10-story citizenM hotel tower with approximately 260 rooms. Phase Three will consist of a 21-story office tower totaling approximately 525,000 square feet.

Ribon Therapeutics Inc. Relocating to Alewife Research Center

The Davis Companies has leased 26,989 square feet of space in their Alewife Research Center in Cambridge to Ribon Therapeutics Inc., a biotech company that will relocate from Lexington.  

Boston Properties Acquires Office Tower Parcel, Office Light and Air Easement Area

Boston Properties has acquired the Office Tower Parcel, Office Light and Air Easement Area at The Hub on Causeway for $37.59 million.

The area, totaling 75,445 square-feet is part of the $950 million mixed-use development featuring three towers with retail, office, hotel and residential uses.

Kimco Realty Aims To Redevelop Brighton Property

Kimco Realty has filed a Letter of Intent to redevelop their property known as Washington Street Plaza in Brighton.

According to the letter, "The approximately 2.3-acre site is bounded by Corey Road, Washington Street, Allston Street and residential properties, and is currently operated as a Whole Foods and Citizens Bank with surface parking.

The proposed redevelopment program involves the relocation of the Whole Foods and Citizens Bank on site (comprising approximately 49,346 square-feet of commercial space), and the addition of approximately 270 multifamily dwelling units, with structured accessory parking.

The Project will comply with Inclusionary Development Policy requirements in support of affordable housing for Boston."

St. Regis-branded Residences Coming to Boston

Cronin Development today announced plans to debut The St. Regis Residences, Boston in 2020 within a luxury residential-only tower set to become a recognizable landmark on the city’s skyline. The St. Regis Residences, Boston will rise at 150 Seaport Boulevard and feature expansive views of Boston Harbor.

“The St. Regis brand evokes the highest level of luxury and we are thrilled to bring this iconic brand to Boston’s residents for the first time,” said Cronin Development Founder Jon Cronin. “Our team is incredibly inspired to deliver this building, which will offer exceptional privacy in addition to exemplary services, amenities and benefits – and at an extraordinary location, resting directly on Boston’s waterfront.”

The St. Regis Residences, Boston, will feature 114 luxury condominiums ranging from one-bedroom units to penthouse homes with access to the brand’s renowned signature services and amenities, including concierge and butler service. Amenities will also include a swimming pool, spa, health club library and golf simulation room - all exclusive to owners.

The building will be known for its unique architecture and exquisite design. Legendary Boston architect Howard Elkus of Elkus Manfredi designed 150 Seaport Boulevard with a billowing style specifically to mimic the curvilinear shape of a tall ship at sail. It will stand 22 stories tall at the gateway to Boston Harbor. On the ground and second level, owners and their guests will also be able to enjoy a signature restaurant experience that will also cater to area visitors, neighbors, and office workers.

“Boston is a dynamic residential market and perfect for the modern glamour of St. Regis-branded residences,” said Dana Jacobsohn, Global Mixed Use Development, Marriott International. “We’re excited to add The St. Regis Residences Boston, to our growing portfolio of branded residential projects around the world.”

Construction Continues at W. Ave

Construction is ongoing and slated for completion in November of this year.

Upcoming mixed-use development opening in November 2018 featuring 132 apartment residences and 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. Residences at W. Ave will include 53 studios, 43 1-bedrooms, 16 1-bedroom + dens and 20 2-bedrooms. Resident amenities will include a rooftop common room, fitness center and outdoor deck.

Facade Install Continues on 145 Broadway, Kendall Square

Work to install the glass facade at 145 Broadway in Cambridge continues. The 19 story building located in the heart of Kendall Square will be home to Akamai Technologies, who have already leased all of the office space at the site.  The project is expected to be complete in late 2019.

Interior Fit Out Underway at 345 Harrison

Construction continues at 345 Harrison with interior fit out of a new 10,000 square-foot CVS Pharmacy and retail store on the ground floor of the building.

When complete 345 Harrison will consists of two new 14-story buildings totaling approximately 535,900 square feet of new space. Approximately 585 rental residential apartments are being built at 345 Harrison, along with up to 40,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. including a 10,000-square-foot CVS Pharmacy and the Shore Leave tiki bar and restaurant.

Suffolk Strengthens Roxbury Roots

When Suffolk Construction decided to ditch plans to move their headquarters from Roxbury to the Seaport, they needed to establish how they were going to expand their current location. With a $22 million project, Suffolk decided on a 38,000 square-foot, three-story addition that included a large auditorium, a new employee cafeteria, fitness center, and an outdoor space.

The expansion was designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects, with next phase of in the project including a renovation to the interior of Suffolk’s original Roxbury building. The expanded area will also feature the launch of Smart Lab, the company’s collaborative workspace that will test and scale new technologies.

The expansion was completed this past October (2017) and has allowed Suffolk to stay active in the community, something that highly emphasized by CEO, John FIsh.

The project was completed on schedule using Touchplan, a construction software that allows developers to plan, implement, and monitor projects in their entirety. The innovative software gives developers the ability to see the full spectrum of their project down to every last detail. Touchplan has let developers keep their projects on or ahead of time leading to lower costs and more efficient construction.

Phase I Continues at The Hub on Causeway

With every passing day, The Hub on Causeway continues to rise uo into the Boston skyline. The 1.87 million square-foot mixed use development is transforming the rapidly changing Bulfinch Triangle surrounding the TD Garden. Glass installation is underway as the building's exterior begins to take shape.

Phase I of the three phase project is expected to be complete in late 2018 and will consist of 459,000 square-feet of office, retail, restaurant, and outdoor space.

Construction at One Dalton Reaches 60th Floor

Construction at One Dalton has reached the 60th floor and is proceeding at a clip of about one and a half floors per week.  Upon completion, One Dalton will be the tallest residential building in all of New England – transforming Boston’s skyline at 742 feet tall.  

One Dalton, which will house 215 Four Seasons hotel rooms and 160 luxury condominium residences, is scheduled top off in July 2018 and the new five-star Four Seasons hotel will be open for business in March 2019.

Proto Kendall Square Now Open

Proto, Kendall Square’s newest residential tower, welcomed its first residents earlier this month. The 280 unit building aims to offer “a balance of connection and comfort” to the innovative community right outside its door. Amenities aimed at attracting the tech and startup crowd include collaborative work spaces, a music room, video game lounge, and on-site tech a/v consulting. Prices for the luxury residences are currently ranging from $2560 per month for a 420 sf studio to around $5550 per month for a 2 bedroom 2 bath.

Retail space at the project is set to include a Mediterranean restaurant Cava Grill, Bank of America and a coffee shop.

Notice of Project Change for Phase III of The Hub on Causeway

Phase III of Hub on Causeway, is moving forward with a Notice of Project Change (NPC) that will update the office design, responding to a new generation of office and workforce needs. The updates include the flexibility to accommodate future changes of the building’s tenants. 

The project, located on 80 Causeway,  was originally approved in 2013 and is currently under construction at the former site of the Boston Garden, adjacent to TD North and North Station. 

The approved changes include: higher floor to floor heights, floors with increased ceiling heights, enclosed two story balconies in certain portions of the office tower, outdoor terraces on specific levels of the office tower, a  higher occupiable floor above the project’s podium and larger maximum floor plates and office height tower from grade.

New Boston Ventures Continues Redevelopment of Boulevard on the Greenway

Developer New Boston Ventures - alongside construction teams Commodore Builders and Walsh Brothers - is currently redeveloping Boulevard on Greenway, a four-story building & 19th-century warehouse with 36-condo residential complex. Finegold Alexander Architects is the lead architect and LDa Architecture & Interiors is handling the interior design. The building is located at 110 Broad Street beside the Rose Kennedy Greenway in downtown Boston. The Boulevard’s amenities will include concierge service, a club room, a fitness center, a pet spa, and an underground parking garage with room for 48 vehicles. Renovations are currently ongoing, with the project slated for completion by August 2018.

Pierce Boston Living Up to Luxurious Hype

Pierce Boston, a 30-story, 378-foot-tall tower that is Massachusetts’ tallest tower west of the Back Bay, officially opened to residents in the beginning of March and has lived up to the hype. The building features 109 condominium residences, 240 apartment residences and over 20,000 square-feet of dining and retail space across its’ first two floors.

The tower is located in the heart of the growing, active Fenway neighborhood, and features sweeping views of the surrounding cityscape. Packed with amenities, Pierce Boston is part of a massive transformation in The Fenway. What was once considered a more affordable area of the city is becoming a highly developed urban epicenter and one of Boston’s best neighborhoods. Luxury residences are continuing to appear in The Fenway with Pierce Boston leading the way.

The project completion date remains on schedule for late 2018 using Touchplan, a construction software that allows developers to plan, implement, and monitor projects in their entirety. The innovative software gives developers the ability to see the full spectrum of their project down to every last detail. Touchplan has let developers keep their projects on or ahead of time leading to lower costs and more efficient construction.

Exterior finishing continues on One Dalton

Work continues on the exterior of One Dalton with over half of the exterior glass facade now in place.  As the 61 story tower continues to take shape it's presence has already changed the iconic Boston skyline.

With an expected opening of first quarter 2019, pre-sales continue as buyers look to join this exclusive new community.

Skylounge Now Open at Siena at Ink Block

The Skylounge rooftop is now open at Siena at Ink Block. Reserved for residents of Siena, the Skylounge is tailor-made for entertaining needs, from special occasions to mid-week gatherings. Head to the Skylounge for an after-work cocktail. Unwind by the sparkling fireplace in the lounge. Get the party started by the outdoor fire pit. Or treat guests to dry-aged steaks cooked to perfection on the gas grill.

This Boston roof deck is like no other. Designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects, every detail is thought through. Take the large garage-style door that lets light pour in and air flow freely between the lounge and the deck during mild summer nights. Or consider the surprising pops of color and refined millwork throughout the rooftop Skylounge, a nod to the fashion-forward styles and tailored lines of Siena, Italy.

Exterior illumination lends a tranquil feel to the space and creates an intriguing crisscross pattern on the façade, just enough for passersby below to notice. Even as you take a seat in one of the elegant sectionals on the deck, glass railings provide unobstructed views of the city.

Certificate of Occupancy Issued

The South End's highly anticipated 345 Harrison development has just been issued a certificate of occupancy. 

The development, a mixed-use project, consists of two new 14-story buildings totaling approximately 535,900 square feet of new space. Approximately 585 rental residential apartments, along with up to 40,000 square-feet of ground-floor retail including a 10,000-square-foot CVS Pharmacy and the Shore Leave tiki bar and restaurant.

Proto Set for June Opening

Construction progress continues on the Proto, and the exterior is now complete. The building, its common areas and the studio, one and two bedroom apartments will be completed by June 1st. Residents will be able to move-in beginning this June.

The Kendall Square project, a 22-story mixed-use tower will feature approximately 280 apartment residences and 16,000 square feet of retail.

The project remains on schedule using Touchplan, a construction software that allows developers to plan, implement, and monitor projects in their entirety. The innovative software gives developers the ability to see the full spectrum of their project down to every last detail. Touchplan has let developers keep their projects on or ahead of time leading to lower costs and more efficient construction.

citizenM Leases Space for $45 Million at The Hub On Causeway

Dutch boutique hotel chain citizenM has officially leased space for the upcoming 10-story, 260-room hotel at The Hub on Causeway for $45 million. citizenM operates nine hotels worldwide in Europe and New York City featuring trendy, stylish rooms and common spaces. Key amenities at citizenM hotels include free Wi-Fi throughout, designer furniture and ultra-comfortable beds.

Steel and Metal Decking Underway

Work continues at 399 Congress, an upcoming 22-story mixed-use tower featuring 414 apartment residences ranging from innovation units to three-bedrooms. Current work on structural steel and metal decking in garage levels is underway

Updated Renderings of Alewife Research Center

via SGA

Alewife Research Center on Schedule For 2018

With lab space fully leased, the Alewife Research Center remains on schedule for a 2018 opening. The project, a 223,000-square-foot speculative lab building continues construction across from the Alewife transit station in West Cambridge. With structural framing, concrete floor pouring, installation of floor-to-ceiling glass, and exterior finish panels along the building's facade underway, the building is beginning to take shape. 

The project remains on schedule using Touchplan, a construction software that allows developers to plan, implement, and monitor projects in their entirety. The innovative software gives developers the ability to see the full spectrum of their project down to every last detail. Touchplan has let developers keep their projects on or ahead of time leading to lower costs and more efficient construction.

Boulevard Boston Penthouse on for $5.75 million

With an expected opening in late August 2018, the Penthouse Unit in the new luxury condo building has just hit the market for $5.75 million.  The building is located at the heart of the Rose Kennedy Greenway, directly across from Rowes Wharf in Boston's legendary Waterfront, The Boulevard on the Greenway is the newest residential addition to this quintessential Boston neighborhood.

Comprised of a collection of 36 stunning new construction homes sprouting from a beautifully restored historic Charles Bullfinch building, nestled between Boston’s Downtown and Waterfront neighborhoods.

 Building & unit amenities include a state-of-the-art automated parking system, private fitness center, concierge services, resident's club room, private outdoor spaces, duplex penthouse residences, pet spa, bike Storage, and private resident storage.

A look at Facebook's New Boston Office

via Bostinno

Facebook is planning to hire more than 500 employees for its new office in Cambridge, according to Ryan Mack, Facebook Boston site lead, who discussed more the move and the company’s hiring plans.

“We’re always hiring,” Mack said in an interview. “We’re actively recruiting and I’d be happy to talk with people.”

Here’s what we know so far about the new Facebook office (and the types of jobs it’s looking to hire).

The new office

The company moved from its current location at One Broadway to 100 Binney St. The two locations are less than a 10-minute walking distance from each other in the Kendall Square area. Mack said that the new space is around 130,000 square feet, so six times the size of the current space.

How many positions?

Mack estimates that the new space has a capacity of 650 employees. Currently, over 100 people work in the Boston office.

What profiles is Facebook Boston looking for?

Primarily, technical and engineers. “We are hiring software engineers focusing on infrastructure, mobile application development, networking, compilers, data warehouses, machine learning experts and data scientists,” Mack said. In the Facebook Boston location, employees focus on machine learning and how to scale machine learning efficiently, among other things.

How to apply?

Currently, the Facebook careers page lists 20 openings for Boston. The company is looking for software engineers with different specializations, including machine learning, traffic infrastructure, iOS and Android. Minimum qualifications include bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or related fields and at least one year of software development experience (but requirements may vary). There are also tech openings for university grads, interns and Ph.D. university grads.

Phase 1 Continues

Phase I of the Hub on Causeway continues as construction stays on pace for completion in 2018. The first phase of construction consists of 210,000 total square feet of multi-level retail/restaurant space, including the city of Boston’s largest supermarket, a 60,000 square foot Star Market, and the Northeast’s first ArcLight Cinema, ArcLight Boston, a 60,000 square foot theater with 15 screens.

ABC IN OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSED ALEWIFE MORATORIUM

A statement written by a committee of ABC members

A moratorium on all development at Alewife is a moratorium on affordable housing, a moratorium on transit-oriented development, and a moratorium on an ecologically responsible future. It is fundamentally out of step with Cambridge values. Proposals for housing moratoria are often discussed or adopted in surrounding suburban cities and towns, and for the same reasons forwarded in this letter. We now join Brookline, Newton, Marlborough, Pembroke, among many others, as part of the moratorium discussion. Cambridge has been a leader in progressive solutions to affordable housing, the environment, and transit, and we cannot set a precedent by turning our backs on that legacy.

Most importantly, this moratorium would have immediate and drastic impacts on affordable housing in Cambridge, aggravating issues of income inequality and social equity we pride ourselves in tackling as a community.

- Homeowners Rehab Inc.(HRI), a Cambridge non-profit affordable housing developer will provide 98 low to middle-income homes right on Concord Ave.

- 55 Wheeler Street could be impacted. This project will be the first private development to be built under our new 20% inclusionary zoning rules and will provide over 100 affordable homes. Not only would a moratorium prevent much-needed housing, but would also block many of the goals outlined by the moratorium petition.

-In total this moratorium could directly stop 500+ desperately needed units of Cambridge housing. This includes 100+ affordable units and a mix of 1,2,3 bedrooms with homeownership opportunities that will allow families and young people alike to remain in Cambridge.

Secondly, this moratorium will put a halt on ecologically friendly, transit-oriented development in Cambridge, and cause us to lose much-needed state funding to fix this congested part of our city.

-The Wheeler St development will provide a landing space for a much-needed potential bridge that will connect the quadrangle to Alewife T station.  This bridge could complete and connect many biking and pedestrian routes in Cambridge. The developer has proposed infrastructure improvements, as well as greater connectivity through the creation of a completed street grid to alleviate congestion and traffic.  

- Cambridge has an opportunity to secure state funding as well as priority funding through the MA Department of Housing & Community Development’s Housing Choices Initiative. This important funding could be used to help pay for a bridge connecting the quadrangle to the Alewife T station. The state will reject applications from cities and towns that have a moratorium on housing. We cannot miss this opportunity for increased mobility and connectivity in the Alewife area.

- Some have argued that this area is too congested for new development. However, it is estimated over 80% of the traffic in this area originates outside of Cambridge. This development is close to multimodal transport options, and could even lessen traffic as people move in closer to jobs and transit options.  Residential development causes much less congestion that commercial development this partially replaces.

Lastly, this moratorium would fail to set the highest standard for climate preparedness in Cambridge development and miss opportunities to remediate severely polluted sites.

- The Wheeler development will provide significant flood mitigation and new open space for flood and stormwater runoff. Higher standards could even be proposed without scuttling the entire development

- HRI is keeping all units and building resources above the 2070 flood elevation, as recommended by the City of Cambridge’s Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment.

- The area being developed is currently contaminated soils and unused pavement. Development work would require remediation, rather than these toxins remaining free to infiltrate the floodplain.

A moratorium on development in Alewife does nothing but prevent this community from confronting our housing, climate, and mobility challenges. We need investment in housing and mixed-use development to tear up pavement, insert green space, provide infrastructure, and build a resilient, diverse, and well-connected neighborhood. A moratorium is a step backward and does nothing but hurt our progress on some of the most important issues facing our city.

Site work continues at 399 Congress

Rebar and plumbing placement ongoing on upcoming 22-story mixed-use tower featuring 414 apartment residences ranging from innovation units to three-bedrooms. Additional work to include mud mat and foundation slab pours.

1000 Boylston Gets the Green Light From BPDA to Move Forward

This project might not seem all that different than all the other 400ft+ towers going up in Boston but, it is.  This mixed-use project will have 2 floors of retail and a tower full of unique condos with no layout being the same.  It's being built in an area of Bolyston st in the Back Bay near Berklee performing arts center.  What makes this one of the most unique projects approved in 2018 is the incorporation of Mass Pike air rights.  This is one of the first projects in many years to be built over the mass pike.  In fact, Air rights projects can transform cities in very powerful ways and definitely something to watch as developers look for creative ways to build in Boston.

Take a look at the picture below to get a feel for the approximate area that the project will be covering the Mass Pike.

The project includes one residential building with up to 108 units and a building height of 484 feet. The residential building will rise out of a five-story podium. The first and second stories of the podium will contain approximately 45,500 square feet of retail and restaurant space facing Dalton, Boylston, and St. Cecilia Streets. The third and fourth stories of the podium will contain a parking garage with 175 parking spaces, which will be accessible from Scotia Street. The podium will also include a ground-floor residential lobby, as well as fifth-floor amenity space for the residential portion of the project.

On Thursday, March 15th at 545 Medford St, Charlestown, Massachusetts at 6 PM there will be a public council hearing regarding the development of One Charlestown. 

Phase I of Suffolk Downs redevelopment moves forward, bringing 520,000 square feet of office space to East Boston

Live: 1.4 acres of open space, 2,500 square foot community space in building/plaza
Work: 2,500 office jobs, 400 construction jobs
Connect: 100 low-emission parking spaces, 19-dock bikeshare station
Size: 520,000 square feet

Suffolk Downs Phase I represents a 1,092,655 square-foot portion of the larger 4,756,315 square foot parcel known as Suffolk Downs. Phase I includes 520,000 square feet of office space, in two approximately 260,000 square foot buildings, with supporting corporate space on the ground floor. Both buildings will be approximately 124 feet tall, and will include terraced outdoor spaces with a landscaped, open-air walkway between the two buildings. The two buildings will share approximately 500 parking spaces. Approximately 12 acres of existing open space will remain as-is, and approximately 1.4 acres of new open space will be developed, including pedestrian access to the adjacent Suffolk Downs MBTA Blue Line station.

The buildings will be designed with energy conservation measures to achieve an Energy Use Intensity (EUI) of 44 compared to 59 for conventional buildings, resulting in an approximate 24 percent energy usage savings and an approximate 22 percent reduction in stationary source greenhouse gas emissions. The project will integrate the stormwater management system into the open space network, to address potential increases in storm intensity due to anticipated climate change, in accordance with recent Boston Water and Sewer Commission guidance.

The project will include approximately 2,500 square feet of community space for use by the East Boston community, as well as a historical display commemorating the history of Suffolk Downs.

To increase safety at the vehicular entrance to the site, the site entrance at Route 1A and Tomasello Drive (a private onsite drive) will be improved to physically deter illegal left turns from the site onto Route 1A headed southbound, through construction of a barrier/extension of the existing Route 1A median, in partnership with MassDOT.

The project will result in a payment of nearly $3.5M in linkage funds for the Neighborhood Housing Trust, and nearly $700,000 for the Neighborhood Jobs Trust, to create affordable housing and workforce development opportunities.

The Hub on Causeway is progressing nicely and getting taller.  Boston Properties recently submitted to the city that they would like to change the height of one of the towers from 420 feet to 495 feet to meet the changing needs of the marketplace.  

This transformative mixed use project will be adding to the already changing neighborhood.  Rising from a lively podium, office, residential and hotel towers will house premium entertainment venues, specialty retailers, high-concept dining and loft-style office space to result in a work/live/play “city within a city.” A steel-and-glass structure reminiscent of the district’s original railways forms the façade of the eight-story gateway, which connects directly to the North Station transportation hub. 

It is also rumored that Verizon's new brand Oath will be an anchor tenant as reported by major news outlets recently.

To view a time lapse on the progress of the project please click here

The W.ave is well underway at 530 western ave Boston,MA.  Framing is up to the 4th floor and progressing.  This mixed project  will  have an active bright lobby space that will bring street level activity to the corner of Western Avenue and Leo M Birmingham Parkway. Glass paneling allows light to spill out on the street – activating the façade. The ground floor will be home to various retail spaces, activating a dynamic public realm for both building residents and community members.

The building will focus on resident wellness, providing amenities that compliment an active lifestyle. By providing active uses for the ground floor and adding tree lined sidewalks and retail, the project will make the pedestrian feel welcome and connected in an area currently dominated by vehicular traffic.

New-construction AC Hotel Boston Downtown opens at Ink Block in South End

The newly built AC Hotel Boston Downtown, a 205-room boutique hotel located at the South End’s Ink Block development, has opened. Construction is complete, and the hotel's AC Lounge cocktail bar and lounge and AC Kitchen restaurant are now serving food and drinks. AC Hotel Boston Downtown features amenities including a 24-hour fitness center and yoga studio, an indoor pool and meeting/event space, and is located minutes from the Financial District, the Seaport District and Logan Airport. The following is a photograph of AC Hotel Boston Downtown:

AC Hotel by Marriott at Ink Block now open! Great addition to our Ink Block collection. @InkBlockBoston @sienainkblock @nationaldevelop @UndergroundINK_ pic.twitter.com/r9ejjjhh4F

— Ted Tye (@tyeguy44) March 4, 2018

Pierce Boston, one of Massachusetts’ tallest residential towers, officially opens to residents

Pierce Boston, a 30-story, 378-foot-tall tower that is Massachusetts’ tallest tower west of the Back Bay, officially opened to residents today. The tower, featuring an angular profile clad in glass, is located at the gateway to Boston and is now prominently visible from the Massachusetts Turnpike and other key points. Pierce Boston features 109 condominium residences, 240 apartment residences and over 20,000 square feet of dining and retail space across its’ first two floors. The tower is located in the heart of the growing, active Fenway neighborhood, and features sweeping views of the surrounding cityscape and countryside. “Pierce Boston’s residents are going to love living in The Fenway,” said Jed Lowry, Vice President at Pierce Boston co-developer Landsea, in a prepared statement. “So much is happening in The Fenway, and Pierce Boston is the perfect home base, with everything you need to enjoy an active, urban lifestyle in one of Boston’s best neighborhoods.”

Apartments are located up to floor 18, and condominiums are located on floors 19 through 29 underneath the 30th floor Levity Lounge, a space exclusive to condominium owners that will include a private dining room, a library, expansive outdoor and indoor seating areas, private sky cabanas for purchase and a sky top pool. Nathálie, a wine bar by the team behind Downtown Crossing’s Haley.Henry, will open on Pierce Boston’s ground floor this Summer. As of the end of 2017, 70% of Pierce Boston condominiums have been sold, and 20% of apartments have been leased.

Vertical steel construction underway at 19-story Akamai global headquarters in Kendall Square

The steel superstructure of 145 Broadway, an upcoming 19-story tower in Kendall Square that will become the new headquarters of Akamai Technologies, has reached the building’s fifth floor and counting. Following completion of steel construction, a high-performance glass facade will be installed along 145 Broadway’s facade. The 453,768-square-foot tower will be fully leased by Akamai, and is expected to open by the end of 2019. The following are photographs of 145 Broadway:

Finishing touches underway at Proto apartments, opening this Summer in Kendall Square

The facade of the 22-story Proto luxury apartment tower in Kendall Square has been fully installed, and fit out of the tower’s interior is underway in advance of its’ scheduled opening this Summer. Proto will feature 280 apartment residences ranging from micro units to two-bedrooms, with 16,000 square feet of retail home to Mediterranean restaurant Cava Grill, Bank of America and a coffee shop. The tower will include amenities such as an outdoor terrace, an indoor fireside lounge and collaborative workspace. Ori Systems robotic furniture will be available as well. Newly revealed renderings of Proto are posted above. The following is a photograph of Proto:

Foundation construction begins at Waterside Place Phase 1B apartments in Seaport District

Construction of the foundation of the 23-story Waterside Place Phase 1B apartment tower in the Seaport District has begun, following the project’s securing of construction financing last month. The construction team is now beginning to drive structural piles into the project site, and in the coming months, concrete will be poured to build the foundation. The $157 million Waterside Place Phase 1B will feature 307 apartment residences and 3,500 square feet of ground-floor retail, and will be located steps from Boston Harbor and Downtown Boston. The following is a photograph of Waterside Place Phase 1B:

Shore Leave tiki bar coming to 345 Harrison in South End

The proponents of the Upper South End’s successful Bar Mezzana Italian restaurant will open Shore Leave, a tiki bar and restaurant, on the ground floor of the neighborhood’s new-construction 345 Harrison apartment development. The island-inspired Shore Leave will be located across from Ink Block, home of Bar Mezzana, and is expected to open later this year. Details of Shore Leave’s menu have not yet been revealed. The Shore Leave space will be designed by Hacin + Associates, and fit out by Cafco Construction. Opening this Spring, 345 Harrison will feature 585 luxurious apartment residences, as well as 40,000 square feet of ground-floor retail that will also be home to CVS/Pharmacy.

Finishing touches underway at AC Hotel Boston Downtown, opening early 2018

Finishing touches are underway at AC Hotel Boston Downtown, a new 205-room boutique hotel opening in the first quarter of 2018 located adjacent to the South End’s Ink Block development. Black exterior finishes, windows and signage have been fully installed along the hotel’s facade. Inside AC Hotel Boston Downtown, the construction team is putting finishing touches on the hotel’s rooms and common spaces. When completed, AC Hotel Boston Downtown will feature amenities including a 24-hour fitness center and yoga studio, an indoor pool, the AC Lounge cocktail bar and lounge, the AC Kitchen restaurant offering European-inspired breakfast and meeting/event space. The following is a photograph of AC Hotel Boston Downtown:

Boulevard on the Greenway luxury condominiums in Financial District top off

The 12-story concrete superstructure of Boulevard on the Greenway, a new-construction luxury condominium building located in the heart of the Financial District overlooking the Rose Kennedy Greenway, has topped off. With concrete pouring complete, installation of Boulevard on the Greenway’s panelized facade system has begun, with tan brick exterior finish panels already reaching the building’s second floor. The facade will integrate an existing historic brick facade designed by acclaimed architect Charles Bulfinch, which dates back to the early 1800s. Inside the building, steel framing is being erected in order to partition individual residences.

Boulevard on the Greenway will feature 31 luxury condominium residences now on sale, as well as five artist lofts and approximately 3,550 square feet of ground-floor retail space. Underneath the building will be a two-level Park Plus underground automated parking garage, a first for Boston. The following is a photograph of Boulevard on the Greenway:

Finishing touches underway at South End’s new-construction 345 Harrison luxury apartments

The multifaceted facades of both buildings of 345 Harrison, a 14-story, 535,900-square-foot mixed-use development located in the burgeoning Upper South End, have been just about fully installed, bringing a bright new multicolored array of red, yellow, orange, grey and white exterior finishes, in addition to blue floor-to-ceiling windows, to the growing neighborhood. Inside the buildings, luxurious finishes including California Closets, Italian cabinetry, quartz and granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, USB outlets and wood plank flooring are being installed within residences.

Finishing touches are also being put upon 345 Harrison’s amenity spaces, including a 13th floor Sky Lounge with an indoor lounge and outdoor roof deck, an outdoor, resort-style rooftop pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga room. On the development’s ground floor, glass is being fit along retail spaces, which will total 40,000 square feet and include a 10,000-square-foot CVS Pharmacy. In the coming weeks, landscaping of 345 Harrison’s central pedestrian plaza will begin. 345 Harrison is expected to open early this year. The following is a photograph of 345 Harrison:

Finishing touches underway at South End’s Siena at Ink Block new-construction luxury condominiums

The stunning facade of the South End’s eight-story, 76-unit Siena at Ink Block new-construction condominium building, featuring black and white exterior finish panels meshed with floor-to-ceiling glass, has been just about fully installed. Luxurious interior finishes are now being installed inside the building, including quartz countertops, stainless steel Bosch appliances, hardwood flooring, bathroom tiling and wool carpets in bedrooms, ahead of Siena at Ink Block’s anticipated opening early this year.

Finishing touches are also being put upon Siena at Ink Block’s amenity spaces, including a fully equipped fitness center and an indoor-outdoor rooftop sky lounge with sweeping views. Siena at Ink Block is located in the burgeoning Upper South End, steps from conveniences including a Whole Foods Market and multiple retail options, restaurants and bars. The following is a photograph of Siena at Ink Block:

The Hub on Causeway Phase I officially tops off

The $950 million, 1.87-million-square-foot Hub on Causeway mixed-use development, which is transforming the long-vacant former site of the storied Boston Garden arena into a 21st century mixed-use development, celebrated a major milestone yesterday with the topping off of its’ Phase One podium. A 39-foot steel beam, the final piece of the podium, was signed by project team and community members and placed at the top of the future entrance to The Hub on Causeway. Standing 100 feet in the air, the beam will be located at the top of the podium’s future 15-screen ArcLight Cinemas movie theater, set to open in late 2019 along with a 60,000-square-foot Star Market, which will become Boston’s largest grocery store, a 31,680-square-foot entertainment venue by Big Night Entertainment Group and Live Nation New England and cybersecurity and IT operations analytics solution provider Rapid7’s new 147,000-square-foot headquarters.

Phase One of The Hub on Causeway will feature a total of 175,000 square feet of office space and 210,000 square feet of multi-level retail/restaurant space, along with a new glass-topped atrium entry for TD Garden and a new entrance and underground connector tunnel for North Station that are due to open in October 2018. Over 11,000 tons of steel have been erected in order to construct the Phase One podium. “Thanks to the hard work of so many people, The Hub on Causeway will soon be the new gateway to Boston, forever changing the landscape of this neighborhood for the better,” said Charlie Jacobs, CEO of Delaware North’s Boston Holdings, in a prepared statement. The Hub on Causeway is now visible from Interstate 93 approaching Boston from the north.

“The topping off of the steel podium of The Hub on Causeway represents the next milestone in creating an exciting destination at the northern gateway to the City of Boston,” said Bryan Koop, Boston Properties’ Boston Region Executive Vice President, in a prepared statement. “The Hub will bring Bostonians, visitors, commuters, and fans together to share an experience that will include unmatched entertainment options, great food, and modern conveniences, creating a dynamic heart of the neighborhood.” Upon the project’s completion, three towers will be constructed atop The Hub on Causeway including a 38-story residential tower with approximately 440 units, a 10-story citizenM hotel tower with approximately 260 rooms and a 21-story office tower totaling approximately 525,000 square feet. The following are photographs of the topped-off podium:

Wine bar opening at Fenway’s new Pierce Boston luxury tower

The proponents of Downtown Crossing’s haley.henry wine bar, located on the ground floor of the 45 Province condominium tower, will open a second wine bar dubbed nathálie on the ground floor of the new 30-story Pierce Boston, the Fenway neighborhood’s tallest tower. Between 50 and 60 wines will be served at nathálie, emphasizing female wine producers and old world varieties, per Eater Boston. Fit out of the 1,200-square-foot space, which will also include a 200-square-foot outdoor patio, is expected to commence in March. nathálie is expected to open this Summer, and will feature a variety of seating options including a bar, high-tops along windows, a lounge area and banquette seating.

“Where haley.henry is a very masculine, tinned fish/wine bar, nathálie will be the dynamic, invigorating daughter that brings a whole new twist to Fenway,” said haley.henry and nathálie owner Haley Fortier in a prepared statement. “We are very much looking forward to establishing some amazing relationships by providing a unique wine bar experience for this part of the city.” Pierce Boston is set to open in February, and features residences including 109 condominiums and 240 apartments as well as 30,000 square feet of exclusive retail across the first two floors. At the top of the tower is a Levity Lounge exclusive to condominium owners, which includes the highest situated outdoor pool in the City of Boston.

150 Seaport waterfront condominium tower breaking ground this Spring

The 22-story 150 Seaport waterfront condominium tower in the Seaport District is expected to break ground this Spring, following a deal to create more on-site public space. Environmental advocacy group Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) had previously sued developer Cronin Holdings on the grounds of limiting public access to the waterfront with the approved tower.

In exchange for CLF dropping the lawsuit, allowing construction of the tower to move forward, Cronin will provide $13.1 million towards a new waterfront park and $5.4 million towards waterfront programming for children. Cronin will also build a public dock on the 150 Seaport site and increase the portion to the project footprint dedicated to public use by 60%.

The $260 million 150 Seaport will contain 124 luxurious condominium residences with sweeping views, as well as 10,700 square feet of ground and second level retail/restaurant space and three levels of underground parking. The tower will replace the existing Atlantic Beer Garden and Whiskey Priest bars.

19-story Akamai global headquarters in Kendall Square beginning vertical construction

Two tower cranes are now in place at the future site of Akamai Technologies’ 19-story, 453,768-square-foot global headquarters tower, located at 145 Broadway in Kendall Square, signaling the impending start of vertical construction of the building's superstructure. 145 Broadway’s five-level underground parking garage, which will contain 374 vehicular parking spaces and 151 bicycle parking spaces, is just about complete, with concrete pouring about to reach ground level. Developed by Boston Properties, 145 Broadway broke ground last Summer and is expected to open by the end of 2019. The building will feature a high-performance glass facade and 12' - 8" floor heights, allowing for abundant natural lighting, and will be fully leased by Akamai. The following is a photograph of 145 Broadway:

Waterside Place Phase 1B apartments in Seaport District secure construction financing and long-term ground lease

The next phase of the Seaport District’s Waterside Place development, which will feature 307 apartment residences and 3,500 square feet of ground-floor retail, is expected to break ground imminently following developer Gables Residential’s securing of construction financing and a long-term ground lease for the Massport owned project site. Wells Fargo Bank has provided the proponent with a $102 million construction loan, allowing construction of the $157 million project to proceed. Construction fencing has been erected around the site, located at 501 Congress Street, and initial site preparation work has begun. The 23-story Waterside Place Phase 1B tower will contain studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom residences, including 62 innovation units.

Structural framing underway at W. Ave apartments along Charles River in Allston

The one-to-two-story steel base podium of W. Ave, an upcoming six-story, 132-unit market-rate apartment development located along the Charles River in Brighton minutes from Boston Landing, has topped off. Wooden framing panels are being erected above the podium to frame floors two through six of the development, and have already reached the third floor. W. Ave’s elevator core has topped off at six stories.

W. Ave will feature residences including studios, one-bedrooms and two-bedrooms, with amenities including a rooftop common room, fitness center and outdoor deck as well as 108 on-site parking spaces. The development is located at the key intersection of Soldiers Field Road and Leo M. Birmingham Parkway, minutes from Soldiers Field Road and the Massachusetts Turnpike. W. Ave is expected to open in November 2018. The following is a photograph of W. Ave:

One Dalton hotel component tops off, work on upper floor condominiums begins

One Dalton’s 23-story, 215-key hotel component has topped off, and work has begun to construct the tower’s 180 luxury condominium residences and exclusive amenity spaces on floors 24 through 61. About 20 stories of One Dalton’s blue glass curtain wall facade have been constructed, and the tower is now beginning to surpass the height of the adjacent 30 Dalton and Sheraton Hotel towers on its’ way to becoming the Back Bay and Boston’s third-tallest tower at 61 stories and 740 feet high. One Dalton’s concrete superstructure is expected to top off in mid-2018, with completion expected by late 2018.

Condominiums at One Dalton are now on sale starting at $2.75 million. At the tower's summit will be three two-level Penthouse Estates, two of which are reportedly under agreement. One of the Penthouse Estates has reportedly sold to Dell Technologies Chairman & CEO Michael Dell, and one reportedly sold for about $40 million. A third Penthouse Estate is currently offered for $40 million.

Amenities at One Dalton will include a pool and fitness center, a salon, a yoga and pilates studio and a 50th floor Private Residents’ Club Lounge featuring an indoor lounge and dining area as well as an outdoor terrace with sweeping views of the Charles River and Boston skyline. The following are photographs of One Dalton:

CVS Pharmacy coming to ground floor of 345 Harrison development across from Ink Block in South End

CVS Pharmacy will reportedly open a 10,000-square-foot store within the 40,000-square-foot retail component of 345 Harrison, a nearly-complete mixed-use development opening early 2018 across from Ink Block in the South End. Per an update by The Boston Sun, the CVS lease is finalized, and developer UDR is also in discussions with retail tenants including a bar and restaurant concept. UDR is also considering opening a dog day care at 345 Harrison given neighborhood demand. 345 Harrison will feature 585 luxurious apartment residences with amenities including a 13th floor Sky Lounge with an indoor lounge and outdoor roof deck, an outdoor, resort-style rooftop pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga room.

Redevelopment of former Downtown Worcester courthouse moves forward with developer’s acquisition of property

Trinity Financial has acquired the long-vacant former Worcester County Courthouse in Downtown Worcester’s Lincoln Square for $1.3 million, allowing the developer to proceed with redevelopment of the property into 114 mixed-income apartments. With Trinity's acquisition, the building has become a taxable property for the first time since its' completion in 1843. Apartments at the redeveloped courthouse will range from studios to three-bedrooms, with 50% designated affordable, and will include amenities such as gallery and work spaces for artists. Construction of the redevelopment is anticipated to commence in Fall 2018, with completion expected in 2020.

Pierce Boston nears February 2018 opening, finishing touches underway

Finishing touches to the interior and exterior of Pierce Boston, the new 30-story luxury tower located at the gateway to the booming Fenway neighborhood, are underway in advance of the tower’s scheduled opening in just over a month. The tower’s striking glass facade is essentially complete, and luxurious finishes have been almost fully installed throughout apartments, condominiums and amenity spaces. Pierce Boston features 109 condominiums and 240 apartments available for sale and lease, respectively. Apartments are located across floors three through 18 of Pierce Boston, and condominiums are located across floors 19 through 29. The tower’s 30th floor features a Levity Lounge exclusive to condominium owners featuring a library, a fitness center, a private dining room and the highest situated outdoor pool in the City of Boston. Across the tower’s first two floors will be 30,000 square feet of exclusive retail. The following are photographs of Pierce Boston:

Alewife Research Center, West Cambridge's latest spec lab building, tops off

A topping-off ceremony was held last Friday (December 8th) for Alewife Research Center, a 223,000-square-foot speculative lab building under construction across from the Alewife transit station in West Cambridge. With structural framing complete and concrete floor pouring nearing completion, installation of floor-to-ceiling glass and exterior finish panels along the building's facade will soon commence. Completion of Alewife Research Center is expected in 2018, with space now available for lease.

Lab space in West Cambridge has become increasingly desirable in recent years, with an average asking rate of over $55 per square foot and vacancy of just 3% (under 20,000 square feet) per Lincoln Property Company's Q3 2017 Cambridge Lab and Office Market report. West Cambridge still presents a bargain relative to Mid-Cambridge and East Cambridge, where lab rents average nearly $77 and $76 per square foot, respectively. The following are photographs from the Alewife Research Center topping-off ceremony:

Scenes from today's topping off ceremony at 35 Cambridge Park Drive, a 222,800sf building that will be known as the Alewife Research Center, in Cambridge, MA. Great work team! . . Photos: Eric Stalmon. Daniel Marr & Son working for John Moriarty & Associates. #steel #steelerection #ironworker #ironworkers #toppingoff #ceremony #cambridge #equipment #heavyequipment #construction #underconstruction #constructionzone #constructionsite #subcontractor #contractor #developer #business #familybusiness #localbusiness #safespace #safety #training #engineering #design #building #buildings #build #builder #building #instagood #realestate

A post shared by The Marr Companies (@marrcompanies) on Dec 8, 2017 at 1:58pm PST

First plans for development of 140-acre Allston Landing revealed

Harvard University, owner of the 140-acre former rail yard known as Allston Landing, proposes to construct a 900,000-square-foot mixed-use development along the yard’s frontage on Western Avenue, which would be the first phase of the yard’s development. Dubbed the Harvard Enterprise Research Campus, the development would span 14.1 acres, featuring 400,000 square feet of office/lab space, 250,000 square feet of hotel/conference center space with 200 rooms and 250,000 square feet of residential space containing 250 units. A total of 800 to 900 parking spaces would be provided, and two public spaces would be created.

The proposed campus would be the latest expansion of Harvard’s growing Allston campus, located steps from Harvard’s upcoming $1 billion, 535,000-square-foot Science and Engineering Complex, which just topped off. As part of the campus, a new road, Cattle Drive, would be constructed. Cattle Drive would ultimately connect Western Avenue, Cambridge Street and the future West Station MBTA Commuter Rail stop. Harvard has filed plans for the proposed Enterprise Research Campus with the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), who is now reviewing the proposed project.

Hotel opens at The District Burlington, new mixed-use neighborhood north of Boston

A 170-room Marriott Residence Inn hotel has opened at The District Burlington, a new mixed-use neighborhood located in Burlington, MA created from a 1970s office park. Suites at the hotel include one- and two-bedrooms and feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screens, kitchens and living areas. On-site amenities include parking, an indoor pool, a hot tub and a gym. A casual steakhouse will open at the hotel in 2018, complementing The District's culinary options which include Island Creek Oyster Bar, Pressed Cafe, Tavern in the Square and Tuscan Kitchen.

The District Burlington's office component is over 85% leased by over 40 tenants, including BAE Systems, Black Duck Software, Charles River Development and Decision Resources. A total of 30,000 square feet of retail are now located at the development, and The District Burlington's streetscape has been enhanced with new sidewalks and bicycle sharing in order to improve walkability and connectivity. The development is located just 15 miles from Boston, minutes from Interstate 95/128.

16.5 million square feet of development envisioned at Suffolk Downs

A total of 16.5 million square feet of office, residential, hotel and retail space would be constructed at the 161-acre Suffolk Downs site in East Boston and Revere per newly revealed project plans. Approximately 11 million square feet of development would be located in Boston, with 5.5 million square feet located in Revere. New buildings up to 220 feet high would be constructed over a 15 to 20 year period, with construction of the first phase, two 260,000-square-foot office buildings located adjacent to the Suffolk Downs MBTA Blue Line station with up to 520 parking spaces, potentially starting as soon as early 2018 if Amazon chooses Suffolk Downs as the site for its’ second headquarters.

If Amazon selects Suffolk Downs, the only Boston-area site under single ownership that could accommodate Amazon’s desire for up to eight million square feet of office space with direct access to public transportation and proximity to an international airport, a total of eight million square feet of office space would be constructed at Suffolk Downs, in addition to 7,500 residential units, 830 hotel rooms and 550,000 square feet of retail likely including Whole Foods, Amazon Go, Amazon Books and other Amazon retail lines. A second, more residential-centric proposed development program would construct 5.25 million square feet of office space, 10,000 residential units, 670 hotel rooms and 450,000 square feet of retail. Under both project plans, 40 acres of Suffolk Downs, approximately 25% of the site, would be comprised of open space, with elements including an approximately 15-acre central common, a landscaped amphitheater and active and passive recreation areas scattered throughout.

Newly revealed renderings of the Suffolk Downs development are posted above. Suffolk Downs developer The HYM Investment Group has filed plans for Suffolk Downs with the Cities of Boston and Revere, who are now reviewing the proposed project.

150 Seaport waterfront condominium developer paying nearly $2 million for sliver of Seaport sidewalk

Cronin Holdings has reached an agreement with the City of Boston to buy 3,290 square feet of Seaport District sidewalk adjacent to 150 Seaport Boulevard, a site which Cronin will develop into a $260 million, 22-story, 124-unit luxury condominium tower, for $1.95 million. The sale will amount to about $593 per square foot, a far cry from the land’s original appraisal of $55,000. The site was ultimately reappraised based upon its’ value to Cronin’s project, as opposed to comparisons to similar unusable lots across Boston. The 3,290-square-foot site will give Cronin the space needed to construct the 283,700-square-foot tower; Cronin will pay the City for the site over 10 years with interest. Pending State environmental approvals and resolution of a lawsuit filed by the Conservation Law Foundation regarding public access to the waterfront, Cronin plans to break ground on 150 Seaport in Fall 2018.

22-story Proto apartment tower, opening Summer 2018 in Kendall Square, tops off

A topping-off ceremony was held today for Proto, a 22-story tower featuring approximately 280 apartment residences located in the heart of Kendall Square. The tower has now reached its’ full height, with structural concrete pouring and steel construction complete. Exterior finish panels and windows have been nearly fully installed along Proto’s facade, and interior fit out has begun. Leasing of apartments at Proto will commence January 2018, with the tower expected to open Summer 2018. Proto, located at 88 Ames Street steps from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), multiple leading biotechnology companies and major employers such as Facebook and Google, will contain apartments ranging from micro units to two-bedrooms, with 36 designated affordable. 16,000 square feet of retail will be located along the tower’s ground floor. The following is a photograph of Proto:

The windows are going in and we’re “topping off” tomorrow! Before you know it the leasing center will be open and our new friends and residents will be moving in. #kendallsquare #ksq #toppingoff #apartmentliving #construction #cambridgema #mit #harvard #liveproto #googlecambridge 📷 by @bxpboston

A post shared by Proto Kendall Square (@protokendallsq) on Nov 28, 2017 at 1:04pm PST

Ground lease approval moves 500,000-square-foot Seaport District development into construction phase

Massport has approved a long-term ground lease for the 2.5-acre Parcel K in the Seaport District, allowing a 500,000-square-foot mixed-use development to proceed with construction next month. The development, developed by Lincoln Property Company and Phoenix Property Company, will feature 304 residential apartments, a 294-room Hyatt Place boutique hotel, approximately 12,000 square feet of office space and approximately 18,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space across two new-construction 12-story buildings. Construction is now expected to commence in December and last approximately two years. Parcel K is owned by Massport and located at 315 Northern Avenue in the Seaport District.

Rapid7 to anchor Hub on Causeway Phase I

Leading cybersecurity and IT operations analytics solution provider Rapid7 has announced it will relocate its global headquarters from 100 Summer Street in the Financial District to the first phase of the 1.87-million-square-foot Hub on Causeway mixed-use development in Bulfinch Triangle. Rapid7 will occupy 147,000 square feet at The Hub on Causeway, also relocating its’ Cambridge team at 1 Main Street. Rapid7 expects to move to The Hub on Causeway in the second half of 2019, following the first phase’s completion in late 2018. Rapid7 will be the first phase’s anchor tenant; a total of 175,000 square feet of creative office space will be built as part of the first phase, in addition to 210,000 square feet of multi-level retail/restaurant space and 64,000 square feet of TD Garden expansion space. Future phases of The Hub on Causeway call for a 38-story residential tower with approximately 440 units, a 10-story citizenM hotel tower with approximately 260 rooms and a 21-story office tower totaling approximately 525,000 square feet.

Rapid7 is the latest addition to the Bulfinch Triangle neighborhood’s growing technology presence. “We believe that The Hub will allow us to capitalize on the momentum we’ve built as a leading global technology company and expect to see increased productivity through the joining of our Boston-area offices,” said Corey Thomas, president and CEO of Rapid7, in a prepared statement. “We believe The Hub will offer us the room we need to grow and help spur a new innovation center in Boston amid the escalating costs of the Seaport and Cambridge. For us, the decision to move our headquarters is about creating a phenomenal work experience for our Boston-area employees while continuing to invest in the Boston community and the exceptional talent pool it develops.” Rapid7 employs over 1,000 people globally, with nearly 500 Boston-area employees.

Beth Israel proposes new inpatient building in Longwood Medical Area

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center proposes to construct a new 10-story, 345,000-square-foot inpatient building at the corner of Brookline Avenue and Francis Street in the Longwood Medical Area. Currently in the early stages of planning, the building would feature private patient rooms, imaging facilities and operating rooms, with a rooftop helicopter pad. Beth Israel has filed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Boston Planning & Development (BPDA) formally proposing the project and will file a Project Notification Form (PNF) with more information in the coming months.

Interior renderings of 345 Harrison luxury apartments in South End, opening early 2018, revealed

Developer UDR has revealed renderings of residences and amenity spaces at 345 Harrison, a new 585-unit South End luxury apartment community with 40,000 square feet of ground-floor retail slated to open in early 2018. 345 Harrison will offer residents exclusive amenities including a 13th floor Sky Lounge with sweeping views of the Boston skyline featuring an indoor lounge and an outdoor roof deck with a fireplace and sweeping views; an outdoor, resort-style rooftop pool; and a 4,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga room. Residences at 345 Harrison will feature custom finishes with “sleek, contemporary designs and cinematic views” per UDR. The latest renderings of 345 Harrison are posted above.

Widett Circle seafood vendors propose new South Boston Waterfront facility

After listing their longtime home at Widett Circle in South Boston for sale, the seafood vendors of New Boston Food Market, in conjunction with Boston Global Investors, propose to construct a new 79,000-square-foot multi-tenant facility for seafood processing, storage and refrigeration on the South Boston Waterfront. The proposed building would be a two-story, light industrial building of approximately 56,000 gross square feet on the first floor, with an office mezzanine area on the second floor of approximately 23,000 gross square feet. The building would be constructed on the vacant Parcel M of the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park, located at 3 Dolphin Way. The proponents have filed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) to construct the proposed facility and anticipate filing a Project Notification Form (PNF) for the project upon completion of negotiations with the BPDA, Parcel M’s owner, for a ground lease.

HYM begins city review process for Suffolk Downs development in East Boston

The HYM Investment Group has filed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the City of Boston to develop the 161-acre Suffolk Downs site in East Boston, which has emerged in recent weeks as a leading potential location for Amazon’s second headquarters, revealing new details of HYM’s vision for the site and formally starting the development’s official review process. HYM intends to construct active uses throughout the site, including residences, retail, office and lab space and hotel space. A 40-acre publicly-accessible open space system would be constructed, as would two new retail squares, Beachmont Square and Belle Isle Square, and a new “Main Street” retail district. The proposed development would create new connections to East Boston and Revere, and encourage use of the adjacent MBTA Blue Line with a walkable fabric. Bicycle paths and Hubway stations would also be created.

The Suffolk Downs development would be constructed in phases over a 15 to 20 year period, likely costing over $1 billion. Approximately 11 million square feet of development would be constructed in Boston alone; approximately 109 acres of the site is in East Boston, with approximately 52 acres in Revere. In the event that Suffolk Downs is chosen by Amazon as the location for its’ second headquarters, a 500,000-square-foot office building with ground-floor retail space, and related infrastructure and open space improvements, would be delivered by the end of 2019. “Redevelopment of the [Suffolk Downs] site provides a unique opportunity to create additional housing, spur economic development and improve connections between several adjoining neighborhoods,” said HYM Managing Director Tom O’Brien in a prepared statement. Through constructing a mixed-use, transit-oriented district at Suffolk Downs, O’Brien aims to make the site “attractive to employers of growing industries, which will enhance and expand job creation and economic opportunity.” The BPDA is now reviewing HYM’s proposed plans for Suffolk Downs. Additional details will be revealed in a Project Notification Form (PNF) filing in the coming months. HYM’s proposed development will also undergo review by the City of Revere.

Downtown Crossing site approved for condominium building sold to Emerson College for $24 million

Panoramic Properties, proponent of the approved 13-story, 12-unit 171 Tremont Street luxury condominium building in Downtown Crossing, has sold the property to Emerson College for $24 million. Emerson plans to renovate the vacant five-story, 17,752-square-foot office building which stands on the property over the next nine to 12 months. 171 Tremont Street’s final purpose will be determined at a later date; in the short term, Emerson plans to use the building as office space. “It gives us some flexibility with some of our existing programs to take advantage of the space with some modest renovations,” said Emerson Senior Assistant Vice President of Real Estate Art Mombourquette in an interview with Banker & Tradesman. “The building is in fairly good condition, so we don’t see an extensive scope of work there.” 171 Tremont Street is strategically located in the heart of Downtown Crossing overlooking Boston Common, and will allow Emerson to create further ties between the Boylston and Washington Street parts of its’ campus.

Panoramic Properties’ original development plans for 171 Tremont Street called for a 355-foot condominium tower with 31 condominiums. Facing neighborhood opposition, the approved building was ultimately reduced to 155 feet tall with 12 condominiums. Panoramic Properties acquired 171 Tremont Street for $16.4 million in June 2014. “We are happy to see a wonderful and vibrant institution like Emerson take control of this site, and we remain committed to staying active in the Boston Market,” said Joseph Dabbah of Panoramic Properties in a prepared statement. Newmark Knight Frank’s Tom Greeley represented Panoramic Properties in the $24 million sale of 171 Tremont Street to Emerson.

Michael Dell scoops up second Boston penthouse at 61-story One Dalton tower

Dell Technologies Chairman & CEO Michael Dell has reportedly entered a contract to acquire one of three $40 million penthouse residences atop the 61-story One Dalton tower under construction in the Back Bay, which, following Dell’s acquisition of a Millennium Tower penthouse residence last year, would make Dell the owner of penthouses at both of Boston’s, and New England’s, tallest residential towers. Per a Wall Street Journal report, Dell’s penthouse will be approximately 7,300 square feet in size across two stories, with a 570-square-foot outdoor terrace.

Listed for sale at $40 million each, One Dalton’s penthouses are expected to be Boston’s most expensive ever sold, nearly 15% higher than the $35 million, 13,000-square-foot Millennium Tower penthouse acquired by billionaire John Grayken in 2016. Sales of condominiums at One Dalton have not yet closed. Dell purchased his 4,110-square-foot Millennium Tower penthouse for $10.9 million, closing on the residence in December 2016. Dell Technologies acquired Hopkinton, MA-based EMC Corporation for $60 billion in Fall 2016.

One Dalton will be Boston’s third-tallest building at 740 feet and 61 stories tall, featuring 180 private luxury condominium residences above a 215-room Four Seasons luxury hotel. Completion of One Dalton is expected in Fall 2018. The building has reached nearly half of its’ full height and is expected to top off in early 2018. The following is a photograph of One Dalton:

Looking forward to Back Bay’s new skyline addition, One Dalton, just over a year away from completion. Designed by the word-renowned Pei Cobb Freed & Partners and accomplished local firm Cambridge 7 Associates. Still hard to imagine even with the first 20 stories up! . . . . #luxuryresidentialboston #boston #bostonliving #backbayboston #fourseasons #fourseasonsboston #cityviews #cityliving #bostonskyline #luxuryliving #luxuryrealestate #luxurycondos #ultraluxury #newconstruction #followingboston #ig_boston #igersboston #bushari #bostonuncommon #onedalton #peicobbfreed #starchitect

A post shared by Mark Steinert (@luxuryresidentialboston) on Oct 27, 2017 at 1:22pm PDT

Suffolk Construction cuts ribbon on Roxbury headquarters expansion

Suffolk Construction cut the ribbon last week on a $22 million, 38,000-square-foot addition to its’ Roxbury headquarters, the first phase of an expansion that will invest $60 million in the neighborhood. The addition’s ribbon cutting ceremony, held Wednesday, October 25th, was conducted using interactive, digital technology, featuring digital scissors that cut a red ribbon projected across three widescreen televisions, in lieu of a traditional physical ribbon. At the addition’s groundbreaking last September, Suffolk Construction used virtual reality headsets in lieu of shovels and dirt.

Suffolk Construction’s new addition features an auditorium, collaborative workspace, a new cafeteria, a salon, a massage room, a fitness and wellness center, new conference rooms, a ground-floor outdoor patio and a second-floor outdoor terrace. The addition also features a new Smart Lab, which will be used to identify, test and scale transformative new construction technologies. The next phase of Suffolk Construction’s expansion will be a full renovation of the interior of its’ existing offices, located adjacent to the addition. Suffolk Construction is currently building future Boston landmarks such as the $2.4 billion, 3-million-square-foot Wynn Boston Harbor casino and 61-story, 740-foot-tall One Dalton, New England’s future tallest residential building. The following is a video of the addition’s ribbon cutting ceremony:

$205 million financing obtained for The District Burlington

The District Burlington, a former suburban office park recently transformed by National Development, Charles River Realty Investors and AEW Capital Management into a walkable mixed-use neighborhood, has received $205 million in financing secured by HFF. The seven-year fixed-rate permanent loan was obtained though a major life insurance company. “The borrower did a fantastic job repositioning the asset to become a best-in-class mixed-use park with the best amenity package available in the market,” said HFF Managing Director Greg LaBine in a prepared statement. “That led to increased tenant demand and higher rents, which when coupled with top institutional sponsorship within the borrower group, made this a compelling opportunity for the lender.”

The District Burlington is over 85% leased by a very diverse set of over 40 tenants, including BAE Systems, Black Duck Software, Charles River Development and Decision Resources. With amenities such as a new Marriott Residence Inn hotel, an 8,000-square-foot fitness center, an OMMMSpace housing yoga and meditation classes, private shuttle service to the Alewife MBTA Red Line station and a 30,000-square-foot retail cluster featuring Island Creek Oyster Bar, Pressed Cafe, Tavern in the Square, Tuscan Kitchen and Market and TD Bank, The District Burlington provides an ideal blend of a relaxing suburban setting and urban convenience. The development is located just 15 miles from Boston, minutes from Interstate 95/128.

Proposed 1000 Boylston condominium tower height shrinks, apartment tower eliminated

In response to community concerns regarding density, height and various other matters, Weiner Ventures has downsized its’ proposed 1000 Boylston mixed-use development at the intersection of Boylston Street and Massachusetts Avenue in the Back Bay to consist of just one shortened condominium tower, eliminating a previously proposed adjacent apartment tower. The condominium tower’s height has been reduced from 40 stories and 566 feet to 32 stories and 484 feet, and would now contain 108 residences, down from 160.

With the elimination of the 182-unit apartment tower, 284 residential units have been eliminated from 1000 Boylston, and overall project density has been reduced by 36% from 689,000 square feet to 439,500. Proposed retail space within the tower’s five-story podium has been increased from 35,000 square feet to 45,500, and would extend across the podium’s first two stories. Revised 1000 Boylston project plans have been filed with the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), who is now reviewing the project. The latest 1000 Boylston renderings are posted above.

Pierce Boston condos in Fenway 60%-sold, apartment rents revealed

The 30-story Pierce Boston mixed-use tower’s 109 condominiums are 60%-sold, and leasing of the tower’s 240 apartments has now begun in advance of Pierce Boston’s opening in early 2018. Rents for studio apartments start at over $2,900 per month, one-bedrooms start at over $3,000 per month, two-bedrooms start at $4,600 per month and three-bedrooms start at over $7,000 per month. Apartments are located across floors three through 18 of Pierce Boston, and condominiums are located across floors 19 through 29. On Pierce Boston’s 30th floor is a Levity Lounge featuring a pool, a library, a fitness center and a private dining room exclusive to condominium owners. Across the tower’s first two floors will be 30,000 square feet of exclusive retail.

Boulevard on the Greenway concrete superstructure construction underway

Pouring of Boulevard on the Greenway’s 12-story concrete superstructure overlooking the Rose Kennedy Greenway, Downtown Boston and Boston Harbor is now underway following completion of the building’s slurry wall foundation by Treviicos. The concrete base slab and columns of the superstructure’s first floor have been poured, as well as the first level of Boulevard on the Greenway’s concrete elevator core. The superstructure’s second floor concrete base slab is now being poured, and a network of cables is being set into the concrete and hydraulically tensioned prior to the concrete's full curing in order to fully strengthen the concrete.

Boulevard on the Greenway will feature 31 luxury condominium residences now on sale, as well as five artist lofts and approximately 3,550 square feet of ground-floor retail space. A two-level Park Plus automated parking garage with room for 35 cars will be located underneath the building, set within the building’s 53-foot-deep slurry wall built by Treviicos. An existing Charles Bulfinch designed historic brick facade on site, which is over 200 years old, will be incorporated into Boulevard on the Greenway’s 12-story facade. The following is an aerial photograph of superstructure construction underway at Boulevard on the Greenway:

The #boulevardonthegreenway is on the rise! The structural component of this building is concrete columns and post tension concrete floor slabs. A network of cables is set into the concrete and hydraulically tensioned before the concrete fully cures to give it the strength it needs on each floor.

A post shared by Tim McGovern (@mcgov_re) on Sep 22, 2017 at 10:41am PDT

Music-focused charter school proposes new Dorchester building

Conservatory Lab Charter School, a tuition-free charter school that provides a rigorous, music-rich education, proposes to construct a new 43,500-square-foot home for its' elementary and upper school programs at 395 Columbia Road in Dorchester's Uphams Corner. The building would feature music-specialized common resource spaces such as a media library, a visual arts studio and a collection of small, medium and large acoustically-tuned ensemble spaces. Conservatory Lab Charter School anticipates to start construction of its' proposed building in April 2018, with completion anticipated in August 2019. The school has filed plans for the proposed building with the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), who is now reviewing the proposal.

New 100 Binney office building in Kendall Square now fully leased

Ahead of construction completion this Fall, Alexandria Real Estate Equities has fully leased the 431,500-square-foot 100 Binney office building in Kendall Square. In addition to anchor tenant Bristol-Myers Squibb, who has leased 208,000 square feet across floors one to five, and Facebook, who has leased 129,636 square feet across the building's top three floors, venture-backed biotech startups Foghorn Therapeutics, Sigilon Therapeutics, Tango Therapeutics and TCR2 Therapeutics will each lease approximately 22,000 square feet at 100 Binney. Alexandria will now shift its' focus towards pre-leasing its' new 172,500-square-foot 399 Binney Street speculative lab and office building in Kendall Square; with foundation construction now underway, 399 Binney Street is expected to open in late Fall 2018.

Samuels shifts focus of Landmark Center redevelopment to offices from residential, renames project 401 Park

Seeking to capitalize upon the Fenway neighborhood’s emergence as a premier office destination, Samuels & Associates proposes to refocus its’ redevelopment plans for Landmark Center, scrapping plans for an addition containing 550 apartments with a 110,000-square-foot retail podium and instead constructing a 506,000-square-foot building featuring office space and 17,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. Strong demand for office space at the existing Landmark Center, as well as Samuels’ recently completed 237,000-square-foot Van Ness office building, which has attracted technology, data analytics and lab tenants, prompted Samuels to revise the previously approved project plans.

Another factor in the switch to an office focus was Samuels’ decision to preserve Landmark Center’s 1,500-space above-grade parking structure, citing the growing scarcity of parking in the Fenway neighborhood and the high costs of constructing an underground garage. Accordingly, a 110,000-square-foot retail podium that would have been located at the base of the previously approved residential building, which would have replaced the above-grade garage and featured a Wegmans supermarket, has also been eliminated. As part of the currently proposed project, Landmark Center’s existing 978,200-square-foot office and retail component would also be renovated.

Phase One of the Landmark Center redevelopment project, which Samuels has renamed 401 Park, is currently underway with full completion expected in Spring 2019. Phase One will include construction of a new 1.1-acre open space along Park Drive, which is expected to open in mid-2018, as well as creation of new open spaces and public realm improvements throughout the Landmark Center site and a destination food hall featuring local chefs within the existing building.

Pending approval by the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), who is now reviewing Samuels’ revised proposal, construction of Phase Two, which would feature the new 506,000-square-foot office building, would commence in 2019 contingent upon leasing activity. “Bringing office and lab space to [401 Park] not only meets a clear demand for such space – as evidenced by the success of Van Ness and the early stage tech and creative economy companies that are growing out of the space at [startup incubator Hatch Fenway, located at Landmark Center] – but it also adds to the vitality of the neighborhood,” said Erik Grabowski, executive director of 401 Park development partner J.P. Morgan Asset Management, in a prepared statement. The latest 401 Park project information, including renderings, is posted above.

Facebook leasing top three floors of new 100 Binney office building in Kendall Square

Facebook has reportedly leased the top three floors of the newly built 10-story 100 Binney office building in Kendall Square, amounting to 129,636 square feet. Facebook will open a new office at 100 Binney in 2018 with capacity for up to 650 employees. The company will hire more than 500 new employees, becoming one of Cambridge’s largest employers. Facebook currently occupies an 18,500-square-foot office at One Broadway in Kendall Square, with capacity for up to 150 employees.

Per a Boston Globe report, Facebook’s new office will focus on providing mobile and data center support to Facebook’s 2 billion users, as well as serve as a hub for machine learning. The office will also focus upon building more efficient networks with telecom companies and partnering with hardware manufacturers for new product development. A new Connectivity Lab striving to provide internet and technology access to the 4 billion people worldwide who lack internet access will also be located at the office.

Facebook will share 100 Binney with global biopharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb, who has leased approximately 208,000 square feet across floors one through five through at least 2030. A total of 300 employees will work at Bristol-Myers Squibb’s new office. Just floors six and seven remain for lease at 100 Binney, amounting to approximately 80,000 square feet. 100 Binney totals approximately 431,500 rentable square feet and is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of this year.

Concrete superstructure of 88 Ames tower in Kendall Square over halfway poured, exterior finish installation underway

The 22-story concrete superstructure of 88 Ames Street, a mixed-use tower under construction in Kendall Square, is over halfway to its full height, with 12 full floors poured. The building’s elevator core has reached the 13th floor, and metal anchors are being placed along the 13th floor’s base in order to pour the base slab. 88 Ames Street will top off in the coming months, with completion expected next year. The building's first gray and white exterior finish panels have been installed up to the sixth floor.

88 Ames Street will feature 280 apartment residences and 16,000 square feet of retail located steps from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Kendall Square’s multiple centers of employment, restaurants and retail options. The following is an aerial photograph of 88 Ames Street, courtesy Boston Properties:

Over 500 apartments proposed at 55 Wheeler Street in Cambridge, minutes from Alewife Station

Redgate and Westbrook Partners propose to construct three new buildings containing 526 apartment residences across six acres located minutes from Alewife Station in Cambridge. Residences would include studios, one-bedrooms, two-bedrooms and three-bedrooms; 111 residences would be designated affordable. 55 Wheeler Street would be built to LEED v4 Silver sustainability specifications and include amenities such as two on-grade courtyards, one of which would feature a pool deck, and a third elevated courtyard. A new 30,000-square-foot public park would be constructed as part of the project. The City of Cambridge is now reviewing Redgate and Westbrook’s proposed project plans.

Big Night Entertainment Group and Live Nation New England ink lease for entertainment venue at The Hub on Causeway

Renowned entertainment venue proponents Big Night Entertainment Group and Live Nation New England have secured a lease of 31,680 square feet at the upcoming Hub on Causeway mixed-use development in Bulfinch Triangle, in which the proponents will open a new entertainment venue. Big Night and Live Nation’s new venue will be part of The Hub on Causeway’s first phase, which is on schedule for completion in late 2018, and will be located primarily on the development’s second floor, with a 1,324-square-foot lobby on the ground floor.

In a January 2016 interview with the Boston Herald, at which time the lease was still being negotiated, Live Nation President Don Law said the venue will be “a nightclub, restaurant, concert venue and bowling facility combination”. Law also revealed that “[Big Night founder] Ed [Kane] is going to run [the venue], and … [Live Nation will do] the music”. Per Law’s interview, the venue’s name “will include ‘rock’ and ‘bowl’”.

The Hub on Causeway’s first phase will feature 175,000 square feet of creative office space, 210,000 square feet of retail including Star Market and ArcLight Cinema, and 64,000 square feet of TD Garden expansion space. WeWork has leased 38,000 square feet in The Hub of Causeway’s first phase for a new collaborative workspace. Subsequent phases of The Hub on Causeway will construct three new towers featuring residential, hotel and office space. The $950 million development will span a total of 1.87 million square feet.

New England Conservatory completes $85 million Student Life and Performance Center

New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) has completed its’ new $85 million, 135,000-square-foot Student Life and Performance Center (SLPC), located on St. Botolph Street in the Fenway. The building will be fully occupied starting this Fall, and will feature educational and theatrical space along with housing for approximately 252 students, doubling NEC’s on-campus housing capacity. The SLPC’s opening marks NEC’s 150th anniversary; the building will be officially dedicated at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, September 14th at 11 AM. The contemporary 10-story building features terra cotta tile with broad expanses of glass, showcasing NEC’s programs and performances. The SLPC is designed to foster collaboration, spark creativity and nurture a student community, featuring multiple new common spaces including a raised stage to support student-led ensemble performances, a two-level library consolidating NEC’s print material and audio resources collection in a central, accessible location and a new black box theater. The following are photographs of the SLPC:

$1.6 billion redevelopment set for McCormack public housing development in South Boston

WinnDevelopment has been selected by the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) to redevelop the 1,000-unit, 27-acre Mary Ellen McCormack public housing development in South Boston into a 3,000-unit mixed-income residential community, an initiative estimated to cost $1.6 billion. All existing buildings, which date back to the 1930s, will be demolished, and new buildings will be built in their place; all units will be of identical quality and integrated evenly throughout the development. All 1,000 existing public housing units will be rebuilt, and 2,000 new middle-income apartments and market-rate apartments and condominiums will be introduced throughout four phases. All existing McCormack residents will have the right to return to the development following its’ redevelopment, and will be offered relocation options including housing at other BHA properties and Housing Choice/Section 8 vouchers.

WinnDevelopment was one of five development companies who responded to a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by the BHA for the redevelopment; the RFP selection committee consisted of both existing McCormack residents and BHA staff. The McCormack redevelopment will now undergo standard development review by the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA). ”We are grateful for the chance to partner with the McCormack residents, the BHA and the City of Boston to redevelop this community into a first class mixed-income neighborhood," said WinnCompanies CEO Gilbert Winn in a prepared statement. "We recognize the property is old and therefore requires a major redevelopment effort. Our goal then, is to move through the formal approval process as quickly as possible while paying close attention to resident and community input." Preserving housing developments by creating partnerships with developers who understand the value of community is key to maintaining our housing stock in this city,” said BHA Administrator Bill McGonagle in a prepared statement. “I am pleased with the selection of Winn and look forward to working with the residents and the development team."

Treviicos completes slurry wall of Boulevard on the Greenway luxury condos

Treviicos has completed construction of the slurry wall foundation of Boulevard on the Greenway, a 12-story, 36-unit luxury condominium building overlooking the Rose Kennedy Greenway. The slurry wall has a maximum depth of 53 feet below the Greenway, with an average depth of 47 feet, and has a concrete surface area of 15,500 square feet. Concrete for the 353-linear-foot-long, 30-foot-thick slurry wall was poured from January to March.

Excavation of slurry wall panels at Boulevard on the Greenway hit rock bottom in June, at which point Treviicos installed a two-level internal horizontal bracing system to retain the slurry wall throughout construction. Treviicos will remove the bracing once Boulevard on the Greenway’s foundation is fully constructed and the superstructure has begun to rise in mid-September. A concrete cap beam has been nearly fully installed along the top perimeter of Boulevard on the Greenway’s slurry wall, and concrete is being chipped back from the slurry wall in order to give the wall a uniform shape. The slurry wall will enclose a Park Plus automated parking garage, a first for Boston, featuring room for 35 cars.

Located on a small, angled site in the heart of Downtown Boston parallel to the Central Artery highway tunnel, Boulevard on the Greenway’s slurry wall presented numerous design and construction challenges for the Treviicos team. With thousands of cars passing by the foundation daily, excessive vibration and prevention of wall movement were both design concerns. Thanks to the Treviicos team’s expert engineering, both of these issues have been resolved. Another challenge posed was the existing Charles Bulfinch designed facade on site, which is over 200 years old and will be incorporated into Boulevard on the Greenway’s future facade. In order to retain the facade throughout foundation construction, an elaborate joint system was installed. The following are photographs of the Boulevard on the Greenway site:

General Electric takes two-phase construction approach to Fort Point headquarters, completion pushed to 2021

General Electric will now construct its’ Fort Point headquarters in two phases, pushing full completion of the project to 2021. Renovation of the two existing brick warehouses at 5 and 6 Necco Court, now dubbed “North Point”, by Consigli Construction is on schedule for delivery in the first half of 2019. Construction of the new 12-story office building, now dubbed “South Point”, by Suffolk Construction on a former section of the Procter & Gamble parking lot along Fort Point Channel is now scheduled for completion in mid-2021, along with new public open space along Fort Point Channel.

The simultaneous renovation of the warehouse and construction of the office building was reportedly deemed too costly, which caused GE to take the cheaper two-phased approach instead. The decision follows John Flannery assuming the role of CEO at GE last week, and Flannery’s subsequent announcement that he would review all of GE’s operations in order to cut costs. “As with any construction project of this scope and complexity, we have been periodically reviewing the schedule and budget. Based on that review, we have decided that it makes more sense and is more cost-effective to construct the campus in two phases,” said Ann Klee, GE’s Vice President of Boston Development and Operations, in a prepared statement. The renovated warehouses will have capacity for approximately 300 employees; the new building will house an additional approximately 500 employees, for a total of approximately 800 employees across the headquarters at completion.

Siena at Ink Block luxury condos in South End reach 60% pre-sold benchmark

The upcoming Siena at Ink Block luxury condominiums in the South End, which recently topped off, are already 60% pre-sold. This strong early demand represents the upper South End's recent renaissance, with transformative new developments such as Ink Block bringing new residents and retail options to the area. Siena residents will be located steps from the Whole Foods Market at Ink Block, in addition to multiple desirable restaurants and shops, and a short walk to Downtown Boston, South Boston and the Seaport District. Siena will feature 76 residences, with amenities including a rooftop Sky Lounge and roof deck with sweeping Boston skyline views. Siena is expected to open in early 2018.

Facade installation underway at 345 Harrison apartments in South End

The multifaceted brick, metal panel and glass curtain wall facade of 345 Harrison's east tower has been nearly fully installed. Inside the building, metal studs have been erected to partition individual apartment residences, allowing for interior finishing to begin in the coming months. Throughout the recently topped off west tower, concrete floors are being poured on upper floors and fireproofing is being sprayed on completed lower levels. Installation of the west tower's facade will begin in the coming months. 345 Harrison will open in early 2018 and will feature 585 luxurious apartment residences with 40,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. The following are photographs of 345 Harrison:

Del Frisco's steakhouse coming to nearly fully leased 888 Boylston in Back Bay

Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group will reportedly open a luxurious new 17,603-square-foot Double Eagle Steak House at the recently completed, nearly fully leased 888 Boylston office and retail development in the Back Bay. The restaurant will open during the second half of 2018 and will join retailers Eataly, Tesla and Under Armour on 888 Boylston’s ground floor. 888 Boylston's 425,000 square feet of ultra-sustainable office and retail space are now 91%-leased per JLL's latest Skyline Review analysis. The building, completed in 2016, is built to LEED Platinum sustainability specifications and is anchored by Natixis Global Asset Management.

Facade weatherproofing and interior framing underway at Siena at Ink Block luxury condos in South End

Large weatherproofing sections have been installed along the facade of Siena at Ink Block, a new luxury condominium building opening next year at Ink Block in the South End. Window and facade finish installation at Siena will begin in the coming weeks. Inside the building, metal stud framing is being installed to partition individual condominiums. Siena will feature 76 new luxury condominiums, which are now on sale, with resident amenities including an indoor-outdoor rooftop sky lounge with sweeping views, a fully equipped fitness center, 24/7 concierge service and on-site parking. The following are photographs of Siena At Ink Block:

Facade installation complete at AC Hotel South End, opening this Fall at Ink Block

Windows and finishes have been fully installed along the facade of AC Hotel South End, a contemporary hotel opening later this year at Ink Block in the South End. Finishing of the building’s 200 guest rooms is now underway; plastering of rooms is nearing completion, and luxurious finishes are being installed throughout. Amenities at AC Hotel South End will include a bar, a lounge area, a fitness center and an indoor pool. The following are photographs of AC Hotel South End:

Underground parking excavation complete at The Hub on Causeway, superstructure construction underway

Excavation of the 1.87-million-square-foot Hub on Causeway mixed-use development's 540-car underground parking garage has hit rock bottom and is now complete. Pouring of the development's concrete foundation is nearing completion, and the development's first elevator core has gone vertical. The first steel girders of The Hub on Causeway's Phase I podium have risen above grade, signaling the start of superstructure construction. Phase I of The Hub on Causeway is expected to open in late 2018 and will feature 175,000 square feet of creative office space, 210,000 square feet of retail including Star Market and ArcLight Cinema, and 64,000 square feet of TD Garden expansion space. Subsequent phases will construct three new towers featuring residential, hotel and office space. The following is an aerial view of The Hub on Causeway:

The following is a video of the final excavation at The Hub on Causeway:

Last scoop ! Congratulations Rock Bottom completion #thehuboncauseway #uptownboston #sustainabledevelopment #mixedusedelopment pic.twitter.com/9TibLuFEoR

— Bryan Koop (@koop_bjk) July 22, 2017

Akamai breaks ground on new global headquarters in Kendall Square

Akamai Technologies held an official groundbreaking ceremony today for its’ new 19-story, 453,768-square-foot headquarters tower at 145 Broadway in Kendall Square. The tower, developed by Boston Properties, will feature a high-performance glass facade, bringing abundant natural lighting to an open office floor plan. Demolition of a preexisting office building on site is now complete, allowing Akamai and Boston Properties to start construction of the tower. 145 Broadway is expected to open at the end of 2019 and is the first phase of Boston Properties’ 1.1-million-square-foot Kendall Square redevelopment project. The following are video and photographs from the 145 Broadway groundbreaking ceremony:

Congratulations @Akamai on breaking ground today on your future global HQ in #kendallsquare! #groundbreaking @kendallcntr

A post shared by Bryan Koop (@koop_bjk) on Jul 18, 2017 at 8:06am PDT

HQ will bring staff together to foster collaboration & innovation; what @Akamai was built on. Excited to watch Akamai grow to new heights! pic.twitter.com/XHnfGUNZl3

— Sabrina Bauer (@Sabrina_E_Bauer) July 18, 2017

Groundbreaking of @Akamai Global HQ! "Space & place drive behavior, drive mission and truly matter" - Bryan Koop, Boston Properties. pic.twitter.com/O4mdWvFoJ9

— Sabrina Bauer (@Sabrina_E_Bauer) July 18, 2017

Excavation complete at Boulevard on the Greenway luxury condominiums, foundation concrete pouring underway

Boulevard on the Greenway’s underground parking structure has been fully excavated, and pouring of the structure’s concrete base slab is well underway. The historic, Charles Bulfinch-designed facade on site has been reinforced in anticipation of Boulevard on the Greenway’s 12-story structure’s rise into the Boston skyline; the facade will be incorporated into the new structure. Condominium residences at Boulevard on the Greenway are now on sale; 31 condominiums are available ranging from one to three bedrooms and including penthouse duplexes. Five artist lofts are also available at Boulevard on the Greenway, in addition to approximately 3,550 square feet of ground-floor retail space. The following is an aerial photograph of Boulevard on the Greenway:

Exciting progress at @blvdboston with construction officially going up! • #blvdboston #boulevardonthegreenway #luxuryrealestate #bostonrealestate #highend #bostonconstruction #rosekennedygreenway #progress

A post shared by Boulevard On The Greenway (@blvdboston) on Jul 17, 2017 at 12:24pm PDT

Concrete superstructure rising at One Dalton, New England’s future tallest residential tower

One Dalton future 61-story superstructure, which will be the tallest residential tower in New England, is rising rapidly and has reached over 10 stories high. At One Dalton’s base, the first glass curtain wall sections have been installed; the first glass panels were installed at One Dalton on June 22nd. Installation of mechanical systems is underway throughout the tower; on Level 7, installation of One Dalton’s pool is now underway. One Dalton is expected to top off in early 2018 and open in Fall 2018. The tower will feature 180 private luxury condominium residences above a 215-room Four Seasons luxury hotel. The following are photographs of One Dalton:

345 Harrison mixed-use development in South End tops off

A topping-off ceremony was held last Wednesday (July 12th) for 345 Harrison, an upcoming mixed-use development in the South End featuring 585 apartment residences and 40,000 square feet of retail. The two-building development has topped off at 14 stories tall and is on schedule to open in early 2018. Located across from the Ink Block development and steps from multiple new and planned buildings, 345 Harrison is set to further activate a rapidly-growing corner of the South End with increased residential presence and a walkable, engaging streetscape. “The owner and architect took an innovative approach to this ultra-urban site by creating ground level open spaces that extend under building elements many floors above and connect to the public streets,” said Mark Junghans, Principal and Managing Director of the Boston office of 345 Harrison engineer VHB. “It gives it the feeling of a village space and creates the perfect spot for restaurants, sidewalk cafes and passive spaces for the residents and public alike.” The following is a photograph from the 345 Harrison topping-off ceremony, courtesy VHB:

399 Congress mixed-use tower in Seaport District starts foundation work, new rendering revealed

Preparations for foundation work are now underway at the future site of the 22-story 399 Congress mixed-use tower in the Seaport District, which will feature 414 apartment residences and approximately 12,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, innovation and lobby space. Foundation work, including excavation of the building’s three-level, 144-space underground parking garage, is scheduled to last through next April, at which point structural frame construction will begin.

399 Congress' facade will feature a mix of dark and light grey metal panels with glass curtain wall, as opposed to the originally-proposed tan finish panels; the latest 399 Congress rendering is posted above. The building will be located across from the $900 million, 1.3-million-square-foot Echelon Seaport mixed-use development, which broke ground last month, and steps from the $157 million, 325,000-square-foot Waterside Place Phase 1B mixed-use development, which is expected to start construction this year. Developer Crescent Heights acquired the 0.7-acre 399 Congress Street site for $36 million in January 2016. Crescent Heights recently closed on $157 million of construction financing for 399 Congress provided by The Union Labor Life Insurance Company.

JM Electrical installs top-notch HVAC control system at Pierce Boston, Fenway’s tallest tower

Interior finishing at Pierce Boston, the Fenway neighborhood’s tallest tower, is well underway, with luxurious finishes taking shape in the 30-story tower’s apartments, condominiums and exclusive amenity spaces, and JM Electrical hard at work installing a state-of-the-art HVAC control system that will enable advanced climate control in all residences and common spaces. JM Electrical’s HVAC system will maintain precise temperature and humidity levels throughout Pierce Boston, ensuring residents of the building’s luxurious homes will be able to uphold ideal climate conditions as well as optimizing the building’s ventilation and energy-efficiency.

Pierce Boston’s gleaming floor-to-ceiling glass curtain wall facade is just about complete, and the focus of construction has turned to plastering and finishing residences, common spaces and the building’s top-floor Levity Lounge, an exclusive condominium owners’ amenity space featuring private dining, a library, expansive outdoor and indoor seating areas with unprecedented views, a pool deck and private sky cabanas for purchase. Located at the gateway to the Fenway neighborhood, Pierce Boston will feature 109 condominium residences on upper floors, 240 apartment residences at the building’s center and two stories of street-level retail totaling 20,000 square feet. Pierce Boston is expected to open in early 2018. The following are photographs of Pierce Boston:

Neponset Wharf waterfront condominium, hotel and restaurant development would break ground Fall 2018

City Point Capital has revealed new details and renderings of Neponset Wharf, its’ proposed 307,000-square-foot condominium, hotel and restaurant development on the Port Norfolk waterfront in Dorchester, and is aiming to break ground on the project in Fall 2018. The project would construct three mixed-use buildings and a boathouse, in addition to three accessory structures and substantial pedestrian waterfront open space. Neponset Wharf would feature 150 residences, which would be sold as condominiums, in addition to a 25-room boutique hotel and a 4,000-square-foot restaurant/cafe. Completion of Neponset Wharf is expected in Spring 2020. The latest project details and renderings are posted above; City Point Capital has filed an Environmental Notification Form/Project Notification Form for Neponset Wharf with the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), who is now reviewing the proposed project.

Panoramic sky pavilion opens at Avalon North Station luxury apartment tower

A stunning top-floor, indoor-outdoor sky pavilion featuring panoramic views of the Boston skyline has opened at the new 38-story Avalon North Station luxury apartment tower in Bulfinch Triangle. The pavilion is open to all Avalon North Station residents and features a luxurious indoor lounge with state-of-the-art finishes and furnishings, in addition to a spacious outdoor roof deck. Open since last Winter, Avalon North Station features 503 luxury apartment residences with studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom configurations now available for lease conveniently located steps to North Station, the Harborwalk and Downtown Boston. The following are photographs of the new sky pavilion at Avalon North Station:

Check out the stunning sky pavilion at @avalonnorthstation in Boston, MA. Now leasing brand new apartments. . . . . . #avalonliving #rooftopgoals #viewfromthetop #mydreamhome #realestate #apartmentforrent #apartmentgoals #bostonlife #bostonrealestate #wefoundluxury

A post shared by AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (@avalonbaycommunities) on May 26, 2017 at 9:11am PDT

Facade installation preparations underway at Siena at Ink Block luxury condos in South End

The eight-story facade of the recently-topped-off Siena at Ink Block luxury condominium residences in the South End is being prepared for installation of exterior finishes. Steel infill walls have been installed along Siena's perimeter up to the building's fourth floor; these walls will support and reinforce Siena's facade, which will consist of distinctive brickwork and metal panels. Within the building, concrete has been poured at the bases of nearly all floors, allowing for framing of individual residences to begin. Opening in early 2018, Siena will feature 76 new luxury condominium residences now on sale with state-of-the-art amenities including a rooftop Sky Lounge and a fully-equipped fitness center. The following are photographs of Siena at Ink Block:

Facade nearing completion, interior finishing underway at AC Hotel South End

Black and grey exterior finish panels have been installed along large sections of AC Hotel South End's facade, and are just about fully installed along Albany Street. Windows have been fitted along all sides of the building, and weatherproofing is fully in place. Inside AC Hotel South End, individual hotel rooms have been framed, and state-of-the-art modern finishes are being installed. Opening this Fall, AC Hotel South End will feature 200 guest rooms with high-class contemporary amenities including a bar, a lounge area, a fitness center and an indoor pool. The following are photographs of AC Hotel South End:

Exterior finishing underway at 345 Harrison, upcoming South End luxury apartments

The east building at 345 Harrison has topped off at 14 stories tall, and installation of the building’s exterior facade is well underway. Brick and metal exterior finish panels have been installed up to the east building’s top floor at sections. Finishes, in addition to windows, are nearly fully installed along the east building's base facing Harrison Avenue. Remaining sections of the east building are now being weatherproofed. Construction of the steel frame of 345 Harrison’s west building along Washington Street is well underway, and has risen to as high as seven stories at sections. Opening in early 2018, 343 Harrison will feature 585 apartment residences with 40,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. The following are photographs of 345 Harrison:

GE unveils adaptive reuse plans for historic pedestrian bridge at Innovation Point

General Electric (GE) has unveiled plans for the adaptive reuse of the four-story historic pedestrian bridge over Necco Court at Innovation Point, GE's upcoming headquarters campus in Fort Point. The bridge will be converted into four lounges and quiet workspaces for GE employees. GE will restore the bridge’s existing green metal wall on the east site of the bridge facing Fort Point. A new glass facade will be installed along the west side of the bridge facing Fort Point Channel and Downtown Boston, providing natural lighting for the lounges and workspaces. By restoring the bridge, GE is preserving Fort Point’s industrial heritage for years to come. The Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission is now reviewing GE’s plans for the bridge. The following is a rendering of the restored bridge:

HYM closes on Suffolk Downs acquisition for $155 million

The HYM Investment Group has closed on its' acquisition of the 161-acre Suffolk Downs property in East Boston for $155 million. The sale amounts to $962,732.92 per acre. Bank of the Ozarks provided $80 million in financing towards HYM's acquisition. Seller Sterling Suffolk Racecourse LLC acquired the property in July 1997 for $39,734,500, or $246,798.14 per acre.

330,000-square-foot mixed-use development envisioned on Port Norfolk waterfront

City Point Capital proposes to construct Neponset Wharf, a 330,000-square-foot mixed-use development featuring residential, hotel and retail space, on the Port Norfolk waterfront in Dorchester. City Point acquired the 7.6-acre proposed project site, located at 18 Ericsson Street fronting Boston Harbor, for $10 million, or $1,282,051.28 per acre, in January 2017; 3.6 acres of the site are land, with 4 remaining acres under water. An existing marina would be updated and improved while maintaining historic integrity; additional waterfront outdoor spaces and facilities would be created for residential and public use. The project team would include architect RODE Architects and engineer VHB. City Point has filed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to construct Neponset Wharf with the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), who is now reviewing the project. Additional project details will be revealed in the coming months.

Eden and Samuels close on Goddard House property acquisition for $8.05 million, secure $43.25 million construction financing

Eden Properties and Samuels & Associates, developers of the 149-unit Goddard House apartment development in Jamaica Plain, have closed on the acquisition of the two-acre project site at 201-205 South Huntington Avenue for $8.05 million and have secured $43.25 million of construction financing for the project through Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. An existing 114,004-square-foot historic building which will be incorporated into the development stands on the site; the sale amounts to $70.61 per existing building square foot and $4.025 million per acre. The Goddard House project will now proceed with construction.

Zoning Board approves BLDG 89 workforce housing development in Allston

The BLDG 89 workforce housing development in Allston, which will feature 129 apartment residences and 7,500 square feet of retail space, was approved by the City of Boston's Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) today. The building has now received all necessary approvals and can proceed with construction. The ZBA rejected BLDG 89 last year, citing concerns including parking and potential undergraduate student tenants. In response, on-site parking has been increased to 79 spaces from previously approved 69, and no more than one third of apartments at BLDG 89 will be leased to undergraduate students at once.

Developer will activate former Lynn GE plant with new mixed-use development and commuter rail station

By Marlon A. Cohen

For years, the Riverworks commuter rail station, located along the Saugus River in Lynn, has been open only to employees of the nearby eponymous General Electric (GE) plant. However, as part of developer Charles Patsios’ proposal to construct approximately 1,260 residential units over five phases across 65.5 acres formerly owned by GE, the station will be open to the general public in the coming years, providing the surrounding Lynn community with a direct rail connection to Boston.

Last week, Patsios and the State of Massachusetts reached a deal to allow public access to the station for the first time. Per the deal, Patsios will pay to construct two new 783-foot-long accessible station platforms with spacious walkways, as well as an 80-car parking lot. The station, which will be directly accessible by car from the Lynnway (Route 1A), will be a remarkably important improvement for Lynn, providing a 15-minute train ride to Downtown Boston just two stops to Boston’s North Station. The station will also create new transit-oriented housing opportunity north of Boston. “Having the Riverworks station available for everyone makes this a truly transit-oriented development,” Patsios said in an ItemLive interview. Patsios purchased the 65.5-acre site in 2014 for $7.6 million.

Demolition begins for construction of new 19-story Akamai headquarters in Kendall Square

Demolition of the existing four-story, 78,636-square-foot office building at 145 Broadway in Kendall Square is now underway in order to clear the site for construction of Akamai Technologies’ new 19-story, 453,768-square-foot headquarters building. The new 145 Broadway building, which is expected to open at the end of 2019, will be 100%-leased by Akamai and is the first phase of Boston Properties’ 1.1-million-square-foot Kendall Square redevelopment project. The following is a photograph of demolition underway:

Demo porn in Kendall Square #CambMA pic.twitter.com/ccH3gVyVyA

— Jesse Kanson-Benanav (@jessekb) May 20, 2017

Detailed South Boston Power Plant redevelopment plans revealed

Developers Redgate and Hilco Global have revealed detailed plans of the proposed 2.1-million-square-foot South Boston Power Plant redevelopment. In total, 1,588 residential units, 339,639 square feet of office space, a 150-key hotel, and 68,077 square feet of retail and restaurant space, in addition to 987 above-and-below-grade parking spaces, are proposed at the site. Eight new buildings would be constructed at the site, and three existing turbine halls would be rehabilitated; building heights would range from 44 to 220 feet. More information about the latest proposed power plant redevelopment plans is posted above. Plans for the proposed project have been filed with the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), who is now reviewing the project.

Oxford Properties acquiring Leather District garage for nearly $40 million

Oxford Properties will reportedly acquire the parking garage at 125 Lincoln Street in the Leather District, a 0.64-acre property with significant development potential located steps to South Station, for nearly $40 million. According to The Real Reporter, Oxford has emerged as the winning bidder amongst a number of developers who bid to acquire the garage, brokered for sale by Newmark Grubb Knight Frank and sold by Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation. The sale would amount to nearly $345.95 per existing building square foot and $62.5 million per acre. Intercontinental acquired the garage in August 1996 for $6 million, amounting to $51.89 per existing building square foot and $9.375 million per acre. Oxford has not yet closed on its' acquisition of 125 Lincoln Street.

General Electric breaks ground on new Boston headquarters

General Electric has broken ground on Innovation Point, its’ new $200 million, 390,000-square-foot headquarters campus located on the banks of Fort Point Channel in the heart of Boston’s Innovation District. A groundbreaking ceremony was held at Innovation Point on Monday (May 8th, 2017), with speakers including Jeff Immelt, GE’s Chairman and CEO, Ann Klee, GE’s Vice President of Environment, Health & Safety and Boston Development and Operations head, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh.

At Monday’s ceremony, GE announced that it will contribute $50 million towards Boston Public Schools, opioid addiction and other community causes. Mayor Walsh also announced that, over the next 25 years, GE will increase city taxes by $67 million. "This is a big day and a big statement, and one more step forward in the continuing evolution of Massachusetts as a global player on so many fronts and in so many ways," said Governor Baker.

Approximately 800 GE employees are expected to work at Innovation Point, and construction of the campus will generate approximately 1,500 jobs. State and city government officials offered GE $145 million in incentives to relocate its’ headquarters to Boston. Boston’s “great innovation ecosystem, huge talent pool, great leadership and wonderful quality of life” made the city an “obvious choice” for GE, said Klee. “What we're bringing here together is one of the country's oldest companies, in GE, has moved its headquarters to one of the country's oldest cities, in Boston, for the purpose of creating the future,” said Immelt.

Pictures from GE’s groundbreaking ceremony are posted below, and newly revealed renderings of Innovation Point are posted above.

WeWork space and live music venue coming to The Hub on Causeway in Bulfinch Triangle

Collaborative workspace provider WeWork and live entertainment company Live Nation Entertainment Group have reportedly leased space at the 1.87 million square foot Hub on Causeway mixed-use development in Bulfinch Triangle. Developer Boston Properties has announced that Live Nation has leased 32,000 square feet for a new live music venue. Per a tweet by Steve Adams of Banker & Tradesman, WeWork has leased 38,000 square feet for a new collaborative workspace; WeWork spaces include shared co-working space as well as private offices. Both tenants would open within the first phase of The Hub on Causeway, which will open in late 2018.

Facade finishing underway at AC Hotel South End, opening this Fall at Ink Block

The first exterior finishes have been installed at AC Hotel South End, a trendy boutique hotel that will open this Fall at Ink Block in the South End. Windows and fireproofing have been installed along nearly the entire building, and individual hotel rooms have been framed inside. In the coming months, the facade will be completed, and the hotel’s interior will be appointed with modern, luxurious finishes. AC Hotel South End will feature 200 guest rooms with desirable amenities including a bar and lounge area, a fitness center and an indoor pool. The following are photographs of AC Hotel South End:

Siena at Ink Block luxury condos in South End top off

A topping-off ceremony was recently held for Siena at Ink Block, the South End’s latest luxury condominium building. Hundreds of construction workers and the Siena project team gathered last Friday (April 28th, 2017) to formally hoist the final steel beam of Siena’s 8-story frame into the sky and install the beam at the frame’s summit.

National Development Managing Partner Ted Tye spoke briefly prior to the beam’s installation, thanking the construction and project teams for their hard work. Siena will be located in National Development’s vibrant Ink Block development, which upon Siena’s completion will be home to nearly 500 housing units, the acclaimed Bar Mezzana, Fuji at Ink Block and Lion’s Tail restaurants and top-quality retail including a Whole Foods grocery store.

Completion of Siena is expected in early 2018; with steel frame construction complete, the construction team will commence facade construction and interior finishing. Concrete slabs have been poured at the bases of nearly half of Siena’s floors, allowing for partitioning of individual residences to begin. Siena’s 76 luxury condominium residences, which will feature sweeping skyline views and desirable amenities including a private rooftop bar and lounge, are currently on sale in studio, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom configurations. The following are photographs from the Siena at Ink Block topping-off ceremony:

Finishing touches underway at New England Conservatory’s new Student Life and Performance Center

Finishing touches are being made to the interior and exterior of the New England Conservatory (NEC)’s new Student Life and Performance Center (SLPC) in the Fenway in anticipation of the building’s opening in time for the start of the Fall term. The SLPC will provide the NEC with new state-of-the-art educational and theatrical space and housing for approximately 252 students. The following are photographs of New England Conservatory Student Life and Performance Center:

888 Boylston, a leader in sustainable building, opens in Back Bay

888 Boylston, an ultra-sustainable, LEED Platinum-spec new 425,000 square foot office building in the Back Bay, is now complete. Retail tenants Eataly, Tesla and Under Armour are open on the building’s ground floors. Office tenants Abry Partners and Bracebridge Capital have moved into 888 Boylston’s upper floors, and Accenture, Martingale Asset Management, SCS Financial and lead tenant Natixis Global Asset Management will open offices at 888 Boylston in the coming months. The following are photographs of 888 Boylston:

Interior fit out underway at 100 Binney, new Kendall Square Class A lab and office building

Interior fit out is well underway at 100 Binney, an upcoming 431,500 square foot Class A lab and office building in Kendall Square. Tenants at 100 Binney will include global biopharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb, who has leased 208,000 square feet. Glass has been installed along 100 Binney’s ground-floor storefronts, and finishing touches are underway along the essentially complete facade. 100 Binney is scheduled for completion this Fall. The following are photographs of 100 Binney:

2.1 million square foot development envisioned at South Boston power plant site

Proponents Redgate and Hilco Global have revealed new details of the upcoming development of the 15.2-acre Edison power plant site on Summer Street in South Boston. In total, per a Letter of Intent filed with the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), 2.1 million square feet of residential, office, hotel, retail and restaurant space would be developed, along with parking.

The proposed project would provide South Boston with an inviting new gateway. Eight new multi-story buildings would be constructed, and three architecturally-significant turbine halls, which run end-to-end through the site’s center, would be rehabilitated. The turbine hall would become the project’s “heart and soul.”

The proposed development would be constructed over the next 10 to 15 years. The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) is now reviewing the proposal. Additional information and newly revealed renderings are posted above.

Underground parking excavation nears completion at The Hub on Causeway

Excavation of The Hub on Causeway’s 540-car underground parking garage and foundation is nearing completion. A sea of massive steel members spans across the project site, temporarily bracing the newly excavated hole immediately adjacent to the TD Garden and Causeway Street. The final underground parking structure will brace the development’s permanent foundation wall, allowing for the removal of the temporary steel bracing. Completion of Phase One of the three-phase, 1.87 million square foot development is expected in late 2018 and will include office space, retail/restaurant space and an expansion of TD Garden. The following are photographs of The Hub on Causeway:

Concrete superstructure rising at 88 Ames Street apartments in Kendall Square

Concrete is now being poured to construct the first floors of 88 Ames Street’s 22-story concrete superstructure and elevator core. A number of vertical concrete pillars have already been formed. Opening in 2018, 88 Ames Street will enliven Kendall Square with 280 apartment residences and 16,000 square feet of retail at the site of a former parking garage entrance. The following is a photograph of 88 Ames Street, courtesy Boston Properties:

345 Harrison apartments in South End reach full height

345 Harrison’s east tower along Harrison Avenue has reached its’ full height of 14 stories and will soon top off in full. The concrete elevator core of the west tower along Washington Street has reached its’ full height; construction of the west tower’s steel frame will commence imminently. Two active tower cranes now stand in place over the 345 Harrison site. Opening in early 2018, 345 Harrison will feature 585 apartment residences with 40,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. The following are photographs of 345 Harrison:

Window installation underway at AC Hotel South End

Window installation is well underway at the new AC Hotel South End, and fireproofing is being installed along the building’s façade. Inside AC Hotel South End, metal framing is being installed to partition individual hotel rooms. Opening later this year, AC Hotel South End will feature 200 guest rooms located adjacent to the Ink Block development. The following are photographs of AC Hotel South End:

Siena at Ink Block condominiums in South End near topping off

Siena at Ink Block’s eight-story frame has reached the building’s seventh floor and will soon top off. On completed floors, metal floor decks have been installed to support Siena at Ink Block’s future concrete floor slabs, and perimeter relieving angles have been installed to support the building’s future exterior brick façade. Opening in 2018, Siena at Ink Block will feature 76 luxury residences now on sale. The following are photographs of Siena at Ink Block:

One Dalton residence sells for $40 million, setting new Boston condominium sale record

A luxury residence at the Back Bay’s upcoming 61-story One Dalton tower has reportedly sold for $40 million, which would surpass Boston’s current condominium sale record by $5 million. The sale of a 13,000 square foot penthouse at Downtown Crossing’s Millennium Tower closed last August for $35 million, claiming Boston’s current sales record. The Millennium Tower penthouse sold for nearly $2,700 per square foot; square footage of the One Dalton residence which sold for $40 million has not yet been revealed.

Sales of One Dalton’s 180 luxury residences have not yet closed; a number of residences are reportedly under agreement with sale prices starting at $2.5 million. In an interview with Bloomberg, Richard Friedman, CEO of One Dalton developer Carpenter & Company, said that One Dalton is “the fastest-selling residential project in Four Seasons history,” and that about 90% of One Dalton buyers are American, with a large majority hailing from Boston. “We’ve sold to no Russians. Maybe one person from China, but they have a relationship to Boston, and a few units to people from Europe or the Middle East,” said Friedman.

Northeastern cuts ribbon on state-of-the-art science and engineering building

Northeastern University held an official ribbon cutting Monday (April 3rd, 2017) on its' newly opened $225 million state-of-the-art Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex (ISEC). The ceremony was attended by Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey and United States Representative Joseph Kennedy III. The ISEC opened its' doors to students at the beginning of the Winter academic semester and features 234,000 square feet of new collaborative academic space. The building is enclosed by a distinctive, energy-efficient sun screen that regulates sunlight entering the building. The following are photographs of the Northeastern ISEC:

Ink Underground, eight-acre cultural playground, opening at Ink Block in South End this June

National Development, developer of Ink Block in the South End, will open Ink Underground, an 8-acre urban park and cultural playground, in a currently underutilized space underneath the Southeast Expressway (I-93) adjacent to Ink Block. Ink Underground will extend east from Albany Street to Fort Point Channel under I-93 and will also feature pedestrian boardwalks and bicycle paths along Fort Point Channel, creating a new, active connection between the rapidly-developing South End and South Boston neighborhoods.

Amenities at Ink Underground will include 24-hour security, a dog park, a curated series of pop-up food and beverage experiences, public art walls, sculpture exhibitions and a diverse program of special events including a graffiti art festival, an artisan night market and fitness classes. Additionally, a bike storage facility and 175 parking spaces will be located at Ink Underground. National Development has entered into a long-term lease as Ink Underground's operator in a public-private partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). The following is a rendering of Ink Underground:

New Fenway green space at Landmark Center moving forward, development plan changes anticipated

Developer Samuels & Associates has revealed a new rendering of the upcoming public green space that will replace the current Landmark Center parking lot in the Fenway; this green space will be the first phase of the approved $650 million Landmark Center Expansion development. This rendering is posted above. Construction of the 1-acre green space, which will include a lawn, walking paths, trees and outdoor seating, is anticipated to commence this summer, with completion expected by next summer.

Within the next couple of months, Samuels is expected to reveal proposed changes to the approved Landmark Center Expansion development plan; these changes are reportedly being made primarily in response to changing market conditions since the project's approval in 2014. "There are some physical changes to the building that are changing how we do the retail,” said Samuels Principal Peter Sougarides in an interview with the Boston Herald. Likewise, plans for a 75,000 square foot Wegmans grocery store included in the 2014 development plan may be revised. "We're still working though that," Sougarides told the Herald.

Initial demolition underway at General Electric Headquarters in Fort Point, groundbreaking set for May 8th

Interior demolition is underway at the two long-abandoned historic Necco Court warehouses that will become part of General Electric (GE)’s new $200 million Fort Point headquarters. An official groundbreaking for GE’s 390,000 square foot headquarters is set for May 8th. GE will fully restore the two existing warehouses and construct a new 12-story, 293,000 square foot building topped off by a sweeping solar panel on the adjacent parking lot. The new headquarters will be occupied by approximately 800 GE employees. As part of the project, approximately 1.5 acres of public space, as well as a ground-floor coffee bar and waterfront restaurant, will be constructed. Full completion of GE’s headquarters is expected by early 2019; completion of the restoration of the existing warehouses is expected by mid-2018. The following are photographs of the General Electric Headquarters site:

Mosaic at the Riverway residences in Mission Hill now open

Mosaic at the Riverway, a 145-unit mixed-income residential building in Mission Hill, is now complete and open, with all condominiums sold and affordable apartments now leasing. Located steps to the Longwood Medical Area, Mosaic on the Riverway features 42 market-rate condominiums, 43 affordable condominiums and 60 affordable apartments. The following are photographs of Mosaic at the Riverway:

Pierce Boston curtain wall nears completion, luxury condominiums now on sale

Unitized glass curtain wall panels have reached the 21st level of Pierce Boston, an exceptional new 30-story luxury tower in the Fenway. With an unparalleled vantage point as the Fenway’s gateway structure and tallest tower, Pierce Boston offers unparalleled views of the Boston skyline, the Charles River, the Emerald Necklace and the surrounding countryside.

Levels 21 through 30 of Pierce Boston are actively being prepared for curtain wall panel installation. Metal panel anchors, which are used to fasten curtain wall panels, have been installed as high as Level 26. Inside Pierce Boston, metal stud walls continue to be framed to construct individual residences, and plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems continue to be installed. A pool that will become part of Pierce Boston’s exclusive top-floor Levity Lounge was recently lifted from ground level to the tower’s 30th floor. The pool has been carefully placed into the Lounge’s future pool deck. A video of the intricate pool installation process is posted below.

Pierce Boston’s 109 distinctive luxury condominium residences, located on levels 19 through 29, are now on sale. These residences will feature breathtaking panoramic views and state-of-the-art finishes. At Pierce Boston’s summit will be the Levity Lounge, an exclusive amenity space featuring private dining, a library, expansive outdoor and indoor seating areas with unprecedented views, a pool deck and private sky cabanas for purchase.

For more information about Pierce Boston and to schedule a private showing, visit the Pierce Boston website or click Contact Broker above. Pierce Boston is on track to be completed within the next year. The following are photographs of Pierce Boston:

The following is the pool installation video:

Hanover Alewife luxury apartments near opening

Hanover Alewife is just about complete as the 213-residence luxury apartment community prepares for its' opening this Spring. The building's interior and exterior are both nearly finished, and landscaping work is underway. Hard hat tours of Hanover Alewife are now being offered, and leasing of apartments has begun. Available apartments include 1-, 2- and 3-bedrooms starting at around $2,400 a month. The following are photographs of Hanover Alewife:

Initial demolition underway at Alewife Research Center

Demolition of the existing building's interior is underway at Alewife Research Center, kicking off initial site work for the 223,000 square foot laboratory office development. The construction team is at work stripping out all interior non-structural elements and hauling them off site for disposal. The existing building will be fully upgraded and expanded with a new interior, a new double height lobby, a new glass façade and a two-story addition. Completion of Alewife Research Center is expected in 2018. The following are photographs of Alewife Research Center:

Minor changes approved to Goddard House development in Jamaica Plain

Minor changes to the Goddard House development plan were approved at last Thursday (March 16th)’s Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board Meeting. In light of the area’s geological constraints, the development’s footprint has been decreased slightly, decreasing the total residence count by 18 units; the development will now include 149 residences, down from 167. Likewise, total project square footage will decrease by 15,000 square feet, to 150,000 from 165,000. The Goddard House development was originally approved last year.

New renderings revealed of proposed 1000 Boylston Street towers in Back Bay

Proponents Weiner Ventures and Prudential Financial have revealed new renderings of 1000 Boylston Street, a 689,000 square foot Back Bay mixed-use development that would feature two 40-story (566 foot) and 24-story (283 foot) residential towers with ground-floor retail. These renderings are posted above and show the development visible from a number of key Boston points; the two towers are poised to become a key feature of the Boston skyline. The current 1000 Boylston Street proposal calls for 160 condominium residences, 182 apartment residences and 35,000 square feet of retail. The following are renderings of 1000 Boylston Street:

The following is a program stacking for 1000 Boylston Street:

150 Seaport luxury condominium development receives City zoning approval, could break ground this Fall

The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA)'s Zoning Commission approved the 124-residence 150 Seaport luxury condominium development in the Seaport District last Wednesday, the final official approval required to start construction. Developer The Cronin Group hopes to start construction of the project, which will overlook Boston Harbor, this Fall. The zoning approval follows a lawsuit filed last month by the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) against the State of Massachusetts, who approved the project last December, and developer The Cronin Group on the grounds of restricting public access to the waterfront. 150 Seaport will include onsite public amenities including a Harborwalk extension and upgrades to Seaport Wharf, an adjacent water taxi and ferry terminal.

Developer HYM buying 161-acre Suffolk Downs site in East Boston

The HYM Investment Group, the developer behind Bulfinch Crossing and other major Boston development projects, reportedly has a deal to acquire the 161-acre Suffolk Downs horse racing track site in East Boston. The Boston Globe reports that HYM could close on the acquisition by this summer. A sale price for the site has not yet been revealed.

Initial demolition complete at future site of The Icon mixed-use development in Allston

The former single-story commercial building at the future site of The Icon has been fully demolished, clearing the way for foundation construction to commence. The Icon will be a new 6-story mixed-use building opening Spring 2018 featuring 132 apartment residences and 5,000 square feet of retail. The following is a photograph of the future site of The Icon:

Luxury apartments now leasing at Back Bay's 30 Dalton, Flour Bakery opening this Spring

Luxurious apartment residences with sweeping Boston skyline views are now leasing at the Back Bay's newly built 30 Dalton, which opened last Fall. On 30 Dalton's ground floor, fit out work is well underway for a new location of Flour Bakery, which will open this Spring. 30 Dalton features 218 apartment residences and 1,400 square feet of ground-floor retail space, in addition to a striking top-floor Skyline Suite resident lounge. The following are photographs of 30 Dalton:

One Dalton concrete superstructure pouring underway

One Dalton's 61-story, 740 foot tall concrete superstructure, which will be New England's tallest residential building upon completion, has risen 2 full stories. The construction team is now at work pouring One Dalton's 3rd floor concrete slab. Concrete will continue to be poured at a rate of 1 floor per week; One Dalton is expected to top off in early 2018. One Dalton will feature 180 private luxury condominium residences positioned above a 215-room Four Seasons luxury hotel. The following are photographs of One Dalton:

Minor changes proposed to approved Goddard House development in Jamaica Plain

Goddard House developer Eden Properties proposes minor changes to the approved development plan in light of the area’s geological constraints. Given the costs of excavation and shoring through rocks along South Huntington Avenue and required deep foundations at the site’s sloped rear, the developer proposes a slightly smaller footprint and increased setback from the Jamaicaway for the new building portion of the project. The adaptive reuse of the historic Goddard House building would remain unchanged.

With the proposed changes, the total apartment residence count at Goddard House would decrease by 18 units, to 149 from 167. Total project square footage would likewise decrease by 15,000 square feet, to 150,000 from 165,000. Vehicle parking would decrease by 18 parking spaces, to 65 from 83. Bicycle storage would decrease by 18 racks, to 149 from 167. The previous Goddard House development plan was approved last year.

Façade complete at 100 Binney Class A offices in Kendall Square

Façade installation along all sides of 100 Binney’s 10-story facade is essentially complete, as the signature curved curtain wall has reached its’ final height. The construction crew is now focused on completing interior fit-out for upcoming tenants, who will include global biopharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb, and installing the building’s ground-floor glass storefronts and lobby entry canopy. Final enclosure panels are also being installed along 100 Binney’s rooftop dunnage steel to screen the building’s large rooftop mechanical units. Scheduled for completion this Fall, 100 Binney will bring over 431,500 square feet of Class A office and lab space to Kendall Square’s booming Binney Street corridor. The following are photographs of 100 Binney:

Leather District garage with prime redevelopment potential offered for sale

Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation is selling the existing 115,625 square foot parking garage at 125 Lincoln Street in the Leather District, a site at which existing zoning would permit up to 223,880 square feet of mixed-use development. Existing lease termination options would allow a potential development to begin in 2018.

According to a report by The Real Reporter, 125 Lincoln Street's sale price could approach $40 million. Intercontinental acquired the garage in August 1996 for $6 million. The garage includes upper-floor office and ground-floor retail space in addition to parking. 125 Lincoln Street yields a Net Operating Income (NOI) of $2 million; office and retail space is 100% leased.

Vertical construction begins at 88 Ames Street in Kendall Square

The first vertical concrete and steel columns have been installed as part of the first floor of 88 Ames Street, an upcoming 22-story residential and retail building in the heart of Kendall Square. Excavation of the building’s basement is complete; a 1-story deep sheet pile wall with temporary bracing is installed to support the basement throughout construction. Upon completion, 88 Ames Street will feature 280 apartment residences and 16,000 square feet of retail at the site of a former parking garage entrance. The following are photographs of 88 Ames Street:

The following is an aerial photograph of 88 Ames Street, courtesy Boston Properties:

Facade complete, interior finishing underway at New England Conservatory Student Life and Performance Center

All facade finishes and windows have been installed at the New England Conservatory (NEC)'s new 135,000 square foot Student Life and Performance Center (SLPC) in the Fenway, and fit out of interior spaces is underway. The SLPC is expected to open in the coming months and will feature new educational and theatrical space as well as housing for approximately 252 students. The following is a photograph of the SLPC:

Lookin Good NEC #igersnewengland#architecture#architectural#igersnewengland#archimasters#igersboston_cathaypacific#justgoshoot#expirienceboston#freedomthinkers#sundaymorning#streetdreamsmag#streetphotography#pulseofboston#visualsgang#ic_architecture#vscocam#bldgbos#scenesofnewengland#visitma#scenesofnewenglandma#killeverygram#shoottokill#freedomthinkers#shoottokill#visualsgang#neverstopexploring#IGersboston#igers#igersnewengland#agameoftones#igboston617

A post shared by @apas_architect on Feb 2, 2017 at 2:17pm PST

345 Harrison in South End nears topping off

Framing of 345 Harrison's 14-story steel superstructure has reached the mixed-use development's 10th floor and is rising rapidly. Both of 345 Harrison's elevator cores have now reached their full height. Pouring of concrete floors has commenced at 345 Harrison's base. Opening in early 2018, 345 Harrison will feature 585 residential apartments with 40,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. The following are photographs of 345 Harrison:

AC Hotel South End tops off, weatherproofing underway

AC Hotel South End’s 6-story frame has topped off, and weatherproofing is underway along the facade. The building's first windows have been installed along Albany Street. Opening later this year at the Ink Block, AC Hotel South End will feature 200 hotel rooms, a bar and lounge area, a fitness center, an indoor pool and conference rooms. The following are photographs of AC Hotel South End:

Work begins at The Icon in Allston

Demolition is underway at the future site of The Icon, an upcoming $51 million mixed-use development in Allston. An existing single-story commercial building is being demolished to make way for The Icon's future 6-story building. Slated for completion in Spring 2018, The Icon will feature 132 apartment residences and 5,000 square feet of retail. The following is a photograph of demolition underway at The Icon:

Destroy Everything #530westernave #wave #anditbegins #brightonma #boston

A post shared by Morgan Pierson (@auntseladams) on Feb 16, 2017 at 11:02am PST

Construction begins on 223,000 square foot Alewife Research Center in Cambridge

The Davis Companies began work last week on Alewife Research Center, a new 223,000 square foot laboratory building in Cambridge. Alewife Research Center will be located across from the Alewife MBTA Red Line station and will feature state-of-the-art research and development office space intended for biotechnology companies. Completion of Alewife Research Center is anticipated in 2018, and space is now leasing. The project received final approval from the City of Cambridge in December 2016.

Avalon North Station now open and leasing

Avalon North Station, a new 38-story luxury residential tower in Bulfinch Triangle, is now open and leasing apartments. The newly-built building features luxurious finishes and unparalleled amenities including a sky pavilion and rooftop deck with sweeping views of the Boston skyline and Boston Harbor. Rents at Avalon North Station start at just under $2,300/month for a studio apartment. The following are photographs of Avalon North Station:

Vertical steel construction starts at Siena at Ink Block condominiums

The first vertical steel columns have been erected to construct Siena at Ink Block's structural frame, bringing the future 8-story South End luxury condominium building above ground level. Frame construction is now underway in earnest. Siena is scheduled to open in 2018 and will feature 76 luxury condominium residences now on sale. The following is a photograph of frame construction underway at Siena:

First steel columns being erected at Siena, Next Condo at Ink Block! @InkBlockBoston @sienainkblock @nationaldevelop pic.twitter.com/AhrHKwk5jS

— Ted Tye (@tyeguy44) February 8, 2017

Curtain wall and interior fit out underway at Pierce Boston, condos now available

Exterior and interior finishing are well underway at the recently topped-out, 30-story luxury tower Pierce Boston. This architectural standout, designed by Arquitectonica, will serve as the gateway into the Fenway neighborhood. Pierce Boston will take its' place in the Boston skyline as the neighborhood's tallest luxury residential tower, offering a unique vantage point of the city and its' landmarks.

Unitized glass curtain wall panels are rising rapidly along Pierce Boston's façade and have already reached the 16th floor. Inside, metal stud walls are being framed to construct individual units on Pierce Boston’s lower floors (1-18). These levels, beautifully designed by CBT Architects, will house 20,000 square feet of retail, impressive amenity spaces and 240 residential apartments. All floors of Pierce Boston are now being outfitted with plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems.

Pierce Boston’s 109 condominiums, located on floors 19-29, are now on sale and have breathtaking 360-degree uninterrupted views of the city, the Charles River, the Emerald Necklace and the Longwood Medical Area. Unique to new development in the city is Pierce Boston's condominiums' top floor amenity space, the Levity Lounge, featuring private dining, a library, expansive outdoor and indoor seating areas with unprecedented views, a pool deck and private sky cabanas for purchase.

For more details and to schedule a private showing, visit the Pierce Boston website or click Contact Broker above. Pierce Boston is on track to be completed within the next year. The following are photographs of Pierce Boston:

Exterior

Views

Interior

Revisions approved to BLDG 89 workforce housing development in Allston

Changes to the approved BLDG 89 workforce housing and retail development in Allston near Packard’s Corner were approved at last Thursday (January 12th)’s Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board Meeting. In response to official feedback, the revised project will move forward with 129 residential apartments and approximately 7,500 square feet of retail. On-site parking has been increased to 79 spaces from previously approved 69, and the building’s sixth floor will be set back 10 feet from Brighton Avenue in response to height concerns. No more than one third of apartments at BLDG 89 will be leased to undergraduate students at once.

Boulevard on the Greenway luxury residences hit market

The first condominiums at the 12-story Boulevard on the Greenway luxury residential building in Downtown Boston have been listed for sale. Condominiums listed range from a 1,392 square foot eighth floor one-bedroom/two-bathroom unit offered at $1.695 million ($1,218 per square foot) to a 2,362 square foot tenth floor three-bedroom/four-bathroom unit offered at $3.835 million ($1,624 per square foot). A total of five condominiums have been listed for sale. Boulevard on the Greenway will feature 36 total residences, including 31 market-rate condominiums and five artist lofts.

Northeastern completes new science and engineering building

Northeastern University has been issued a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy for its’ new $225 million Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex (ISEC), allowing students and researchers to begin using the building. The ISEC’s interior is ready to host winter semester classes and projects, with new state-of-the-art furnishings and lab equipment installed. The following are photographs of the ISEC, courtesy Suffolk Construction:

Alliance proposes 200 Billerica residential units with retail

Developer Alliance Residential Company proposes to construct Broadstone Middlesex, a new mixed-use building in Billerica which would be located on Middlesex Turnpike just off of Route 3 a short drive to Burlington. Alliance has filed plans for the project with the City of Billerica; the plans are now under official review.

Waterside Place Phase 1B approaches Spring 2017 construction start

The Drew Company intends to commence construction of the $157 million, 23-story Waterside Place Phase 1B tower in the Seaport District in Spring 2017. The proponent has filed a Notice of Project Change (NPC) for the Waterside Place project with the Boston Planning & Development Agency to temporarily fit out and allocate 3,593 square feet of unfinished innovation space in the adjacent Waterside Place Phase 1A tower as construction office space for the Phase 1B project team. The Phase 1A innovation space would be marketed as such following completion of Phase 1B.

General Electric Headquarters Fort Point land sale closes for $83 million

General Electric and MassDevelopment closed Friday (December 16th) for $83 million on the acquisition of the 2.5-acre future site of General Electric’s $200 million headquarters in Fort Point. The site was sold in two separate transactions.

MassDevelopment paid $57.4 million to acquire the historic warehouses at 5 and 6 Necco Court, which will be renovated and incorporated into the future headquarters facility. MassDevelopment's acquisition is part of the State of Massachusetts' $120 million incentive that is being used to build General Electric's headquarters. MassDevelopment also closed Friday on $90 million of financing through Citizens Bank, which will be used to acquire and renovate the Necco Court warehouses.

General Electric paid $25.6 million to acquire the remaining land on which a new 12-story, 293,000 square foot building will be constructed. General Electric’s new facility will total 390,000 square feet. It was also announced Friday that Suffolk Construction will be the facility’s construction manager.

Revisions proposed to BLDG 89 workforce housing development in Allston

Eden Properties is proposing to revise the BLDG 89 workforce housing development plan in response to official feedback. The proponent has agreed not to market the project to undergraduate students and that no more than one third of apartments will be leased to undergraduates at once. The revised project would feature 129 residential apartments (one less than previously approved) and 7,500 square feet of ground-floor retail (as previously approved). 79 vehicle parking spaces would now be constructed on site, up from 69 as previously approved. The building’s sixth floor would be set back 10 feet from Brighton Avenue in response to height concerns. A Notice of Project Change (NPC) for BLDG 89 has been filed with the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) and is now under official review.

Revisions approved to Parcel K mixed-use development in Seaport District

Minor changes to the approved Parcel K development in the Seaport District were approved at Thursday (December 15th)’s Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board Meeting. The revised project will move forward with 304 residential apartments, a 293-room boutique hotel, approximately 14,400 square feet of office space and approximately 18,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. New rooftop amenities have also been added, including a small fitness room and pool at the hotel building and a pool, a clubroom and an outdoor roof deck at the residential building. On-site parking capacity will also be reduced slightly, to 420 from previously approved 640. Phoenix Property Company (PPC) and Lincoln Property Company (LPC), who are taking over the Parcel K project from Conroy Development, anticipate to start construction of the Parcel K project in March 2017, with completion anticipated in July 2019.

Superstructure rising at South End’s 345 Harrison

Construction of 345 Harrison’s 14-story superstructure is well underway for both of the mixed-use development’s buildings. The northeast concrete elevator core has topped off, and the final story of the northwest core nears completion. Steel framing has reached 345 Harrison’s second floor and continues to progress quickly across the development site. 345 Harrison is expected to open in early 2018. Retail space at 345 Harrison is now leasing. The following are photographs of 345 Harrison:

AC Hotel South End nears topping off

The six-story, 200-room AC Hotel South End’s superstructure has reached five stories high and will soon top off. Four stories of wood framing have been constructed above the building’s steel-framed podium. Carpenters are hard at work finishing installation of the wood framing’s prefabricated stud walls and flooring. A brick finish section has been installed at AC Hotel South End’s base. AC Hotel South End is scheduled for a late 2017 opening. The following are photographs of AC Hotel South End:

Pierce Boston tops off

A topping-off ceremony was held last Friday (December 2nd, 2016) for Pierce Boston, a 30-story mixed-use tower opening Winter 2018 in the Fenway. Concrete construction at Pierce Boston is now complete, with concrete poured on all floors. Pierce Boston will soon be weather tight; glass has been installed on over 10 stories, giving Pierce Boston a striking presence. HVAC construction at Pierce Boston including electrical, mechanical and plumbing utilities is well underway. Interior framing of Pierce Boston’s units and common spaces has also begun. The following are photographs from the Pierce Boston groundbreaking:

Happy to be celebrating the topping off of @pierce_boston, which is sure to become an iconic building in the #Fenway neighborhood. pic.twitter.com/J0KEVffJqN

— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) December 2, 2016

Views from the top of the Pierce. (Yes I held on for dear life) @BostonPlans @BrianGolden2 @BonnieMcGilpin pic.twitter.com/7g5xRbU8be

— Teresa Polhemus (@tpolhemus) December 2, 2016

Look at those windows! Thanks @MarkFlannerypho for the great photo! pic.twitter.com/CMXz9pnb8D

— Pierce Boston (@pierce_boston) December 2, 2016

100 Binney facade nearing completion

100 Binney’s signature curved glass curtain wall along Binney Street is nearing completion, with glass installed over halfway to the top of the upcoming Kendall Square Class A lab and office building. Along Linskey Way, all precast brick panels and nearly all windows have been installed. All concrete floor slabs have been poured, and all steel framing is fireproofed. The 100 Binney construction team is now shifting from structural work to interior fit out. Scheduled for completion in Fall 2017, 100 Binney will bring over 431,500 rentable square feet (RSF) of Class A lab and office space to Kendall Square’s booming Binney Street corridor. The following are photographs of 100 Binney:

Dutch boutique hotel chain subleases upcoming Hub on Causeway hotel

Dutch boutique hotel chain citizenM has subleased the upcoming 10-story, 260-room hotel at The Hub on Causeway, a 1.87 million square foot mixed-use development under construction in Bulfinch Triangle adjacent to TD Garden. citizenM’s 99-year lease commenced Monday (November 28th, 2016). citizenM operates nine hotels worldwide in Europe and New York City featuring trendy, stylish rooms and common spaces. Key amenities at citizenM hotels include free Wi-Fi throughout, designer furniture and ultra-comfortable beds. The future Boston citizenM hotel at The Hub on Causeway is shown at left in the following rendering:

The following is citizenM’s lease for the Hub on Causeway hotel:

88 Ames foundation work underway

Foundation work is underway for 88 Ames, a 22-story mixed-use development in the heart of Kendall Square that will energize the site of a former parking garage entrance. J. Derenzo Companies is hard at work preparing the site for borehole drilling and superstructure erection. The construction team is now drilling large diameter boreholes that will reach down deep into the soil. Massive steel reinforcing cages are already on site and will be placed into the drilled holes and filled with concrete to form a drilled pile. The drilled piles will support the tower and retail podium above. The following are photographs of 88 Ames:

J. Derenzo Companies completes demolition for North End’s 25 Atlantic Avenue Residences

J. Derenzo Companies has fully demolished two former one-story brick buildings at 25 Atlantic Avenue in the North End. A new six-unit condominium building, 25 Atlantic Avenue Residences, will be constructed on the site. Derenzo is now at work clearing the site of demolition rubble in order to commence initial site work and foundation construction. The following are photographs of the 25 Atlantic Avenue Residences site:

Akamai announces headquarters move to new Kendall Square tower

Kendall Square-based global content delivery network (CDN) leader Akamai Technologies has announced that is has entered into an agreement with Boston Properties to fully lease 100% of office space at the upcoming 19-story 145 Broadway office tower in Kendall Square. Akamai will relocate its’ headquarters to the new building, which is scheduled to open at the end of 2019. Akamai’s lease at 145 Broadway is for 15 years. Akamai has also agreed to lease a minimum of 150,000 additional square feet of space within Boston Properties' Kendall Square office portfolio, which will represent part of the second phase of Akamai’s Kendall Square headquarters campus build out.

Occupancy of Akamai’s new headquarters will be coordinated with the lease expirations of the current Akamai office locations in Cambridge. "We look forward to creating a campus environment for Akamai's employees to further foster innovation and collaboration, and to build a headquarters that complements the thriving Kendall Square community, complete with first-floor retail space,” says Erica Chapman, Vice President, Global Real Estate and Workplace Productivity at Akamai.

Two premium dining establishments open at The District Burlington

Premium dining establishments Pressed Cafe and Island Creek Oyster Bar are now open at The District Burlington, a 1.3 million square foot office and retail development that is redefining the suburban mixed-use experience. The District Burlington is oriented around a walkable streetscape with outdoor seating and other amenities. The surrounding relaxing suburban environment and exciting dining options make The District Burlington a great place to work and spend a night out. With the addition of Pressed Cafe and Island Creek Oyster Bar, there are now a total of 2,000 restaurant seats at The District Burlington, or two seats for every three District Burlington office workers! Additional dining destinations, as well as a 170-room Marriott Residence Inn hotel, are planned for The District Burlington in 2017.

The Pressed Cafe and Island Creek Oyster Bar teams are excited to become a part of The District Burlington. “We’re delighted to open our second location at The District Burlington, where we’re joining a thriving restaurant community,” says Shore Gregory of Island Creek Oyster Bar. “Chef Jeremy Sewall’s lunch and dinner menu will highlight the incredible farmers and fisherman that we work with, while Jackson Cannon’s beverage program will be a draw for the after-work crowd.” Island Creek Oyster Bar at The District Burlington includes bar and table seating as well as private dining options. “At The District Burlington we have the opportunity to expand our reach within a new, food-oriented community,” says Roi Shpindler, owner of Pressed Café. “Our second location will foster connection and collaboration over fresh, clean food and local, micro-roasted coffee.” Pressed Cafe at The District Burlington features 150 flexible seats designed for gathering, working and playing.

The following are photographs of Island Creek Oyster Bar:

The following are photographs of Pressed Cafe:

The following are streetscape photographs of The District Burlington:

South Boston Power Plant development preparations underway

Preparations are underway for the development of the 18-acre South Boston Power Plant site, located at the intersection of Summer and First streets in South Boston. The last remaining electricity generator has been lifted out of the power plant building, bringing 120 years of electricity generation to a close and allowing development to proceed:

Last generator lifted out of New Boston Generating Station. 120 years of electricity generation on L Street, South Boston, comes to a close. pic.twitter.com/2oaiVJ5e2e

— Exelon Generation (@ExelonGen) November 15, 2016

New 171 Tremont luxury condominium renderings revealed

New renderings have been released of the 12 luxurious condominiums at 171 Tremont Street, an upcoming $55 million 13-story building in Downtown Crossing. The new renderings show 171 Tremont Street’s future sweeping views and ultra-high quality finishes. 171 Tremont Street was approved by the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) last month. New renderings of 171 Tremont Street can be found above.

Siena at Ink Block frame construction scheduled for January 2017, building opening 2018

Structural steel erection to construct Siena at Ink Block's frame is scheduled for January 2017 per an Instagram update by the development team. Foundation installation is underway; excavation of Siena's underground parking garage is complete, and all piles have been driven. Siena is scheduled for a 2018 opening, and the building's 76 new luxury residential condominiums are now for sale. Condominiums listings at Siena at Ink Block include a studio for $688,600, a one-bedroom for $957,000 and three two-bedrooms ranging from $1.19 to $1.428 million. The following is the Instagram update:

We are one step closer to making this image a reality! Excavation for the underground parking garage had been completed. All piles have been driven and foundation installation is underway. Structural steel erection is scheduled to commence in January. Yahoo!! #sienainkblock #sienaboston #inkblockboston #sienaatinkblock #bostonconstruction #inkblockcondos #sienacondos #southendboston #southend #makingheadway

A photo posted by Siena @ Ink Block (@sienainkblock) on Nov 3, 2016 at 9:19am PDT

Island Creek Oyster Bar now open at The District Burlington

Island Creek Oyster Bar opens today (Thursday, November 3rd) evening at 5 PM at The District Burlington, a creative mixed-use development that embodies the future of suburban workspace. Island Creek Oyster Bar is the latest addition to The District Burlington’s growing retail offering. A number of exciting shops and restaurants are already open, and Pressed Cafe will open around November 15th. Visitors to The District Burlington are treated to a relaxing suburban environment with urban amenities and conveniences centered about a walkable street grid and natural beauty, making The District Burlington a unique, inspiring place to work or spend a night out. Learn more about The District Burlington’s exciting offerings above. The following are photographs of the new Island Creek Oyster Bar at The District Burlington, courtesy Michael Harlan Turkell:

Northland releases preliminary renderings for 30-acre Needham Street development

Newton-based Northland Investment Corporation has released preliminary renderings and details of a proposed 30-acre development that would transform Needham Street in Newton with new residential, office and retail space. Northland could file formal plans for the project with the City of Newton in 2017. The following is a link to the Concept Board for Northland’s proposed development. Additional information about and renderings of the project can be found above.

Pierce Boston nears topping off, condos listed for sale

Pierce Boston has risen to nearly its’ full height, currently standing at about 28 stories tall. Pierce Boston will be a 30-story mixed-use tower. Glass has been installed along the first five stories of Pierce Boston’s facade.

Condominiums are now on sale at Pierce Boston. A 22nd Floor one-bedroom is listed for $924,500, and a 19th Floor three-bedroom is listed for $2,913,700. New interior renderings of Pierce Boston have been revealed, including renderings of units; these can be found above. The following is a Tweet by Boston Tweet showing Pierce Boston:

The Fenway is "all growns up." pic.twitter.com/aUMdIKmjiJ

— BostonTweet (@BostonTweet) November 2, 2016

Goddard House project ready to break ground

The 167-unit Goddard House adaptive reuse residential apartment development located on South Huntington Avenue in Jamaica Plain has received all necessary approvals to move forward to construction, Prellwitz Chilinski Architects reports. The project has received approval from the Boston Planning and Development Agency, the Boston Zoning Board of Appeal, the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council and the Boston Parks & Recreation Department.

BPDA approves General Electric Headquarters

At last night's board meeting, the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) approved the $200 million General Electric (GE) Headquarters project in Fort Point. Pending zoning and environmental approvals, GE's new headquarters is expected to break ground in Early 2017 and open at least partially in 2018, The Boston Globe reports.

One Dalton interior revealed

Developer Carpenter & Company has released an updated One Dalton website revealing the interior of One Dalton's exclusive condominiums. New interior and exterior renderings have been released along with a One Dalton video; these can be found above. Carpenter has also released a 360-degree animation showing views from the top of One Dalton.

Three buildings proposed above Mass Pike in Back Bay

At a Citizens Advisory Committee meeting hosted by the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) last night (October 25th, 2016), developers Samuels & Associates, Weiner Ventures and Prudential Financial presented their proposal to construct three new buildings above the Massachusetts Turnpike in the Back Bay. The buildings would be located at the intersection of Boylston Street and Massachusetts Avenue on MassDOT Air Rights Parcels 12 & 15. Additional information about the proposed buildings can be found above. The following is a link to the developers' presentation.

National Development cuts ribbon on new office space at The District Burlington

National Development held a ribbon cutting ceremony last Wednesday (October 19th, 2016) for Building 700, a newly expanded and improved office building at The District Burlington. The ribbon cutting coincided with Octoberfest, an annual after-work outdoor party for District Burlington tenants held on the Building 800 lawn with food, craft beer and a corn hole competition. Octoberfest attendees were delighted to visit Building 700’s newly opened roof deck, sit back in a comfortable chair and take in sweeping sunset views across the idyllic surrounding countryside. New improvements to Building 700 include a new lobby and a four-story, 80,000 square foot glass-curtained addition with floor-to-ceiling windows, an open floor plan and the aforementioned 4,000 square foot roof deck. The roof deck features outdoor seating, television screens, a fireplace, grilling stations and a bar.

The District Burlington’s exciting retail offerings will soon be joined by Island Creek Oyster Bar, opening around November 1st, and Pressed Cafe, opening around November 15th. Both retailers will offer outdoor seating, providing desirable urban conveniences in a peaceful suburban setting located a short drive from Downtown Boston. A Marriott Residence Inn hotel, which is about to top off at six stories tall, will further activate The District Burlington; the hotel is expected to open in 2017.

The District Burlington is a great place to work with refreshing surroundings and a plethora of engaging retail options. Office and retail spaces are currently available at The District Burlington ranging from 1,000 to 200,000 square feet, including at the new Building 700 addition. There is also opportunity to construct an approximately 180,000 square foot build-to-suit office building at The District Burlington. Visit DistrictBurlington.com for more information. The following are photographs of Building 700's facade:

The following are photographs of Building 700's interior:

The following are photographs of the new Building 700 roof deck:

The following are photographs of Building 700's entrance:

The following is a photograph from the Building 700 ribbon cutting:

The following are photographs from Octoberfest:

The following are photographs of The District Burlington's hotel and retail options:

New Ink Block video released

Boulevard on the Greenway condos priced from $1.46 million, slurry wall pre-trenching underway

J. Derenzo Companies is hard at work preparing the Boulevard on the Greenway construction site for Treviicos to install the building’s slurry wall foundation. Derenzo is pre-trenching the slurry wall, excavating deep trenches along the slurry wall’s perimeter down to glacial till and refilling the trenches with flowable fill. The fill will serve as the base for Treviicos’ installation of guide walls for the slurry wall. The guide walls will in turn frame pouring of concrete to construct the slurry wall.

Derenzo is also relocating existing utilities to outside the perimeter of the slurry wall to make way for slurry wall construction. A concrete duct bank was poured today to contain relocated water piping, and a second duct bank will soon be poured for relocated television transmission lines and electrical wiring. An existing elevator core that extends deep into the construction site will also soon be pulled out of the ground to make way for the slurry wall.

The existing Charles Bullfinch-designed facade that will be incorporated into Boulevard on the Greenway is being fully reinforced in anticipation of start of foundation construction. The facade will be reinforced with concrete columns on Saturday (October 22nd, 2016) and further reinforced with steel beams on Monday (October 24th, 2016), at which point a concrete grade beam will be poured.

A sales gallery for Boulevard on the Greenway is now open at 88 Broad Street in Downtown Boston. One, two and three-bedroom condominiums are for sale priced from $1.46 million. An expanded website, TheBoulevardBoston.com, has been released with more information about Boulevard on the Greenway. The following are photographs of the Boulevard on the Greenway site:

The following is the latest Boulevard on the Greenway sales brochure:

BPDA approves 171 Tremont Street, 12 new Downtown Crossing luxury condos, for construction

At last night's board meeting, the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) approved 171 Tremont Street for construction. Located in the heart of Downtown Crossing overlooking Boston Common, the $55 million 171 Tremont Street will be a new 13-story residential building containing 12 luxury condominiums. 171 Tremont does not require Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) approval and can now proceed with construction.

New Pierce Boston details revealed

New details and renderings have been released of Pierce Boston's penthouse suites and amenities. A total of 10 penthouses will be located at Pierce Boston enhanced with top-of-the-line appliances and finishes. The 30th-story Levity Lounge will feature a Dining Room atop a glass floor, a library well-suited for intimate gatherings and floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping views. Premium services at Pierce Boston will include in-house car detailing. Visit the Penthouse and Amenities pages on the Pierce Boston website for more information. The following are new renderings of Pierce Boston:

One Dalton foundation wall complete, elevator core construction underway

Treviicos has completed One Dalton’s slurry wall, which has been fully excavated by The Welch Corporation. One Dalton’s foundation wall is fully built; a slurry wall is in place along Belvidere and Dalton Streets, and secant piles are in place along the Christian Science Center. The foundation cap beam, which holds the top of the foundation wall together, has been installed. Both the slurry wall and secant piles tie into bedrock over 150 feet below the building.

The 61-story elevator core is now being built. Metal formwork is being arranged at the foundation’s base to frame the concrete pour to construct the core. A 7 foot thick, 900 cubic yard wide concrete mat slab is now being poured at the core’s base. The following are photographs of the One Dalton construction site:

Boulevard on the Greenway excavation underway

Excavation of Boulevard on the Greenway's underground parking structure is well underway. J. Derenzo Companies has cleared all debris from the construction site and is now excavating 29 vertical feet of soil. Boulevard on the Greenway's parking structure will be mechanically operated and will contain 48 stacked parking spaces. The 12-story, $58.7 million building will feature 36 residential units, including 31 luxury condominiums and five artist lofts, and approximately 3,550 square feet of ground-floor retail located in the heart of Downtown Boston on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. The following is an Instagram post by Kelly Roche showing an aerial view of the Boulevard on the Greenway construction site:

Sign of the Times...Boulevard Construction Underway! #boulevardboston #buildingboston #timespatio #greenway #buildingboom #facade

A photo posted by Kelly Atlantic Realty (@kellyatlanticreal) on Oct 6, 2016 at 6:58am PDT

Mosaic on the Riverway condominium closings underway, 100% sold out

Closings of Mosaic on the Riverway’s 85 mixed-income condominiums commenced last Friday (September 30th, 2016). 11 condominiums have closed to date for an average of $928 per square foot. Closing prices to date range from $499,408 for a 569 square foot one-bedroom/one-bathroom unit to $825,300 for an 892 square foot two-bedroom/two-bathroom unit. Mosaic on the Riverway’s condominium component is 100% sold out per the Mosaic on the Riverway condominium sales website. The 145-unit Mosaic on the Riverway contains 42 market rate condominiums, 43 affordable condominiums and 60 affordable rental units.

A 569 square foot sixth floor one-bedroom condominium at Mosaic on the Riverway has been listed for rent for $3,600/month per Trulia. The following are photographs of a completed unit at Mosaic on the Riverway via Trulia:

Pierce Boston over halfway to topping off

Pierce Boston, a 30-story luxury residential tower under construction in the Fenway, is over halfway to topping off. The tower's concrete structural frame currently stands at 18 stories tall. A PERI Skydeck system is being used to frame concrete pouring. Per an update from the Pierce Boston team, the tower will soon receive its "brilliant costume" as exterior finishes, comprised of a "glimmering curtain wall made of metal and glass," are installed. Completion of Pierce Boston's facade is anticipated in Spring 2017; the tower is anticipated to open in Fall 2017.

Pierce Boston will feature a mix of 240 rental apartments and 109 condominiums with 20,000 square feet of retail across the tower's first two floors. Resident amenities will include a rooftop pool and a Level 30 Levity Lounge featuring a private dining room with a glass floor. Visit PierceBoston.com for sales and leasing information. The following is a aerial photograph of Pierce Boston, courtesy the Pierce Boston team:

The following is an Instagram post showing Pierce Boston along Boylston Street:

Construction @pierce_boston #188Brookline #1350Boylston #TheFenway

A photo posted by kryptom (@kryptom) on Sep 26, 2016 at 6:02am PDT

Parcel K project changes proposed, developer partner joins team

Per a Notice of Project Change (NPC) submitted to the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) last Thursday (September 29th, 2016), Phoenix Property Company (PPC) will partner with Lincoln Property Company (LPC) to develop Parcel K in the Seaport District; the following is a link to the NPC. It was announced earlier this month that LPC would take over the Parcel K project from Conroy Development, who was designated by Massport, the site's owner, as Parcel K's developer in 2009. LPC and PPC anticipate to start construction of the Parcel K project in March 2017, with completion anticipated in July 2019.

LPC and PPC propose minor changes to the Parcel K project plan approved by the BPDA in 2009. The revised project would feature 304 residential apartments a 293-room boutique hotel, approximately 14,400 square feet of office space and approximately 18,000 square feet of retail and restaurant. As previously approved, two buildings, one with a hotel and one with residential units, would be constructed at Parcel K.

Proposed hotel rooms have increased by 46, from 247 rooms to 293 rooms; the number of proposed residential units has not changed. Interior layouts of both proposed buildings have been modified to enable occupancy of the 12th floor; the 12th floor was previously proposed to contain mechanical space. As a result of the interior layout modification, the hotel's 12th floor would now feature a small fitness room and pool, and the residential building's 12th floor will now feature a pool, a clubroom and an outdoor roof deck.

The previously approved building massing has not been altered with the proposed 12th floor modifications; total building square feet would increase by approximately 19,397 square feet to 499,500 square feet from previously approved 479,678 square feet. Parcel K’s underground parking garage would be reduced to one level and a maximum of 420 spaces from three levels and 640 spaces; 197 spaces would initially be striped.

Mixed-use development envisioned for South Boston Power Plant site

Developers Hilco Global and Redgate, who acquired the 18-acre South Boston Power Plant site in April 2016 for $24.25 million, envision developing housing, office space, retail and a possible hotel at the site according to a Banker & Tradesman report. The developers are studying how to lay out new buildings on the site and are looking to preserve some historic buildings; the main power plant building will likely not be preserved. “We’re definitely looking to keep some buildings or at least a building, but probably not the big one,” said Redgate principal Ralph Cox. “To our knowledge it has no redeeming value, but there are a building or two that if structural or marketplace conditions dictate, we’re looking to assess that and see if it’s possible.”

The developers have hired SGA as a land planner and Geosyntec as an environmental consultant. One of the primary goals of the developers is to encourage public access to the Boston Harbor waterfront. “We have to find the right balance to connect to the neighborhood and really open up the waterfront that hasn’t been open for the last 100 years,” said Cox. The development team hopes to file formal plans for the South Boston Power Plant project with the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) in Early 2017.

Suffolk Construction hosts Virtual Groundbreaking for headquarters expansion

Suffolk Construction hosted a Virtual Groundbreaking ceremony yesterday (September 29th, 2016) for the $22 million, 38,000 square foot expansion of the company's existing Roxbury headquarters. No real dirt was moved at the ceremony; instead, per a Boston Globe report, officials donned headsets and hoisted virtual dirt with a virtual shovel. A video simulation of Suffolk Construction's future headquarters was projected behind the officials; with each virtual shovel scoop, a new section of the headquarters was projected, from foundation to finishes, until the full building was virtually complete. The following is a link to the full simulation video; the following is a video by Shirley Leung of the virtual shovel scooping:

One Charlestown detailed plans filed with BPDA

Proponents Corcoran Jennison and SunCal have filed a Project Notification Form (PNF) with the Boston Planning & Development Authority (BPDA) containing detailed plans for One Charlestown, the proposed $1 billion, 3.3 million square foot redevelopment of the existing 27.6-acre, 1,100-unit Bunker Hill public housing project in Charlestown; the following is a link to the PNF. One Charlestown would reconfigure the project site, replacing the existing low-rise buildings with new ones ranging from six to 21 stories tall containing a total of 3,200 mixed-income residential units and approximately 100,000 square feet of civic and retail space. All 1,100 public housing units would be preserved, and all current residents would have the right to return. One Charlestown housing units would include 750 affordable rentals, 350 senior affordable rentals, 1,500 market rate rentals and 600 market rate ownership condominiums ranging from studios to four-bedrooms.

Two new public parks would be constructed at One Charlestown along with streetscape improvements. One Charlestown would be built in three phases over an approximately ten year period beginning in 2018. Additional information about and renderings of One Charlestown can be found above.

Experience the future of suburban workspace at The District Burlington

National Development has opened a new Experience Center at The District Burlington, giving potential tenants the opportunity to experience firsthand the property’s innovative workspace design. The Experience Center exhibits the future of suburban workspace. Furnishings are brightly, creatively designed and arranged in an interconnected, open layout that encourages collaboration and teamwork. No two parts of the Experience Center are alike, engaging visitors to delve into the space's diverse offerings. At the Experience Center’s center are a treadmill and core balance stools, encouraging corporate wellness. Sweeping, calming views of the surrounding greenery and nature trails abound.

Visit DistrictBurlington.com to schedule a tour of the Experience Center and for The District Burlington leasing information. Workspaces are currently available at The District Burlington ranging from 1,000 to 200,000 square feet, including the newly constructed 80,000 square foot, four-story glass-curtained Building 700 addition with floor-to-ceiling windows, an open floor plan and a private roof deck. There is also opportunity to construct an approximately 180,000 square foot build-to-suit office building at The District Burlington. The following are photographs of the Experience Center, courtesy National Development:

100 Binney, new Kendall Square lab and office space, tops off

A topping off ceremony was held for 100 Binney on Friday, September 16th, 2016 to celebrate the installation of the last steel beam of 100 Binney's 10-story structural frame. Concrete pouring is underway on levels one through five of 100 Binney. Orange vertical nets have been installed along the levels' exterior to contain debris from blowing to street level while concrete is poured.

Scheduled for substantial completion in October 2017, 100 Binney will be a 431,500 rentable square foot (RSF) Class A lab and office building in Kendall Square. The following is a photograph from the 100 Binney topping off ceremony, courtesy project engineer McNamara Salvia:

Superstructure rising at AC Hotel South End

AC Hotel South End's six-story structural frame is now rising above the hotel's completed foundation. Steel framing has risen one story above grade and will contain the future hotel's bar and lounge area, fitness center, indoor pool and conference rooms as well as part of the at-grade parking area. Opening late 2017, AC Hotel South End will be a 200-room AC Hotel by Marriott located in the South End adjacent to the Ink Block development. The following are photographs of AC Hotel South End:

A new suburban experience arises at The District Burlington

National Development has redefined the suburban experience with The District Burlington, a dramatic transformation of a 9-to-5 1970s office park into a dynamic, 24/7 walkable place. Finishing touches are now underway on a four-story, 80,000 square foot glass-curtained addition to the 11-story, 200,000 square foot Building 700, a landmark office tower positioned at the center of The District Burlington and prominently visible from nearby Route 128. Designed to encourage a healthy, collaborative working environment, the Building 700 addition features abundant natural lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows, an open, customizable floor plan and a private roof deck with sweeping views of The District Burlington's peaceful, green setting.

New retail spaces and a 170-room hotel are enlivening former surface parking lots at The District Burlington. Tavern in the Square, TD Bank and Tuscan Kitchen are now open, with Island Creek Oyster Bar and Pressed Cafe soon to follow. The hotel, a Marriott Residence Inn, is expected to open in 2017; wood framing of upper hotel floors is underway. A walkable street grid has been introduced with widened sidewalks, public plazas and a bike share program.

Visit DistrictBurlington.com for more information about office and retail leasing opportunities at The District Burlington. The following are photographs of The District Burlington:

Building 700

Hotel

Retail

Boulevard on the Greenway site work commences

Initial site work has commenced at Boulevard on the Greenway to prepare for the 29-foot-deep excavation of the building’s 48-space mechanically-operated underground parking structure. J. Derenzo Companies is clearing the construction site of debris from demolition of a pre-existing building and preparing for the upcoming excavation. Drilling is underway to install a temporary underground electrical conduit system to power the construction site. Treviicos will install a slurry wall foundation system for the underground garage and expects to start work in December.

A pre-existing historic Charles Bulfinch designed facade has been firmly secured and will be integrated into Boulevard on the Greenway’s future facade. The 12-story, $58.7 million Boulevard on the Greenway will feature 36 residential units, including 31 luxury condominiums and five artist lofts, and approximately 3,550 square feet of ground-floor retail. The following are photographs of the Boulevard on the Greenway construction site:

Ribbon cut on first new Watertown hotel in over 50 years

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held last Tuesday (September 20th, 2016) marking the opening of Residence Inn Boston Watertown, the first new Watertown hotel in over 50 years; the following is a link to the official press release announcing the opening. The hotel features 150 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with guest amenities including meeting space, a swimming pool, a fitness center and complimentary on-site parking.

Residence Inn Boston Watertown is conveniently located along the Charles River a short drive to Downtown Boston. The proposed Arsenal Project, a mixed-use development that would contain approximately 500 residential units and approximately 350,000 square feet of retail, is located across from the hotel. “We built a contemporary building on purpose that has a 24/7 life to it,” said William McQuillan, Principal of developer Boylston Properties. “It’s about the future of Watertown, and it’s one of a number of projects going on in the East End that are all about the future of Watertown.”

Avalon North Station now leasing

Residential apartments at Avalon North Station, a new 38-story mixed-use tower in Bulfinch Triangle, are now leasing. Rents and floor plans have been posted on the Avalon North Station website; rents will start at $2,270/month for studios, $2,595/month for one-bedrooms, $3,750/month for two-bedrooms and $5,435/month for three-bedrooms. Renters who sign a lease by September 30th will receive one month of rent free. An Avalon North Station leasing representative confirmed that the first move in at Avalon North Station is tentatively scheduled for November 3rd.

AvalonBay has also released photographs of a completed unit at Avalon North Station as well as a video and photographs showing Avalon North Station's sweeping Boston skyline views; both the photographs and video can be found below:

Completed Unit

View Video

View Photographs

Akamai Technologies signs Letter of Intent to fully occupy 145 Broadway

The Boston Globe reports that Kendall Square-based global internet content delivery leader Akamai Technologies has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Boston Properties to fully occupy 145 Broadway, the proposed 19-story Kendall Square office tower that will contain approximately 454,000 square feet of office space. The move will allow Akamai to house most of its' 1,700 Kendall Square-based employees in one building; Akamai currently leases approximately 500,000 square feet across several Kendall Square buildings. Akamai's existing leases expire in 2019. Akamai is seeking a state tax break for the move, pledging to add 700 additional jobs in return.

The Factory at 46 Wareham project changes approved

At last night's board meeting, the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) approved changes to the under-construction Factory at 46 Wareham mixed-use building. Construction of the project, approved by the BRA in August 2015, was halted following the discovery of foundation deficiencies in the historic factory building; The Factory at 46 Wareham will incorporate the existing facade of a factory building and construct a new addition. Previously approved to exclusively contain office space, The Factory at 46 Wareham will feature 18 residential ownership condominiums and 32,875 square feet of office space following last night’s approval. A new foundation will be constructed, and two existing masonry walls will be rebuilt. Additional information about The Factory at 46 Wareham can be found above.

Siena at Ink Block underground parking excavation underway, condominiums for sale

Siena at Ink Block’s 31-space underground parking garage is just about fully excavated. A retaining wall consisting of H piles and wooden lagging has been installed along the garage’s perimeter to retain the future building’s foundation. A horizontal foundation support system consisting of large-diameter round steel beams has been installed across the garage to further reinforce the foundation. Concrete piles have been driven into the base of the garage to support the future building. Visit the construction site’s camera for real-time imagery of Siena at Ink Block as well as the neighboring AC Hotel South End project.

Siena at Ink Block, the next phase of National Development’s successful Ink Block development located in the South End’s New York Streets neighborhood, will be an eight-story building featuring 76 luxury condominium units. Visit SienaBoston.com for condominium sales information. A number of condominiums will be maisonettes opening directly onto street level, a first for the rapidly-developing neighborhood. Resident amenities will include a rooftop Sky Lounge with both indoor and outdoor spaces featuring sweeping skyline views. Other amenities will include a fitness center, 24/7 concierge service and convenient access to Ink Block’s multiple retail offerings including Whole Foods Market and the recently opened Bar Mezzana, Fuji at Ink Block and Sweetgreen restaurants. The following are photographs of Siena at Ink Block:

Proposed Downtown Crossing pencil tower shrinks to 13 stories

The Dabbah Family of Switzerland, developers of the proposed 171 Tremont Street pencil tower in Downtown Crossing, submitted a revised proposal to the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) last Friday (September 9th, 2016) proposing a 13-story, 175 foot tall tower with 12 luxury residential condominium units; the following is a link to the revised proposal. The previous 171 Tremont proposal, submitted last May, proposed a 19-story, 235 foot tall tower with 18 condominiums. A previously proposed underground parking garage has been eliminated; instead, off site valet parking would be offered to building residents.

The Boston Globe reports that the project's cost is now pegged at about $55 million; the cost of the project as submitted last May was pegged at $70 million. The original 171 Tremont proposal, submitted in December 2014, proposed a 355-foot tall tower with 31 condominiums; the tower's height has since shrunk 180 feet. The currently proposed height of 175 feet conforms with existing area zoning regulations; if approved by the BRA, 171 Tremont will not require Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) approval to proceed with construction.

AC Hotel South End concrete foundation pouring underway

Pile driving is complete at AC Hotel South End, and concrete is being poured to construct AC Hotel South End’s foundation. J. Derenzo Companies is performing foundation excavation. The hotel’s basement level has been built, and concrete foundation walls and footings are being constructed throughout the construction site. AC Hotel South End will be a 200-room AC Hotel by Marriott located in the South End adjacent to the Ink Block development. Guest amenities will include a bar and lounge area, a fitness center, an indoor pool and conference rooms. 63 surface parking spaces will be constructed adjacent to the hotel. The following are photographs of the AC Hotel South End site:

345 Harrison elevator core rising, tower crane installed

345 Harrison’s one-level, 275-car underground parking garage along William Mullins Way has been fully excavated. A concrete elevator core is under construction at the garage’s base; the core has risen two stories above grade. A PERI Skydeck system is being used to frame concrete pouring to construct the core. A tower crane has been installed on site in anticipation of impending steel superstructure construction. Mockup finishes have been posted along Traveler Street as a preview of 345 Harrison’s future exterior.

A sheet pile wall has been driven along the garage’s perimeter, and concrete piles have been driven into the garage’s base for structural support. Concrete piles have also been driven at the Traveler Street end of the project site. Large concrete footings are being poured above concrete pile caps at the garage’s base.

345 Harrison will feature two buildings containing approximately 585 residential units and 40,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. Resident amenities will include a 14th floor Sky Lounge with sweeping skyline views, a resort-style pool and a fully-equipped fitness center. Retail space at 345 Harrison is currently for lease, and residential unit pre-leasing is underway. Visit developer UDR’s 345 Harrison page for more information about residential unit pre-leasing. The following are photographs of the 345 Harrison site:

New developer taking over Parcel K project in Seaport, breaking ground early 2017

Banker & Tradesman reports that Lincoln Property Company of Boston will take over the approved Parcel K development project in the Seaport District and hopes to break ground in early 2017. Lincoln Property Company Executive Vice President John Miller confirmed the news; Lincoln Property Company will self-manage the property. Conroy Development of Stoughton, MA was designated by Massport, the site's owner, as Parcel K's developer in 2009; Conroy Development's project plan received approval from the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) in May 2014. The approved Parcel K plan will construct an 11-story residential building containing 304 rental apartments and a 10-story hotel building containing 250 rooms. Approximately 16,000 square feet of innovative office space and 25,000 square feet of retail will be located at the project's ground floor.

19-story office tower proposed in Kendall Square

Boston Properties has filed formal design plans with the City of Cambridge to construct 145 Broadway, a new 19-story, 454,000 square foot office tower in the heart of Kendall Square at the intersection of Broadway and Galileo Galilei Way; the following is a link to the Design Review Submission for 145 Broadway. An existing four-story, 87,636 square foot office building would be demolished; demolition could commence in 2017. The Cambridge Planning Board will consider Boston Properties' plans at a public hearing on September 20th. 145 Broadway is the first step of Boston Properties' planned 1.1 million square foot Kendall Square mixed-use redevelopment project; the following is a link to Boston Properties' full project Concept Plan.

One Dalton deep foundation nearly fully excavated

Albert J. Welch Corporation has nearly fully excavated One Dalton’s deep foundation. A total of 70 vertical feet of soil will be excavated. Three levels of horizontal internal brace frames have been installed along One Dalton’s secant pile wall to support the excavated foundation. Per the official construction website, secant piles at One Dalton tie into bedrock over 160 feet below grade. As excavation draws to an end, structural pile caps and H-piles are visible at the base of the parking structure. Excavation will soon be followed by pouring of concrete mat slabs along the deep foundation, with superstructure steel and concrete construction commencing shortly thereafter. Per the official construction schedule, concrete work at One Dalton is anticipated to commence in October 2016. At street level, One Dalton’s tower crane is erected in anticipation of superstructure construction.

One Dalton will be a 61-story, 740 foot tall tower with a 215-room Four Seasons Hotel at its’ base and 180 luxury condominiums above. Two below-grade basement levels will be built underneath One Dalton; neither will contain parking. Hotel guests and residents at One Dalton will have access to parking in the existing Christian Science Plaza underground garage; a new access ramp will be constructed off of Clearway Street through One Dalton’s basement. The following are photographs of excavation underway at the One Dalton construction site:

The following are photographs of One Dalton's foundation support structure:

The following is a panoramic photograph of the base of One Dalton's foundation:

The following is a photograph of One Dalton's tower crane:

One Charlestown development moving forward, Letter of Intent filed

Proponents Corcoran Jennison Associates and SunCal filed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) last Tuesday (August 16th, 2016) to construct One Charlestown and anticipate filing an Expanded Project Notification Form (EPNF) with additional information and renderings within the next 30 days. The proposed One Charlestown would revamp the existing 27.6-acre, 1,100-unit Bunker Hill public housing project into 3,200 mixed-income residential units with a neighborhood retail component. The following is a link to the LOI for One Charlestown; additional information about the One Charlestown proposal can be found above and at the One Charlestown website. The following are renderings of One Charlestown:

Tesla showroom coming to 888 Boylston

The Boston Business Journal reports that electric car manufacturer Tesla Motors will open a new showroom on the ground floor of 888 Boylston. Tesla will reportedly relocate to 888 Boylston by the end of this year from its' existing Prudential Center showroom. 888 Boylston, a 17-story, 425,000 square foot office tower containing 365,000 square feet of office space and 60,000 square feet of retail, is approximately 80% pre-leased according to The Boston Globe. Committed office tenants include Natixis Global Asset Mangement, who will occupy approximately 128,000 square feet across five floors, as well as SSC Financial, private equity investment firm Abry Partners and hedge fund manager Bracebridge Capital according to an Office Insight Report by JLL. Under Armour will open a retail location on 888 Boylston's ground floor according to a Boston Herald report.

Van Ness office space fully leased

The Boston Business Journal reports that the 237,000 square foot office component of Van Ness in the Fenway is fully leased with biotech company Decibel Theraputics' recent lease of 32,000 square feet. Decibel will reportedly move to Van Ness in early 2017. Other office tenants at Van Ness include health care risk manager CRICO, athletic wristband manufacturer Whoop and UnitedHealth Group data services arm Optum. Van Ness opened in summer 2015 and contains 172 residential units, 237,000 square feet of office space and 200,000 square feet of retail including a 170,000 square foot Target store.

150 Seaport, 124 new condominiums in the Seaport District, approved for construction

Federal Realty acquires retail component of Partners HealthCare Assembly Row headquarters for over $25 million

This past Tuesday (August 9th, 2016), Partners HealthCare (Partners) transferred ownership of the 100,000 square foot ground-floor retail component of Partners' new 13-story, 825,000 square foot Assembly Row headquarters building to Federal Realty Investment Trust (FRIT) for just over $25 million as recorded in the Middlesex County Registry of Deeds; the exact sale price was $25,172,396. FRIT will manage the building's retail space. FRIT is the proponent of Somerville's $1.2 billion, 56-acre Assembly Row development project of which Partners' new headquarters building is a component. Approximately 400 Partners employees moved into the new headquarters this summer on June 13th, 2016. Partners' headquarters are located next to the Assembly Row station on the MBTA Orange Line with direct service to Downtown Boston. The following is the deed for the ownership transfer of Partners' headquarters' ground-floor retail component to Federal Realty:

Summer Olympics slow Boulevard on the Greenway construction

Banker & Tradesman reports that construction of Boulevard on the Greenway has been put on pause due to required utility work coinciding with the 2016 Summer Olympics underway in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In order to commence work on Boulevard on the Greenway's foundation, a major Comcast transmission line that traverses the construction site must be relocated. Comcast reportedly requested that developer New Boston Ventures hold off on relocating the cable until after the Olympics' closing ceremonies on August 21st, 2016. “They didn’t want any chance of interrupting service, so we’re not relocating the line until after the Olympics,” says Jim Alexander, a principal of Boulevard on the Greenway architect Finegold Alexander Architects. Following the Olympics, construction will commence on the foundation of the $58.7 million, 12-story Boulevard on the Greenway. The building will feature 36 residential units, including 31 luxury condominiums and five artist lofts, and approximately 3,550 square feet of ground-floor retail.

Initial garage demolition complete at 88 Ames in Kendall Square

J. Derenzo Companies’ JDC Demolition division has demolished the section of the existing East Garage in Kendall Square on which 88 Ames, a 22-story mixed-use tower containing 280 residential units and 16,000 square feet of retail space, will be built. The section of the parking garage which will be retained has been sealed off with wood panels, clearing the way for foundation and superstructure construction at the 88 Ames site. Along Ames Street, utility work is underway to prepare for tower construction. The following are photographs of the 88 Ames site:

Utility work on Ames Street with sealed garage section in background

JDC Demolition rigs

88 Ames site

JDC Demolition rig

View of sealed garage section

More information about 88 Ames is posted below.

The Davis Companies proposes new 185,000 square foot office project with retail across from Alewife Station

Developer The Davis Companies submitted a Special Permit Application (SPA) to the City of Cambridge last week proposing to overhaul the existing three-story, 137,635 square foot office building located at 35 CambridgePark Drive, across from the Alewife MBTA Station, and construct a two-story, 47,139 square foot vertical addition. Designed by Spagnolo Gisness & Associates, the new five-story building will encompass a total of approximately 185,000 square feet of state-of-the-art office space including approximately 7,500 square feet of ground-floor retail. The existing building will be throughly renovated, and the exterior will be re-cladded with new finish panels and glass. The Davis Companies acquired the existing building at 35 CambridgePark Drive in March 2016 for $48 million; the existing building sold to the previous owner in July 2014 for $43 million. The following are links to the Special Permit Application and Special Permit Graphic Submission for 35 CambridgePark Drive. The following are renderings of the new 35 CambridgePark Drive:

Southeast View along CambridgePark Drive

Southeast Night View along CambridgePark Drive

Southwest View along CambridgePark Drive

Retail Perspective

Retail Perspective

Aerial Perspective

Urban Context Plan

Site Plan

100 Binney steel frame nearing top-off

100 Binney’s structural steel frame has risen eight stories and will soon top off at 10 stories tall. 100 Binney will contain a total of 431,500 rentable square feet (RSF) of Class A lab and office space targeting a minimum of LEED Platinum sustainability certification. A stunning glass facade with landscaped balconies with allow for abundant natural lighting. The building’s dual core, 40,000 RSF floor plates will provide flexible workspace design capability. Global biopharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb has leased 208,000 square feet at 100 Binney through at least 2030. Developer Alexandria Real Estate Equities has committed $175.1 million in equity towards 100 Binney and secured $310 million in construction financing for the project in April 2016 through Bank of China; financing was arranged by CBRE. 100 Binney will cost a total of approximately $485 million to develop.

The 100 Binney construction team is at work placing steel truss elements into the building’s structural steel frame and fastening the truss elements into the frame with tension assemblies. Two tower cranes are being used to construct 100 Binney’s frame. Pouring of concrete floors has commenced on 100 Binney’s first story. Orange vertical nets have been installed on the second and third stories to prepare for concrete pouring; the nets will contain debris from blowing to street level. The building foundation’s horizontal foundation support system, which will soon be dismantled, is visible through 100 Binney’s future underground parking garage ramp on Linskey Way. The following are photographs of 100 Binney:

View North along Binney Street

View South along Binney Street; note orange vertical nets

View South along Linskey Way; note orange vertical nets

View North along Linskey Way

Tower crane and structural steel frame

Steel truss elements staged for installation

Tension assemblies staged for installation

View of horizontal foundation support system through future underground parking garage ramp on Linskey Way

Freshly poured concrete on 100 Binney’s first story

Freshly poured concrete on 100 Binney’s first story

View of 100 Binney’s first story from Linskey Way; note steel forms for first story concrete pouring

View 100 Binney’s first story from Binney Street

More information about 100 Binney Street is posted below.

General Electric releases renderings and details for Boston headquarters

General Electric (GE) and development partner Massachusetts Development Finance Agency (MassDevelopment) today released renderings and details for GE's future Boston headquarters campus along Fort Point Channel in an Expanded Environmental Notification Form/Project Notification Form (EENF/EPNF) filed with the Boston Redevelopment Authority; the following is a link to the full EENF/EPNF. The Boston Business Journal reports that on August 22nd, approximately 175 GE employees will begin working at GE's temporary Boston headquarters facility at 33-41 Farnsworth Street in Fort Point. The following is a building section of GE's new campus showing intended uses:

Building Section w/ Intended Uses

The following is a graphic showing environmentally-friendly and sustainable features:

Campus Sustainability Elements

The following is a site plan showing proposed conditions:

Proposed conditions

Restaurateur acquires 7.8 acre marina on Port Norfolk waterfront for $6 million, eyes luxury condominiums

Ralph Bruno, owner of Venezia Restaurant on the Port Norfolk waterfront in Dorchester, today acquired a 7.8 acre marina site on the Port Norfolk waterfront for $6 million as recored in the Suffolk County Registry of Deeds. A locus graphic of the marina is posted above, courtesy Boston Realty Advisors. Bruno also secured a $6 million mortgage for the marina today through East Boston Savings Bank. The marina last sold in 1995 for $2 million. Bruno's 6.2 acre Venezia Restaurant site is located adjacent to the marina; Bruno now owns a total of approximately 14 acres of Port Norfolk waterfront land. 

The Dorchester Reporter reports that Bruno intends to build a luxury condominium complex on the 7.8 acre marina site acquired today. Bruno has sought to team with an experienced development company to build the condominiums and has had longstanding rights to acquire the marina. Bruno began marketing the marina to potential development partners this past fall through Boston Realty Advisors. Bruno Holdings LLC, the limited liability company that acquired the marina today, is organized and managed by Bruno. This page will be updated with additional information regarding development partners as it becomes available. The following is the deed for today's sale of the marina to Bruno: