Boston’s Mayor Menino Announces New Developments are Moving Forward; Will Create 73 New Jobs

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Mayor Menino recently announced that three new housing development projects have been approved by the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA). In addition to creating 75 new living spaces for Boston residents, these projects will create 73 new construction jobs. To pay for the projects, more than $23 million in private investments are being made in the City of Boston.

In addition to giving the go-ahead for the housing development projects, the BRA has signed off on a project to moor the historic Luna tugboat at the Charlestown Navy Yard.

See below for more information on each of these recently approved projects.

 

New Mixed-Use Residential Building on Congress Street

Construction Jobs: 23

Total project cost: $17,500,000

A new mixed-use residential development at 381 Congress Street will turn an existing 5-story warehouse in the South Boston Innovation District into 44 new housing units with ground floor retail.

The BRA board unanimously approved the $17.5 million project proposed by Berkeley Investment Inc, the same developer responsible for FP3, an 8-story luxury loft development in Fort Point.

The project will include 28 workforce units, which are smaller-than-market size with accessible rent price points, as well as 16 extended-stay units. The project’s smaller sized residences reflect the Mayor’s objectives to provide moderately priced, flexible and architecturally unique lodging for those who will contribute to the city’s innovation economy. The approximately 35,000 square feet of housing is planned for the upper four floors of the building.

Additionally, the project will include approximately 6,000 square feet of ground floor restaurant or retail space and a 1,200 square foot outdoor patio at the corner of Boston Wharf Road and Congress Street. Planned amenities include ZipCar — or equivalent — on the premises, bicycle storage, rooftop garden planters, and direct delivery from a community supported agriculture (CSA) service.

The exterior of the building will be rehabilitated to reflect its historic character, and the interior will be renovated, blending classic 20th century architecture with contemporary finishes.  Construction is expected to break ground before the end of the year.

The project architect is ADD Inc., and legal counsel is Goulston & Storrs.

 

15 New Affordable Units at Whittier School Apartments

Construction Jobs: 30

Total project cost: $11,100,000

The 14 existing affordable housing units at the Whittier School Apartments in a century old school house near Codman Square will be rehabbed, and 15 more units will be added.

The BRA board unanimously approved the construction, which will include four new buildings at Darlington Street and Southern Avenue. The site for the new residences is adjacent to the existing Whittier School Apartments. The new three-story wood frame buildings will include one, two, three, and four bedroom rentals and a community room and laundry facility. The added housing will bring in new residents and enliven the neighborhood.

The Whittier School Apartments are state owned and — since 1984 — have been managed by the Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation under a contract with the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.  The project is located 0.2 miles from MBTA’s Fairmount line, which has three new stations under construction.

The project is slated to break ground in December 2013 and construction is anticipated to last one year.

 

New 16-unit Condominium Building at 881-883 East Second Street

Construction Jobs: 20

Total project cost: $6,000,000

The BRA board approved the development of a 16-unit condominium building at 881-883 East Second Street, between O and P Streets, an area that has recently seen the addition of similarly styled housing.

The new 4-story wood frame residential building will activate an unused South Boston parcel with housing for families and young professionals. The new units will be two bedrooms, 14 of which will be market rate and two of which will be affordable. The project plan includes 34 underground parking spaces, trash storage, and an elevator.

The project is being developed by 881 City Point, LLC, with architect Arthur Choo and Company and legal counsel Mark Murphy.

The developer plans to break ground before the end of the year with an estimated construction time of one year.

 

Luna Tugboat to Moor at the Charlestown Navy Yard

The BRA Board approved the agreement to berth the Luna at Pier 4 in the Charlestown Navy Yard for the next decade.  The Luna is a National Historic Landmark, Boston City Landmark, the last full-sized wooden tugboat on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, and the first diesel-electric commercial tug.  The Luna served the Port of Boston from 1930 to 1971 and was in the Charles River until 1995 when it was named by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of the 10 most endangered landmarks.  Since then, the Luna has been restored at a nearby shipyard through private funds, funds from the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act, and support from the City of Boston.

The Luna will be available for tours, short excursions, and educational programming.

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