Boston – The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) board of directors recently approved six new development projects representing 1.8 million sq. ft. The new projects will support approximately 1,704 construction jobs and 1,362 permanent jobs.
Located within the bounds of the Western Avenue Corridor Study in Allston, the 1234-1240 Soldiers Field Road project will build four new buildings: three residential, and one hotel on two separate but connected sites. The site at 1240 Soldiers Field Road will have a residential building that is a mix of condos and rentals, and is 100% income-restricted. It will also have retail space on the ground floor. The other building will contain 395 residential units and commercial/retail space. The site at 1234 Soldier Field Road will build a hotel and a residential building. The hotel will be approximately 11 stories, and contain 195 rooms, as well a ground floor commercial space. The residential building will contain 76 homeownership units.
Located in Allston, the 119 Braintree Street project will build two buildings: a new 12-story commercial building containing office, research, and laboratory space, as well as ground floor retail space, and a residential building including 88 units, 74 of which will be income-restricted, a portion of which will be deeply affordable. The project is expected to create a significant amount of new public open space and streetscape improvements, including an elevated walkway connecting the project to the Everett Street Bridge, and connecting Braintree Street to Lower Allston.
The BPDA board voted to approve the First Amendment to the Development Plan for Allston Yards in Allston, which incorporates what is now a vacant building at 52 Everett Street into the Master Plan site. The new project at 52 Everett Street will demolish that building and build 150 new homeownership units and ground floor retail space to activate Guest Street. All three-bedroom units will be income-restricted. As part of the Allston-Brighton Mobility Study, the project will become a member of the Allston-Brighton TMA and participate in the forthcoming Allston-Brighton Link.
The project at 13 Norwood Street in Dorchester will create 52 residential units, nine of which are income-restricted. Its location is in close proximity to public transportation. This project will make a $50,000 contribution to the Boston Transportation Department (BTD) to contribute to sidewalk and public realm improvements, such as lighting and landscaping, on Conley Street.
The 361 Belgrade Avenue project will bring 124 residential units to 361-371 Belgrade Avenue in Roslindale. Of the 124 rental units, 21 will be income-restricted. The 5-story building will be built in close proximity to several public transportation options. This project will provide a range of housing options at different price points and improve nearby tree canopy and open space, and is designed to maintain local character with an emphasis on locally-owned retail businesses.
Located in Brighton, the 75 Tremont Street project will convert what is now vacant land into a multi-family condominium complex containing 70 homeownership units, and create a newly active and pedestrian focused area. Of those units, 12 will be income-restricted. The project will contribute to the overall walkability and transit-oriented development described in the Allston-Brighton Mobility Study through the commitment to add a raised concrete island and by moving the nearby MBTA bus stop.
In addition to these projects, the board approved Phase 6 of the BHA Old Colony Redevelopment. This phase is the final component of a phased redevelopment of the Old Colony Boston Housing Authority Development located in South Boston. Phase six of the project will build an entirely income-restricted 5-story building, including age-restricted senior housing, containing 89 units. Some of the ground floor will be set aside as community space.
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Additionally, the BPDA board awarded final designation to Nubian Ascends Partners, LLC for the redevelopment of the BPDA-owned Blair Lot. Designed to promote economic revitalization through locally owned businesses and support artistry in Nubian Square, the project will include 135,000sf of space for lab training and office uses, 50,000sf of culinary and marketplace space, a 43,000sf cultural hall, more than 6,000sf of artist and maker space, and 15 units of housing (10 of which are affordable). Construction is set to begin on artist housing this fall.
