105a South Huntington on Jamaicaway
Boston ─ 105a South Huntington Avenue, designed by Prellwitz Chilinski Associates (PCA) and developed by the Longwood Group, won unanimous BRA Board approval as the first project to come before the board following the adoption of the South Huntington Framework for Future Development, a four-month planning study of the South Huntington Avenue corridor. PCA worked closely with the Boston Civic Design Commission and the BRA’s urban design staff to craft an elegant solution that enabled the project to receive widespread community support. Construction is slated to begin in the third quarter of 2014.
PCA’s design approach creates a sophisticated multi-level residential complex offering a unique mix of studios, one-, two-and three-bedroom units with access to attractive amenities and underground parking. The development, with immediate access to public transportation and within a short walking distance to the Longwood Medical Area, will accommodate both young professionals and families.
“We have worked for over two years to fulfill a vision for this unique property,” said Tony Nader, Principal of Longwood Group, the developer. “An empty lot will be transformed into a handsome building that will provide much-needed housing for individuals and families at the confluence of the Jamaica Plain and Mission Hill neighborhoods.”
Sited on a vacant one-acre lot, 105a South Huntington will add 163 market-rate and 32 affordable housing units along with 2,100sf of retail space to the Huntington Street / Jamaicaway corridor. The steeply-sloped site is bounded on one side by the Jamaicaway and Emerald Necklace parklands, and on the other, by the urban streetscape of South Huntington Avenue.
The building scale steps down on the western side to make a connection with the parklands with a row of townhouses and apartments that artfully conceal multiple levels of underground parking inserted into the hillside under the complex.
On the South Huntington Avenue side, the design takes its cues from the multitude of row-houses which populate the neighboring streets, with retail space, relocated bus stop and new landscaping enlivening the pedestrian experience. A two-story glazed lobby preserves views through the site for pedestrians, drivers, and MBTA riders on South Huntington, creating a sense of transparency and lightness that adds an interesting rhythm to the South Huntington building façade.
An interior courtyard with a water feature and children’s play area provides additional light and visual interest, serving as a gathering place for residents and visitors. At Level 5, a Cityview Terrace overlooks downtown Boston and at Level 4, a roof deck with swimming pool and access to exercise/fitness rooms and common meeting rooms provides views of the parklands and points west.
