The Boston Planning & Development Agency has filed plans with the state that would move along one of the largest and longest-running development sagas in Boston: The redevelopment of the Boston Harbor Garage.
The Chiofaro Co. has owned the 1,380-space building at 270 Atlantic Avenue since 2007, and has been trying to redevelop it pretty much since then.
Previous projects have included a two-tower complex that included hotel rooms and condos—and an ice rink as part of a year-round open space—and a single skyscraper with offices and condos.
Disputes with the neighbors, including the New England Aquarium, have held up the plans, however, and, while the single-tower proposal appeared to take a big step forward last winter, plans still remain up in the air.
Now the BPDA has proposed allowing Chiofaro to build a tower as high as 600 feet in exchange for establishing a fund worth up to $30 million to compensate the aquarium for any disruptions and to set aside parking for the institution. Chiofaro would also be on the hook for a so-called Blueway extension of the Kennedy Greenway.
Moreover, open public space would have to be a sizable part of Chiofaro’s development under the BPDA plan.
All in all, the plan would allow for the tallest tower ever along Boston Harbor and continue a major trend in Boston garage conversions. Chiofaro appears amenable to the deal’s terms, including the aquarium’s indemnification against loss of visitors/business.
Still, the tower might yet tarry: As the Globe’s Tim Logan points out, the state could take up to two months to review the BPDA plan; then it’s another round of local and state permitting; and Chiofaro hasn’t settled on a final design to even propose.
There is also continuing opposition from the owners in the neighboring Harbor Towers complex. Stay tuned.
- Long-delayed Harbor Garage project clears major hurdle [Globe]
- Boston’s downtown municipal harbor plan gets green-light [Curbed Boston]
- Boston Harbor Garage tower could hinge on New England Aquarium deal [Curbed Boston]
- Boston garage conversions: 6 major ones proposed or underway [Curbed Boston]
- ‘Blueway’ could extend the Greenway 1,000 feet to Boston’s waterfront [Curbed Boston]
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