The Boston Redevelopment Authority’s board of directors approved several projects across the city, which represents more than $150 million in private and public investment.
The board approved plans for a new F.W. Webb distribution and showroom center at 307 Dorchester Ave. in South Boston. The development team will raze the vacant electrical supply warehouse building on the site in order to construct the approximately 43,170-square-foot, two-story building.
The development team includes Robert A. Mucciarone of RAM Construction LLC, as the owner/developer; Design-Science as the project architect; Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. as the civil and transportation engineer; and Andy McBeth of J.M. Coull Inc. as the project manager.
The project is expected to cost is $7 million, and construction will begin in the first quarter of 2011.
The board also approved the revised plans for the 120 Kingston St. project in Chinatown, located at the site of the former Dainty Dot hosiery building. The project has been designed several times since it was initially approved in 2008. The design changes allow for an increase in the amount of units, as well as the potential inclusion of rental units along with homeownership units.
Previously approved as a 209,000-square-foot project with 147 residential units, the project now includes a 228,865-square-foot building with up to 200 residential units, approximately 5,300 square feet of retail space (compared to 4,000 square feet) and approximately 70 below and above-grade parking spaces (compared to 95 vehicles.) The project will have a maximum height of 270 feet, which is a 10-foot increase from the originally approved project, and will be 26 stories.
Total project cost is approximately $105 million. The developer plans to begin construction in mid 2011 with an estimated completion date in mid 2013. The project will create approximately 225 construction jobs.
Kensington Realty Trust also received approval for a revised and downsized project in Back Bay.
A proposed 48,862-square-foot commercial development at 93 Massachusetts Ave. will now be cut down to a 30,140-square-foot building which will no longer require zoning relief.
The height of the new addition to the building has been reduced to 54 feet, the same height as the existing structure. The present uses of the property, which are general retail/restaurant on the ground and basement levels and office uses on floors two through four, will continue in the renovated building.
A public housing development in East Boston and Dorchester will also be upgraded.
The Heritage Apartment Complex, a 294-unit public housing development at 209 Sumner St., is mostly designated for elderly and disabled residents. The planned scope of renovations involves the exterior envelopes of the mid-rise buildings being rebuilt to resolve masonry and energy problems.
There is no zoning approval needed for the project, rather large project review was required due to the substantial rehabilitation of the buildings.
The Lower Mills Apartments in Dorchester, which consists of a 177-unit high-rise building for elders and people with disabilities, will receive masonry and energy efficiency upgrades.
There is also no zoning approval needed for the project. The building footprint, use and existing residential community will remain the same.
