Shawn Hurley
Boston is rich in history, so there are many factors to consider when developing buildings there. New structures should transform the city’s urban landscape into something that is more environmentally sustainable, help drive the local economy and create a lively destination for residents and visitors, all while honoring the city’s historic architecture.
Skanska’s Boston office is located in the Fort Point District, situated several blocks from the Seaport. We’ve been an active participant in our changing surroundings as the Seaport Square Master Plan – which, when complete, will be the largest LEED-certified neighborhood in the United States, with a LEED neighborhood development designation – continues to take shape.
What was once a series of commercial wharves and warehouses is now crowded with cranes and new possibilities to live, work and play. There are more people walking over the bridge from the Financial District into the Seaport, more restaurants (some with the area’s finest chefs), more activity and conveniences in general; and many more energy efficient buildings.
In the center of this burgeoning neighborhood, we are developing Watermark Seaport, a 300,000-square-foot residential building with ground floor retail, in collaboration with Twining Properties and Prudential Real Estate Investors. Watermark Seaport, which is targeting LEED gold certification, sits at the intersection of the Fort Point and Seaport neighborhoods. It consists of a 17-story luxury rental building with 281 units adjoined by a common lobby to a six-story, 65-unit modern loft building.
Whether developing new commercial or residential buildings, Skanska always considers green building as a way to invest in a community’s long-term sustainability. To create Watermark Seaport, we are utilizing locally-sourced materials wherever possible, as well as practicing innovative and efficient construction methods. For example, we are targeting a 25 percent reduction in energy output and a 30 percent reduction in water usage as compared to similar, existing buildings.
However, at Skanska, we believe that green development is not just about technology. It is about creating a more sustainable community and eco-friendly lifestyle for residents by developing new buildings that allow people to interact with the green space around them.
Watermark Seaport provides direct access from its lobby to Q Park at Seaport Square, located across the street from District Hall and Seaport Square Green. This access is both convenient and provides a safe route for pet owners who need to take their dogs for a walk in the early morning or late evening. The building’s large windows welcome substantial natural light and its green roofs and landscaping mitigate stormwater runoff and improve the building’s thermal envelope for ideal air circulation, heating and cooling.
Watermark Seaport offers abundant indoor bike storage and an onsite Hubway station, encouraging residents to explore energy efficient means of transportation. The building is adjacent to the MBTA’s Silver Line Courthouse Station and proximate to several bus routes. In addition, its underground parking garage offers electric vehicle charging stations to promote efficient vehicle use.
With two outdoor terraces, Watermark Seaport residents can spend time outside without leaving the building. The second floor amenity space and terrace offers a full fitness center and yoga studio, innovation conference room for those who wish to work at home or need a respite, lounge and coffee bar, and billiard room with a fireplace. Residents can enjoy exercising, entertaining friends at one of the outdoor grills, relaxing by the firepit or simply working outside. The 17th floor roof terrace also includes grilling and misting stations for residents to cool off from the summer sun.
Our outlook on sustainability is channeled into each project we develop. In addition to Watermark Seaport, we are developing two additional office buildings in the Seaport – 101 Seaport, a 440,000-square-foot office tower, that will be home to PwC come October 2015, and 121 Seaport, a 420,000-square-foot office tower. Each project is targeting a minimum of LEED gold certification.
All three of our Seaport projects encompass substantial ground floor retail. With our retail partner WS Development, we are looking at bringing in a fresh mix of retail tenants to create an even more diverse Seaport neighborhood that enlivens the streetscape and breeds a true community that enhances lifestyle.
At Skanska, we don’t just develop green buildings. We build eco-friendly, sustainable communities that add value for all those living and working in them. We look forward to continuing our approach in the Seaport and beyond to enhance the local economy and contribute to the creation of neighborhoods that will flourish for years to come.
