Construction on the long-awaited redevelopment of Lovejoy Wharf in Boston adjacent to the TD Garden is expected to begin next fall.
Developer Related Beal has filed new plans for the development at 131 Beverly St. next to the Zakim Bridge and the Charles River.
The new residential building, if approved, will contain 175 condos. The homes are part of the larger Lovejoy Wharf redevelopment, where Converse has decided to locate its new headquarters in a 10-story building at 160 North Washington St. The project will also include retail space along the 2.1-acre waterfront site.
The wharf, which has fallen into a significant state of disrepair, was first built in 1909. The new developer took over a project that was approved in 2006 but has since sat on the shelf. One major change Related Beal has made is eliminating a previously approved 315-space parking garage within the Beverly Street building. That is a major departure for development in Boston, possibly signaling a shift for future projects, with residents relying instead on the nearby commuter rail and Orange and Green lines of the MBTA at North Station.
The firm had planned for apartments as its residential component, but a notice of project change filed with the Boston Redevelopment Authority, the developer revealed its new plans. The project changes require BRA approval
Designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects in collaboration with Boston architectural firm ADD Inc., the new 144-foot tall building at 131 Beverly St. is expected to be under construction in the fall of 2014 and be completed in fall 2016. Robert A. M. Stern Architects also designed The Clarendon and One Back Bay.
The project is expected to transform the dilapidated wharf into "a fully restored, fully-activated, landscaped open space at the water’s edge," surrounded by seasonal market activities, restaurants, retail vendors, performance space, recreational boat docks and public water transportation facilities, according to the developer’s filing.
"We are extremely excited to collaborate once again with renowned architectural firm Robert A.M. Stern Architects and ADD Inc. to bring a unique condominium opportunity to market in such an accessible and marquee location on Boston’s waterfront," said Bruce Beal Sr., company chairman, in a statement.
