Video: Lovejoy Wharf presentation and discussion at November 28, 2012 public meeting at Boston City Hall. (Q&A starts at 21:20)
A new proposal for the long-delayed redevelopment of Lovejoy Wharf was presented on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 by The Beal Cos. and Related Cos. at a public meeting hosted by the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA). Beal’s Peter Spellios reviewed the design with The Architectural Team and construction agent Suffolk to a crowded room at City Hall. Lovejoy Wharf is located along the Charlestown Bridge in the West End/Bulfinch Triangle between North Station and the North End.
In early November 2012, The Beal Cos. and Related Cos. filed a Notice of Project Change proposing the rehabilitation of the existing 160 North Washington Street “Hoffman” building into office space. In addition, the adjacent 131 Beverly Street building will be demolished and replaced with a new 104-unit residential property. There are no proposed changes to previously approved height and massing (approx. 155 feet high and 14 stories).
A publicly accessible park including a harborwalk and ferry transportation is planned on the water side of the property that is now closed. Assuming a construction start in early 2013, the wharf park could be open to the public by mid-2014 including a 2-level pavilion connected to North Washington Street. Ground floor retail, restaurant and marina space are also part of the plan.
The sneaker company, Converse, has indicated that it interested in relocating its headquarters to Lovejoy Wharf, although no firm commitment has been disclosed. Proponents would not mention the company’s name other than to say that the project was very dependent on a sole commercial tenant. Converse is currently headquartered in North Andover.
The Beal/Related team developed The Clarendon in Back Bay and recently replaced Ajax Partners as the proposed Lovejoy Wharf project developer. The site has sat vacant for years as Ajax did not execute on plans to build a residential complex and faced a 2007 lawsuit from neighboring 234 Strada residents. (See Lovejoy Wharf – Still Looking for Love)
Many of the previously approved city and state permits remain in place, according to the BRA and proponents. However, the Notice of Project Change requires BRA approval and could spur additional regulatory review. The BRA is accepting public comments through Friday, December 7, 2012 at Geoffrey.Lewis.BRA@
