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Rowes Wharf was the subject of a feature presentation at this week’s Downtown Waterfront Municipal Harbor Planning Advisory Committee meeting held at the Boston Harbor Hotel on September 25, 2013. Speaking on behalf of owner Equity Office Properties was Senior Vice President, John Conley. Built in the 1980’s, the property with its iconic arch was originally developed by Norman B. Leventhal.
A theme highlighted in the presentation was the transformation of Rowes Wharf in recent years into a 24/7 property with outdoor events and cafes. Nightly free music and movies have brought large crowds to the property. Some of the comments focused on how residents feel about nightly activity. Management responded they work with the condo owners and limit the times of late night activity to reduce impacts. (See public comments in this post.)
Coming for this Winter 2013-2014, the property will open an ice skating rink under its iconic arch. The rink is expected to open around Thanksgiving.
Management is also working on an outdoor lighting program with LED lights that will shine on the property to highlight its architecture at night.
In reviewing the history of the mixed use property, Conley noted that some of the condos actually were foreclosed on in the early 1990’s recession when values were depressed to around $200,000. Today, those same condos are valued at several million dollars.
Opened in 1987, Rowes Wharf is anchored by the Boston Harbor Hotel with 230 guest rooms and 15,000 square feet of waterfront function space. The hotel also features the Norman B. Leventhal Map Collection. The hotel has several restaurants and bars, including Meritage, Sea Grill, Rowes Wharf Bar, Alley Bar (seasonal new addition) and in-room dining. Rowes Wharf also features a large marina, home to John Henry’s yacht and tall ships.
See more posts regarding the Downtown Waterfront Municipal Harbor Plan.
