The Boston Civic Design Commission (BCDC) has voted against the Dock Square Garage redevelopment design. The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board can still approve the project, however, notwithstanding the BCDC’s disapproval. Advocates concerned about sight lines along the Greenway are hoping the rare BCDC vote will result in changes.

The BCDC made its decision last week, according to Victor Brogna, zoning chair of North End / Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA), on the recommendation of its Design Review subcommittee. Brogna reports that the Commission’s Chair said it was “very unusual for the Commission to vote to disapprove.”
Under Section 28-15 of Article 28 of the Boston Zoning Code, after a vote of disapproval, the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) is to “require a redesign of such project.” Based on commentary at the design meeting, a redesign that would satisfy both the BCDC and the developer is probably not possible given the current concept of building above the parking ramps.

Brogna has presented opposition to the height based primarily on the loss of the Greenway view corridor from Haymarket to the Custom House Tower.
The current plan, shown above, is to build a seven-story, 220,000 square-foot addition on top of the current garage and add 30,000 square feet of residential space for approximately 180 units. The original plans called for a 209-foot tall building, more recently reduced to a 160 feet tall proposal.
Renderings from the project proponents as presented during the public meetings. For more on the project and past articles, see our tag for Dock Square Garage.
Good news! Nice work, Victor.
Just what we need- 180 more apartments/condos on the Greenway! It is almost impossible now to drive on the Surface Artery on the Northern border of the Greenway now. Imagine what it would be like with 180+ cars and maybe 300 pedestrians trying to cross the streets. Maybe Trump likes walls but we don’t; keep out historical views!