News & Updates

BRA receives six proposals for the redevelopment of Winthrop Square Garage

Apr 21, 2016

The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) today received six proposals to redevelop a prime parcel in Winthrop Square, which is currently home to a city-owned parking garage that has been closed for nearly three years. Several developers that responded to a preliminary Request for Interest issued by the BRA in February 2015 submitted more detailed plans for their proposed projects based on the goals outlined in the BRA’s recent Request for Proposals (RFP).
 
Working with officials from other city agencies and departments, including the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, the Department of Neighborhood Development, the Boston Transportation Department, and the Environment Department, the BRA will now turn its attention to reviewing submissions, with the goal of designating a developer this summer. The selected firm would then go through the BRA’s standard development review process, known as Article 80, which involves public vetting and community meetings.
 
“We are pleased that so many respected and qualified development teams responded to the RFP, and we’re eager to learn more about their ideas for the future of the property,” said BRA Director Brian Golden. “It’s hard to imagine a better real estate climate in which to attract ambitious proposals for a location with as much potential as this one. Now is the time to capitalize on this opportunity.”
 
The BRA received a range of proposals that contemplate towers anchored by new residences, offices, hotel rooms, retail shops, or a mix of uses. HYM Investment Group, Millennium Partners, Trans National Group, Accordia Partners, Trinity Financial, and a joint venture of Lendlease Development, Hudson Group North America, and Eagle Development Partners submitted proposals. All of the submissions are available on the BRA’s website, and visitors are able to submit comments about the proposals online.
 
The inter-agency review committee plans to meet with prospective developers to discuss the proposals in May. The BRA will organize a public open house where developers will be allowed to present their concepts.
 
Located within walking distance of the Greenway, Post Office Square, and Downtown Crossing, the Winthrop Square parcel is just over an acre in size. The types of projects being proposed, which would benefit from convenient access to major public transit hubs at South Station, Downtown Crossing, and Park Street, would add to a city skyline that is already being reshaped by several new towers under construction. Based on guidance from the Federal Aviation Administration, Winthrop Square could accommodate a building as tall as 725 feet, potentially making a project there among the tallest in the city.
 
Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the BRA have called for an iconic building to replace the dilapidated two-story concrete garage that currently occupies the site. The RFP asked developers to envision a project that will serve as a catalyst for new commercial activity, improved public open space, and better connectivity to this area of Boston’s downtown. City officials are seeking a project that embraces bold design and innovative architecture, as well as green building principles that reduce environmental impacts.
 
The BRA’s urban design staff will carefully consider the extent to which proposals would activate the surrounding streets with new shops, cafes, restaurants, and green space. Prospective developers were also encouraged to offer designs that provide public spaces throughout the upper floors of the building.

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