Seaport Square backers move forward
The group behind the proposed Seaport Square development - a multi-use project that when complete would occupy 23 acres on the South Boston waterfront - submitted revised plans to the Boston Redevelopment Authority Tuesday.
The new plan by Gale International, Morgan Stanley and W/S Development Associates is largely the same as a proposal the group put forth in June 2008. What may be more significant, given the ongoing financing crisis affecting commercial real estate, is that the proposal was advanced at all.
In a prepared statement, the development group said: "We have confidence in the long-term strength of the economy and of real estate, especially in Boston, and this is a positive step toward making Seaport Square one of the great new neighborhoods of the city."
Changes to the proposal, which still would result in about 6.5 million square feet of new space, include:
- Increasing the number of proposed buildings to 23 from 19 as several big buildings are scrapped in favor of clusters of smaller buildings.
- Cutting heights on buildings along the side of the project adjacent to existing Fort Point Channel structures so they blend together better.
- Redesigning some buildings adjacent to Fan Pier so the two new neighborhoods mesh better.
- Changing one block to commercial and residential use from office space.
- Moving an entertainment complex for the benefit of Fan Pier occupants.
The public comment period runs through mid-February.