0:06The meeting commenced with an in-depth analysis of the 776 Summer Street project, a development seeking Article 8B large project entitlements as part of an approved Planned Development Area (PDA) master plan. This phase involves the construction of two residential buildings, a hotel, retail spaces, and a research and development building, complete with necessary parking and site improvements. The focus was primarily on Blocks A and E, with detailed presentations highlighting efforts to enhance the public realm based on feedback from previous discussions. Adjustmentsttention was given to the pedestrian experience, with the introduction of a trellis, game area, and improved circulation paths to make the area more inviting.

The design team opted for a shift from a singular C-shaped podium to a more fragmented design consisting of three distinct volumes, aimed at improving the urban form and better integrating with the existing context along East First Street. The color palette and massing were carefully selected to resonate with the neighborhood’s character, with an emphasis on balancing new development with the historic elements of the area. The Board members expressed appreciation for the design but raised concerns about the service drive’s approach and the overall paving strategy, seeking clarity on these elements to ensure a human-scale experience.

55:56Attention then turned to the Longwood Medical area, where a new cancer hospital project was introduced. Spanning 495,000 square feet, the hospital aims to provide state-of-the-art cancer care while integrating seamlessly into the neighborhood. The design features a combination of glass and terracotta facades intended to create warmth and elegance, with a focus on patient and family experiences within the hospital environment. The Board members engaged in a discussion about the design elements, including the integration of fritted glass, louvers, and the overall facade’s appearance. There was a particular interest in ensuring the building’s design respects the historical and cultural context of the area while meeting modern healthcare needs.

0:12The meeting also addressed the ongoing development of Northeastern University’s 10-year institutional master plan, which includes approximately 2,224,000 square feet of new construction and 935,000 square feet of renovations across eight proposed projects. The emphasis was on enhancing open spaces and understanding historical campus patterns to better integrate academic, research, and student life facilities. Discussions focused on building heights, massing, and the relationship of new structures to existing ones, particularly in light of community concerns about shadow impacts and pedestrian experiences.

0:06The Board members and attendees engaged in a examination of how the proposed developments would interact with the urban environment, emphasizing the importance of public engagement and community input in shaping these projects. The need for thoughtful integration of new structures with historical sites was a recurring theme, with suggestions for enhancing pedestrian pathways and creating inviting public spaces.