08:32The Boston University’s proposed amendment to its institutional master plan was a focal point of the meeting, as it aimed to incorporate the property on Buzzwell Street into its portfolio. This inclusion is part of a broader strategic initiative to enhance student accommodations. Boston University representatives outlined plans for life safety and security upgrades, with no structural or usage changes anticipated for the building. The university intends to secure a dormitory license to house around 23 undergraduate students, targeting an occupancy date of August 2025. Beiel praised the university’s organizational efforts and the positive community reception. In a lighter moment, a board member inquired about the dormitory’s future name, receiving a humorous suggestion about naming it after a donor. The dialogue underscored the project’s importance within the context of needed student housing and its potential impact on neighborhood gentrification.

15:24Following this, the board examined the Alexandra Hotel project at 1767 through 1769 Washington Street and Massachusetts Avenue. The proposal involves restoring the hotel to house 68 rooms, reduced from an earlier plan of 150 rooms, allowing the historical facade to be preserved. This project aligns with the Roxbury strategic master plan, emphasizing historic preservation and community identity, and addresses flood resilience requirements by situating the first-floor elevation above projected flood levels. Community support for the revised design was strong, with the South End Landmarks Commission backing the project’s downsized approach. The development team stressed the importance of maintaining the historical character while ensuring modern accessibility and functionality.

18:15Another topic was the redevelopment project presented by architect Tanyian Brown of Embark. This project involves a full restoration of an existing hotel, a critical step in securing historic tax credits. The design maintains the original structure’s footprint, forgoing a previously planned tower addition. The building’s ground floor is set to be activated with restaurant and retail spaces. Board members expressed enthusiasm for the project, appreciating its iconic nature and design choices, though minor aesthetic questions arose concerning material selections.

25:58The meeting also addressed coastal resilience initiatives, with a proposal to allocate $150,000 from the Boston Garden Project funds to Boston Harbor Now. This funding will support the Harborwalk 2.0 program, focusing on flood resilience and coastal protection measures. The proposal received unanimous approval, with plans to assess Harborwalk elevations and advocate for future-proofing developments against high tides.

28:06Further, the board authorized applications to the Mass Works Infrastructure Program and Housing Works Infrastructure Program to support diverse development projects across Boston. The initiative seeks to foster an inclusive evaluation process, resulting in numerous project submissions. These include residential and commercial developments.

30:50The director’s update highlighted ongoing development activities, particularly two office-to-residential conversion projects. These conversions aim to address vacant office spaces in downtown Boston, contributing to over 760 new housing units. Notably, nine out of fifteen projects have completed the development review process, with one nearing tenant occupancy. Additionally, the board awarded final designation for a Zen Garden redevelopment in Roxbury, designed to provide a natural space for community engagement, especially for students from a nearby school.