With so much construction happening all over the city, it isn't easy for any one project to stand out from the crowd. However, all signs point to the upcoming One Charlestown project as being one of the largest in recent memory. The project revolves around redeveloping the Bunker Hill public housing complex, which sprawls across 13 blocks on more than 24 acres. The existing 1,100 affordable apartments here will be replaced, and then another 2,100 market-rate and work-force-rate apartments will be added, bringing the total to 3,200 units.
Needless to say, this project is going to transform this somewhat blighted section of Charlestown. The housing project was built under the New Deal. Construction on it finished in 1941. Although the buildings have been maintained in the years since, they are understandably showing major signs of wear and tear. The buildings are beginning to cost too much to maintain, so it makes sense to do away with the old, dilapidated buildings and to replace them with newer, better homes. The good news is that the replacement units will also be earmarked for affordable housing, so local residents will not be displaced.
This project, which is being touted as a mixed-income project, is being referred to as One Charlestown. It is unclear whether this is just a working title or if it will be the actual name of the mixed-use development upon completion. Dorchester-based developers Corcoran Jennison Associates have teamed up with California-based SunCal to make this project happen. Renderings of the proposed buildings have been filed with the Boston Planning and Development Agency. The review process started in September but hit a snag, as the developers were still receiving many comment letters from people who wanted to weigh in. As a result, the review process has been delayed until March.
Replacing the Bunker Hill public housing project is going to be a massive undertaking. It appears that the old structures will be completely demolished to make way for a whole new development. According to the developers, the grounds will include multiple buildings standing anywhere from six stories to 21 stories tall. It is unclear how they will be arranged at this point. Interestingly, the facades of these buildings will be split into vertical segments, and different architects will design each segment. This is being done to keep the place from having too uniform and boring of a design. The end result will be something that is more akin to a small town Main Street design.
This 13-block construction project is expected to cost in excess of $1 billion to complete. While it will be a mixed-income development, the developers have already stated that all of the units will be built according to the same standard. Whether you rent an affordable apartment, a workforce apartment or a market-rate apartment, then, you will be getting the same level of quality. We expect that these apartments--or condos, as the case may be--will be fairly upscale, as that is the prevailing trend across projects like these.
Renderings, which have been posted on the official site for the project, show that residential sections of this development will feature steps, front doors and porches that open out onto the street. This will give the development a cozier and more welcoming feel. Right now, the massive public housing buildings on the site are definitely eyesores, so the redevelopment will greatly improve the overall appearance of the area. Without question, people who live in the area will be happy to see something new here.
The project is also expected to include two parks. One is being called Bunker Hill Square. It will serve as a square that is designed to preserve the intriguing history of this part of the city. The other is being called Bunker Hill Common, and it will serve as a common gathering place for local residents. Odds are that special events will be held in the Common. Developers are clearly envisioning a bustling neighborhood with lots of green space and plenty of parks for people and their pets to frolic.
Currently, the site has several surface parking lots. These are going to be eliminated and turned into the aforementioned parks and other green spaces. Don't worry, though--developers aren't turning their backs on parking. They plan to construct one-story parking structures beneath every block. That way, people who live in every block will have access to parking. It is not clear yet whether apartments will include assigned parking spaces or if residents will have to pay extra to secure them.
In keeping with the developers' goal of making this development as green and sustainable as possible, the top of each garage will feature a landscaped roof that will serve as a courtyard for each building. Basically, developers plan to have one building on each block with a parking garage beneath each one. At the center of each building, presumably, there will be an open courtyard. That way, residents will just have to step into the courtyard to get fresh air.
In addition to all of those apartments and the two parks, this project is expected to include around 90,000 square feet of civic and retail space. In this way, the project will be somewhat like a mixed-use development. However, no mention has been made of including office space in the mix. This isn't too surprising since this section of Charlestown is better suited for residential housing. However, with the project only in its early stages, these plans could still change and evolve a lot.
All told, this development will offer more than 3.3 million square feet of space across more than 24 acres of land. Since the review process has been postponed until March, we don't expect any official word about timing to be made any time soon. Perhaps by the summer, the Boston Planning and Development Agency will approve the plans. If so, construction might begin by the end of 2017. However, it could also be put off for a while so that the FAA restrictions and DPA designation issue can be handled. There is also the issue of cleaning up the contamination, which could delay things further.
It's going to be a long time before One Charlestown sees the light of day, but that doesn't mean that you can't start planning now. If you would like to eventually rent an apartment at this new development, Boston City Properties can help. We will keep you up to speed regarding the progress of this project here on our website. When apartments become available, sign up for free access to our searchable database to check availability. We can even connect you with a South Boston real estate expert who can provide additional assistance. For more information, give us a call today.
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