Allston-Brighton Infill and Small Developments

I wonder if you could prove that this building sits on one of the sites in allston that harvard bought and demolished long ago to expand their real estate footprint. It's a decent development either way.
 
BeansTheCat said:
1954 Commonwealth Avenue

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"[The Proponent] proposes to develop a 26-unit multi-family residential development by relocating closer to Commonwealth Avenue and preserving the Site’s existing historic residence [...] and constructing behind the house a new 6-story building with connected central lobby including one (1) level of parking beneath the rear building. The Project will reconfigure the interiors of both the existing house and the rear building to align the unit mix with community demand and market realities, by increasing the units in the existing house from 3 to 6, increasing the 13 units currently permitted in the rear building to 20 units, and preserving the exterior dimensions of those structures."

https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/1954-commonwealth-avenue
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Big changes to the overall look, big improvement imo.

IMG_2953.jpeg

IMG_2954.jpeg


SPRA
bpda.app.box.com

2025-06-30_Small Project Review Application (SPRA)_1954 Commonwealth Avenue.pdf | Powered by Box

bpda.app.box.com bpda.app.box.com
 

Developer proposes replacing two houses in Allston's BU warren with a six-story apartment building​

Rendering of proposed 34-36 Pratt St.


“A developer has filed plans to raze two of the smaller houses on Pratt Street in Allston's GAP with a six-story, 39-unit apartment building.

Under the plans submitted to the Boston Planning Department, Angelo Gianakis of Wellesley would raze a two-family house at 34 Pratt St. and a single-family home at 36 Pratt St. - and use a currently vacant lot - for the new building, which would have 11 parking spaces in an underground garage. A bike room would have space for 40 bicycles.

The apartments would be mostly split between one- and two-bedroom units, with two three-bedroom units. At least seven would be rented as affordable……”

www.universalhub.com

Developer proposes replacing two houses in Allston's BU warren with a six-story apartment building

A developer has filed plans to raze two of the smaller houses on Pratt Street in Allston's GAP with a six-story, 39-unit apartment building. Read more.
www.universalhub.com www.universalhub.com
 
Yet another example how a reasonably-sized building like this should be by-right, and yet:

The site is located within a Two-Family Residential (2F-5000) Zoning Subdistrict in the Allston-Brighton Neighborhood District, Article 51 of the Boston Zoning Code (the “Code”). See Tables 2-1 for applicable zoning regulations under a 2F-5000 zoning subdistrict.

Multi-Family Residential use is not an allowed use in this Two-Family Residential Subdistrict. Therefore, a use variance would need to be obtained from the City of Boston Zoning Board of Appeal (the “ZBA”). However, multi-family residential uses are very prevalent throughout this section of Allston, including large projects at lots either directly abutting or in close proximity to the site. Additionally, any dimensional regulations or parking requirements that are not adhered to within the project will require variances from the ZBA. Based on the current proposal the project will likely need relief for floor area ratio, height, front and rear yard, and parking.

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Justbuildit said:
Yet another example how a reasonably-sized building like this should be by-right, and yet:

The site is located within a Two-Family Residential (2F-5000) Zoning Subdistrict in the Allston-Brighton Neighborhood District, Article 51 of the Boston Zoning Code (the “Code”). See Tables 2-1 for applicable zoning regulations under a 2F-5000 zoning subdistrict.

Multi-Family Residential use is not an allowed use in this Two-Family Residential Subdistrict. Therefore, a use variance would need to be obtained from the City of Boston Zoning Board of Appeal (the “ZBA”). However, multi-family residential uses are very prevalent throughout this section of Allston, including large projects at lots either directly abutting or in close proximity to the site. Additionally, any dimensional regulations or parking requirements that are not adhered to within the project will require variances from the ZBA. Based on the current proposal the project will likely need relief for floor area ratio, height, front and rear yard, and parking.

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You're correct in pointing out how ridiculous the current zoning is. However, at least in AB, it seems likely that much of it will get fixed with the Allston-Brighton Community Plan (next meeting on July 14th for anyone interested). The expectation is for zoning for basically the entire neighborhood to at least allow what already exists, and go significantly beyond that for high quality transit corridors/nodes. It would be nice to see these changes happen a little faster, but 18 months to develop a comprehensive housing/transportation/green space framework (plan may be a bit generous) is not ridiculous.
 
BeansTheCat said:
You're correct in pointing out how ridiculous the current zoning is. However, at least in AB, it seems likely that much of it will get fixed with the Allston-Brighton Community Plan (next meeting on July 14th for anyone interested). The expectation is for zoning for basically the entire neighborhood to at least allow what already exists, and go significantly beyond that for high quality transit corridors/nodes. It would be nice to see these changes happen a little faster, but 18 months to develop a comprehensive housing/transportation/green space framework (plan may be a bit generous) is not ridiculous.
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For anyone interested in how the meeting went, here's what I took away: (Note: this was an Open House to get community feedback, not a presentation of what the Planning Department has decided)
  • The majority of attendees appeared fairly young and sign-ins seemed to indicated the 25-35 age group was by far the best represented demographic
  • Much of the focus was on problems facing distinct squares/sub-districts (i.e. Brighton Center, Packard's Corner, Allston Village, Oak Square, etc.)
  • These included (but weren't limited to): new businesses desired, type/density of housing preferred, and current transportation problems/potential solutions
  • Much of the transportation focus was on improving the pedestrian/cycling/transit experience, but questions about parking also came up
  • Almost all of the attendees (young and old) I talked with seemed open to more multiplexes basically everywhere
  • Different areas had different amounts of support for high density, with Oak Square residents not wanting 5+ stories but higher densities welcome along Leo Birmingham and near Packard's Corner
  • There seemed to be an honest effort from planners to improve issues with new development, or at the very least not exacerbate existing ones
I was a bit rushed for time and did not happen to grab any pictures of the planning graphics used (there weren't any handouts as far as I'm aware). If you do have any pictures, I'm sure much of the chat would appreciate sharing (or if you're a city employee, please get them posted online).
 
Separately, the city is planning a full redesign/rebuild of Comm Ave from Packard's Corner to the Newton border that I don't believe has been mentioned elsewhere. There were three rough ideas they were getting feedback on:
  1. 2 through lanes in both directions on the center of the street, with the carriage lanes turned into shared streets. By shared streets, the vision appears to be European-style, pedestrian first streets
  2. No carriage lanes and 3-4 travel lanes in each direction
  3. 1 through lane in both directions and 2-lane carriage lanes
All options had protected cycling infrastructure, but I can't say exactly where the lanes would be in options 2 and 3. The expectation is that there should be a public meeting focusing on this project later this summer or early fall. The current plan is to implement these changes at the same time the B branch stations get rebuilt, which wouldn't give the city too much time to drag their feet. If I can get my hands on some visualization of the proposals, I plan on creating a thread just for this.
 
For anyone interested in local advocacy, a YIMBY organization called "Allston-Brighton Housing Action" (ABHA) was recently formed. I am not affiliated with the group currently, but it does seem fairly serious and run by experienced advocates. More information is available here:
https://www.abhousingaction.org/
 

Allston/Brighton Development Site Approved for 100+ Units Changes Hands​



“The site at 90 Braintree Street in Allston/Brighton has been aquired by a new developer. The Residences at Boston Landing is an approved 111-unit, six-story residential community just two blocks from the Boston Landing lifestyle campus. Per a LinkedIn post, the developer anticipates work beginning in June 2026. Along with a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, the project will offer five live/work artist units, 9,500 SF of on-site outdoor space, and a full gym and wellness area…..”


boston_landing.jpeg


Allston/Brighton Development Site Approved for 100+ Units Changes Hands

Allston/Brighton Development Site Approved for 100+ Units Changes Hands
www.bldup.com www.bldup.com
 

Board declares plans to rebuild fire-ravaged Oak Square two-family with two additional units to be tip top​

Rendering of proposed new four-unit house


“The Zoning Board of Appeal today approved plans by the owner of a fire-ravaged two-family home at 7 Tip Top St. in Brighton's Oak Square to rebuild it into a four-unit house with no parking.

Some neighbors vociferously objected to Prasanna Lachagari's plans, warning the cars the extra residents would undoubtedly have, coupled with all the extra visits by ride-share and delivery drivers, would clog up the small street - and set a precedent that would lead to even more such building, turning a quiet little neighborhood of single- and two-family homes between Washington and Tremont streets into just another stretch of apartments.

Lachagri's attorney, Don Wiest, however, said Lachagari, who doesn't have a car, plans to live in the building herself and hopes to attract the sort of young-professional tenants with equally low car reliance to apartments a short walk from the 57 bus and the amenities of Oak Square, even as she does her part to bring more housing to a city that needs it…….”

 
#bancars said:
www.boston.com

Developers are proposing a seven-story hotel with no parking in Allston

A seven-story hotel could rise in Allston, as City Realty pitches a no-parking project on an Advance Auto Parts site.
www.boston.com

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That area at the junction of Cambridge and Harvard Streets is becoming a hotbed of great urban - people centered (resi/hotel) development - - watch that space.

Just across the street diagonally is the proposed 382-390 O'Briens Pub/Great Scott groundfloor residential tower project

Great Scott Redevelopment | 1 Harvard Ave | Allston

An LOI for building a Great Scott successor has been filed. We'll have to wait for the PNF, but some key points below: The proponent team will pair this renewed 300-capacity music performance venue (Great Scott) with the retention and reconstruction of the 75-capacity O'Brien's Pub performance...
archboston.com

and then 449 Cambridge Street

449 Cambridge Street (née The Vinyl) | Allston

BCDC: http://www.bostonplans.org/documents/planning/urban-design/2020/presentations/449-cambridge-street-bcdc-presentation-2020-01-14 Revisions. Sadly they didn't junk the facade and start over. In fact I think they made it worse by removing the definition around the windows. Looks like a tin...
archboston.com
 
shmessy said:
That area at the junction of Cambridge and Harvard Streets is becoming a hotbed of great urban - people centered (resi/hotel) development - - watch that space.

Just across the street diagonally is the proposed 382-390 O'Briens Pub/Great Scott groundfloor residential tower project

Great Scott Redevelopment | 1 Harvard Ave | Allston

An LOI for building a Great Scott successor has been filed. We'll have to wait for the PNF, but some key points below: The proponent team will pair this renewed 300-capacity music performance venue (Great Scott) with the retention and reconstruction of the 75-capacity O'Brien's Pub performance...
archboston.com

and then 449 Cambridge Street

449 Cambridge Street (née The Vinyl) | Allston

BCDC: http://www.bostonplans.org/documents/planning/urban-design/2020/presentations/449-cambridge-street-bcdc-presentation-2020-01-14 Revisions. Sadly they didn't junk the facade and start over. In fact I think they made it worse by removing the definition around the windows. Looks like a tin...
archboston.com
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True, though a lot of the projects proposed around this area have been stalled for years. E.g. 449 Cambridge Street, and the Post Office project on Harvard Ave.
 
#bancars said:
True, though a lot of the projects proposed around this area have been stalled for years. E.g. 449 Cambridge Street, and the Post Office project on Harvard Ave.
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Yes, you are correct about the PAST, but in the past few months we've been seeing more big league financing coming through for residential real estate projects compared to the previous 5 years. The ice is definitely melting currently and policymakers are finally focused. The last need was the finance side and that sector is beginning to play ball. REITs are smartly getting out of offices, malls and big box stores and seeing where the puck is going to be.
 
8/30:

Brighton projects:


38 Hichborn Street (38 units)




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36 Colborne Road (11 units)




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124-126 Kenrick Street (8 units)




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3-17 Lothrop Street (8 townhomes - existing buildings to be demolished)




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560-562 Washington Street (7 units)




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40-42 Waverly Street (6 units)




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8-13 Mina Way (6 single-family homes)




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27 Shepard Street (6 units)




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226-228 Washington Street (6 units)




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72-72B Oakland Street (6 townhomes)




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114 Leicester Street (Mesivta High School of Greater Boston - new building)




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143-143C Tremont Street (5 townhomes)




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15-17 & 19-21 South Waverly Street (4 units)




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257RA-257RC Market Street (3 townhomes)




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27 Greycliff Road (2 units)




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3A Glenley Terrace (2 units)




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52-54 Lane Park (2 units)




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55 Bostonia Avenue (2 units)




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185 Corey Road (???? - Could be materials for 45 Bartlett Crescent in Brookline)




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544 Washington Street (???? - 37 units were once proposed here, but no approvals/permits issued)

 
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mssrro said:
8/30:

Brighton projects:

55 Bostonia Avenue (2 units)

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I didn't realize this was a new build in the yard of a subdivided lot. Great proportions and style. Uncommon to see that these days.
 
Years ago, I lived in Oak Square. I wandered by the old place and the owner had subdivided the yard and built a new single family there. Next door, that owner had built multiple duplexes on the ridiculously large lot.

It was nice to see some density in an original streetcar suburb.
 
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