The Board approved the transfer of $3 million in mitigation funds from the
Russia Wharf redevelopment project, which is currently under construction
with an expected occupancy date of February 2011, to Historic Tours of
America for improvements to the Congress Street bridge and tender?s house.
The developer, Boston Properties, is providing substantial public realm
improvements to the immediate area, including Harborwalk, a one-third acre
public plaza and promenade that connects to the water transportation
facilities at 500 Atlantic Avenue, improvements to Children?s Wharf Park,
and the expansion of the Congress Street sidewalk. However, the area
surrounding the Congress Street bridge, which is owned by the City?s Public
Works Department, and the attached bridge tender?s house, which is owned by
the City?s Public Facilities Department, cannot be restored and must be
demolished and replaced. This is necessary in order to match the significant
upgrades to the area?s public realm and to accommodate the expected increase
in pedestrian activity from those who live, work, and visit the area.
The Russia Wharf redevelopment project is a mixed-use development that
includes up to 709,500 square feet of office space, approximately 92,000
square feet of residential space with 65 residential rental units,
approximately 57,500 to 69,000 square feet of retail/restaurant/civic space,
and approximately 650 below-grade parking spaces.Historic Tours of America
expects the improvement work to begin this summer.
