Small but notable change in the plans for this one. There was a Notice of Project Change filed with the state office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, eliminating ballroom space and repurposing it for more public realm and office amenity space. While it looks like more than half will go to office space amenity (new beige section, bottom image), there is a real increase in public realm that's being added here (blue, bottom image). Not huge, but new public space is always welcome.
eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us
Market conditions have changed considerably since the ENF Certificate was issued in 2019. Following the COVID-19 State of Emergency, projects that offer event or ballroom space, including the nearby Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, have been completed and these projects are able to satisfy public demand for such uses. In response to this trend, the Proponent has revised the Project’s previously reviewed development program to repurpose approximately 56,400 square feet of event/ballroom space and support spaces as (i) general Facilities of Public Accommodation (“FPA”), as defined in 310 CMR 9.02, and (ii) office space amenities that will enhance the Project’s private office space. It does not create workspace for additional office employees. As further described in the NPC narrative, the Project Change is insignificant in terms of its environmental consequences such that further review would not serve the purpose of MEPA review and should not be required. The Project will continue to provide many public benefits, including the expansion of public realm and open space, open spaces activation and enhancement, economic benefits, resiliency and adaptation measures, sustainability features, and transportation improvements. As described in the ENF, the Project was designed to enhance the existing on-site uses by converting a large amount of exhibition/event space into extensive public realm improvements, expanded ground floor retail space, additional and upgraded innovative office space, and first-class event space. The Project Change will preserve these public benefits.
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