Four Seasons Tower @ CSC | 1 Dalton Street | Back Bay

Re: New tower at Christian Science Church Plaza

Fortunately since this is the Internet rather than print, you can easily get that fixed. Please do so.

Didn't the original architect say that making the pool shallower is a bad idea that will destroy the effect he wanted? If he doesn't like it, I don't either.
 
Re: New tower at Christian Science Church Plaza

As long as the depth allows for a consistant weir over the top of the frame with a good depth to that weir it shouldn't make a big difference. If you make the weir too shallow, you may get an inconsistant edge and even added noise. To do this I'd guess they need to cut down the existing concrete and re-pour. Hopefully they hire a competant concrete/gunite crew because that length of an infinity edge type pour is not easy. Adding depth of the water can cover some mistakes, but with less water, mistakes will stick out more.
 
Re: New tower at Christian Science Church Plaza

Looks like the planning process is complete...

http://bostonredevelopmentauthority...01/christian-science-planning-process-is.html

Christian Science Planning Process is Complete
BRA board received an in-depth presentation finalizing the Christian Science Masterplan at tonight?s board meeting. The Plaza Revitalization Project Plan consists of three main objectives: (1) enhance the Plaza for the community; (2) improve the environmental sustainability of the Plaza; and (3) explore opportunities for underutilized real estate.

Christian Science Center Revitalization Plan


View more documents from bostonredevelopment.
The Church has limited the amount of proposed new development on selected edges of the Plaza to 950,000 square feet of vacant land since any more density would impact the Plaza and its surrounding areas in undesirable ways, including reducing the amount of open space. Nine separate sites in and around the Plaza were studied for their development potential. Six of the sites were eliminated from consideration because of their urban design implications, size, location, or existing features, such as the Reflecting Pool. Three sites (two of which will be combined into one site) were determined to be the best locations for development. The Dalton/Belvidere Street Site consist of two parcels. Planned uses for the tow buildings include residential, hotel, ground floor retail and small office use. The Hunting Avenue Site is planned for residential use and will activate the dormant corner of the plaza with life and activity.

Over the past two years, the BRA and the Church have worked with a mayor-appointed Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) as part of the community review process. Next, the Church will now pursue zoning relief for the site, through a Planned Development Area Master Plan, which will require a map and text amendment to the Boston Zoning Code. Once the zoning process is completed, the Church will issue a request for proposals to select a development team. Each project will go through the Article 80 Development Review Process. It is expected that the CAC members will serve on the IAG(s) for each part of the project.
Click to expand...
 
Re: New tower at Christian Science Church Plaza

Does the BRA need to approve the proposed changes to the reflecting pool, or only the three new buildings?
 
Re: New tower at Christian Science Church Plaza

These changes overall (perhaps not the reflecting pool, although I'd defer to the experts there) really get me excited. Great massings on pages 47-49 of the document (follow the link) - and even some early renderings of the tower they're proposing as an addition to the Sunday School Building (near corner of Mass Ave and Huntington).
 
Re: Christian Science Church Center Renovation/ New Towers

Is this always kept empty all winter?

Also, its already so shallow.

IMG_8896.jpg
 
Re: Christian Science Church Center Renovation/ New Towers

Yes, the Reflecting Pool is always emptied for the winter. Ice would damage it.
 
Re: Christian Science Church Center Renovation/ New Towers

Ron Newman said:
Yes, the Reflecting Pool is always emptied for the winter. Ice would damage it.
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There was plenty of ice and snow on it from this rough winter. I think the real reason they drain it is so people don't ice skate on it, which is a major liability.
 
Re: Christian Science Church Center Renovation/ New Towers

Perhaps, but if someone broke through thin ice in the pool, they couldn't drown like they might in the Charles or on Walden Pond. It's quite shallow as you can see here. So I don't see any potential for liability.
 
Re: Christian Science Church Center Renovation/ New Towers

Ron Newman said:
Perhaps, but if someone broke through thin ice in the pool, they couldn't drown like they might in the Charles or on Walden Pond. It's quite shallow as you can see here. So I don't see any potential for liability.
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Broken limbs, concussions, etc. Same reason towns ban sledding on public property.
 
Re: Christian Science Church Center Renovation/ New Towers

They actually want to open part of the pool for ice skating in the winter, according to this press release.
 
Re: Christian Science Church Center Renovation/ New Towers

Ron Newman said:
Perhaps, but if someone broke through thin ice in the pool, they couldn't drown like they might in the Charles or on Walden Pond. It's quite shallow as you can see here. So I don't see any potential for liability.
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Wrong.

It takes less than 2 inches of water for someone to drown, Ron.
 
Re: Christian Science Church Center Renovation/ New Towers

Ron Newman said:
Perhaps, but if someone broke through thin ice in the pool, they couldn't drown like they might in the Charles or on Walden Pond. It's quite shallow as you can see here. So I don't see any potential for liability.
Click to expand...

You need to get out more, people will sue over just about anything these days.
 
Re: Christian Science Church Center Renovation/ New Towers

these days
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I wonder why people always say this. The US has always been a litigious society. The courts were crammed with people suing over $30 contract disputes during the 19th century.
 
Re: Christian Science Church Center Renovation/ New Towers

When a dollar a day was typical pay $30 was a months salary. That's a significant deal.

America has been litigious since the time of the Pilgrims. Every prolonged domestic dispute always wound up in front of a judge. When survival was difficult in the early colonies, settling disputes was very important to ensure everyone kept themselves at the highest level of productivity. Lest people starve to death in the winter.
 
Re: Christian Science Church Center Renovation/ New Towers

well now.

http://www.bostonherald.com/busines...ticleid=1326052&srvc=business&position=recent
Christian Science complex designated a landmark
By Jerry Kronenberg
Friday, March 25, 2011 - Updated 38 minutes ago

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino has granted ?landmark designation? to the Hub?s Christian Science Church complex, regulating development at the site just as the church prepares for major work there.

?By granting local landmark status, the City of Boston is recognizing the historic and architectural significance of (the site) while helping to manage the future changes that will allow the church to continue its mission,? Menino said today in announcing the move, worked out during more than a year of talks between the church, city officials and preservationists.

The mayor?s designation means any publicly visible changes to the site?s ?Mother Church,? reflecting pool and other well-known structures will require the Boston Landmark Commission?s approval.

However, the church can still make changes to building interiors, as well as to parts of the 14.5-acre property not covered by Menino?s declaration. That includes portions of the site where the church hopes to build a 35-story residential tower and a 15-story hotel.

?The designation itself neither accept nor precludes the current proposal for the site (and) in no way seeks to restrict freedom of religion,? Menino said.

Christian Science officials backed the mayor?s move.

?For over a century, the church has been a part of the history of Boston and contributed to this city?s beauty, inspiration and progress,? said Michael Pabst of the Christian Science board of directors. ?We look forward to continuing to improve the Christian Science Plaza and to providing places for quiet contemplation and active enjoyment for the public (at the site).?

Located on Massachusetts Avenue, the Christian Science complex serves as world headquarters for the sect, which Mary Baker Eddy founded in the 1800s while living in Greater Boston.
jkronenberg@bostonherald.com
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Re: Christian Science Church Center Renovation/ New Towers

"?The designation itself neither accept nor precludes the current proposal for the site (and) in no way seeks to restrict freedom of religion,? Menino said."

Actually, werent we talking about how the korean church megacube was because theres a law that says that religious buildings are subject to zoning?
 
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