Façade Design, Fenestration, and Building Materials:
On Stuart and Tremont Streets, the exterior of the proposed building will be broken into three vertical divisions.
Level 1 will have a very transparent glass band allowing maximum visibility of the restaurant space from the street. This street front façade will have operable glass panels
along the entire length of the restaurant to further enliven the street experience.
Levels 2 through 4 are proposed to be a mixture of glazing and sign panels using a combination of electronic and static signage.
Levels 5 through 19 will have a thin aluminum curtain wall framework with large
expanses of glass, metal panel and spandrel panel all glazed within the same curtain wall framing....
Facing the Wilbur Theatre, the façade will be predominantly metal panel, again with randomized pattern of color and projections. Although included within a more solid façade, these materials
will speak the same architectural language as the Tremont Street façade, but represent it in a
different way.
Colors for the façade as proposed are shades of blue and metal. Glazing will be only slightly
reflective, in order to maintain a high percentage of natural light allowed to the interior, while
taking advantage of the energy savings afforded by the latest glazing technologies. Lighting and signage will be colorful and animated and will integrate with the building form and concept.
Urban Design Component
Exterior Lighting Program and Lighting Animation
The exterior lighting will be a vital component of the overall design concept...
The primary lighting type used will be linear strips of Light Emitting Diode (“LED”) fixtures. To integrate with the building architecture, specific horizontal and vertical architectural features will be outlined with the LED fixtures. The LED fixtures will be programmed to produce a variety ofcolors and effects to further reinforce the building’s role as a gateway to the Theatre District....
The electronic video board, the first of its kind in Boston, will serve as a major attraction to theater goers, hotel guests, and city visitors alike, both during the day and evening hours. Also, the sleek architecture of this mainly glass building, rising above the bustling street, will feature lighting and signage accents that will distinguish the building within the city....
The objective of the proposed lighting scheme is to imitate the lights and movement of a theatre premiere to excite Theatre District attendees and captivate passersby. In a tribute to theatre days of old, before the dawn of movies and television, this lighting scheme has
been developed to alert the City that this location is a destination. The building and lights will draw attention directly before the start of the theatre productions, responding to the heart of the entertainment district and in celebration of the people enjoying the area....
Open Space and Landscaped Areas
The NPC building extends over the current property line1 into the existing sidewalk on the north and west edge, where improvements will be limited in order to provide the widest possible clear width for pedestrians. The restaurant windows at Level 1 may be operable, in order to facilitate interaction between the interior and exterior at street level.
A 12’-0” access easement will be
maintained along the south edge of the Project Site in the form of an alley. This alley, which also serves as access to the nightclub inside the Wilbur Theatre, is proposed to be designed with decorative paving, high levels of light and interactive theatre poster display cases to encourage pedestrian activity. The hotel will have a common roof deck that may also have limited food and beverage services. Access to the roof deck will be through an extension of the south portion of the building to allow for elevator and stair access, as well as other support functions for the use and enjoyment of the roof space....
Pedestrian Circulation
New sidewalks, curbing, and lighting are proposed along the street. The building lighting,
combined with the signage and restaurant component, will serve to engage the pedestrian and enliven the property, signaling an arrival to Boston’s Theatre District. The Project’s lighting program, together with the new restaurant use, will revitalize the corner and enhance the pedestrian experience. Proposed lighting will also help to illuminate the sidewalk enhancing security and public safety in this area....
Guests will access the building from the Stuart Street entrance and lobby, which will also provide access to the restaurant and retail areas. Emergency egress from the building will be provided to the alley along the south side of the building....
The proposed curb extension along Stuart Street will be constructed to accommodate the footprint of the new building without compromising sidewalk width along Stuart Street. In addition, the extension will provide improved access to pedestrians walking adjacent to the Project Site, increase the pedestrian waiting area at the intersection of Stuart Street/Tremont Street, and help accommodate both passing pedestrians and ground-level activity at the new building....
An existing curb cut on Stuart Street accessing the Wilbur Theatre loading zone will remain, and is proposed to be shared by the Project and the Wilbur Theatre.
