Northeastern University - Institutional Master Plan

Only semi-related to the IMP, but Chicken Lou's, a fixture of the Northeastern campus for decades now, just announced on Facebook that they'd be closing their doors next year.

The only reason I bring this up is part of the IMP does include renovating Forsyth Street. I attached a picture of the original IMP that includes some concept art with a reimagined Forsyth Street. You can actually see the Chicken Lou's building in the original picture (it's on the left with the red roof).

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Northeastern has been trying to purchase that stretch of Forsyth St. from the City of Boston for several years. One issue us that one of the city's main water tunnels is underneath Forsyth St. That is the reason why NU has never extended the tunnel system to West Campus. Maybe they can "purchase" the surface only???
 
Northeastern would love Forsyth but I recall reading a whole lot of community comments in the last IMP against anything like that. That being said I would support banning private vehicles from that segment of Forsyth during business hours, there are literally thousands of pedestrians trying to cross and some hopeless Ubers thinking it's a cut-through to somewhere or dropping off and picking up. Obviously some access needs to remain for emergencies and LMA shuttle access to Ruggles...

Interestingly as mentioned above the current location of Chicken Lous is completely gone in the IMP, that whole area would be part of new buildings. It does leave the conspiracy part of me wondering if there is an underlying motive for this move and NU wants their land back. The family may be done with the business as they say in their Facebook post, but it's absolutely profitable and sellable. Unless something in their original NU agreement prohibits that I suppose.
 
Looks like NEU is continuing to expand with regards to satellite campuses. This time with the "Roux Institute" in Portland, Maine.
 
estyle said:
Wow. That is one of the most attractive non-landmarked buildings in that area. Hopefully NEU keeps it as is and fills it with admin.
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Pretty sure they will. Hopefully restore/freshen up the exterior. Never been in there. Are there large open spaces inside? Northeastern needs more performance areas.
 
TomOfBoston said:
Northeastern has purchased Horticulture Hall!
It doesn't mention if the CSC still owns the land.
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Per the article:
The building has changed hands several times recently. Commercial real estate company Marcus Partners bought it from the Christian Science Church in 2017, then put it back on the market in late 2019, when Northeastern bid upon it. Currently, its tenants include Boston Magazine, 829 Studios, and Small Army, all of which are using it for office space, and the Museum of Fine Arts, which uses the space for book storage.
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TomOfBoston said:
But the CSChurch still owns the land under many of the buildings in the area e.g. that new condo tower with the plywood windows (whatever it's called).
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Christian Science Church sold the land where One Dalton Condo Tower is located (with deed restrictions). They no longer own it.

The restrictions govern lower-floor activities and any hotel built there. Residents of apartments in a luxury tower set to be built at the site will be able to act without restriction. Nonetheless, the restrictions could make things complicated.

For example, should a hotel be erected there, pornography is okay on in-room televisions only as long as it's "of the type normally offered in five star (or comparable rating) luxury hotels in Boston, Massachusetts or New York City, New York," the deed states. But don't expect to find adult entertainment, a liquor store or a bar at ground level; those uses are expressly ruled out.

Also don't look for medical facilities other than spas that also meet the "five-star" standard. Adherents of Christian Science are permitted by the church to avail themselves of whatever health care they choose, but are encouraged to seek healing through prayer.
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Hm, interesting. I made a quick (and I mean quick) map of Northeastern's land claims on their campus. Aside from the few offices they have in the CSC, this land acquisition seems kind out of left field, especially considering just how isolated it is from everything else.

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Zash said:
Hm, interesting. I made a quick (and I mean quick) map of Northeastern's land claims on their campus. Aside from the few offices they have in the CSC, this land acquisition seems kind out of left field, especially considering just how isolated it is from everything else.

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The few offices they have in CSC???? Northeastern occupies all of the Colonnade Building (which they renamed Belvedere Hall), all of Building B and a half dozen floors in the Administration Tower.
 
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i think they have offices on Broad Street too, in the 2nd floor of the Hilton. Quite a weird location.
 
Zash said:
Hm, interesting. I made a quick (and I mean quick) map of Northeastern's land claims on their campus. Aside from the few offices they have in the CSC, this land acquisition seems kind out of left field, especially considering just how isolated it is from everything else.

View attachment 3410
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How is it isolated when its right across the street from the brand new isec, the future exp, across the street from the new pedestrian bridge, a couple buildings down from their newest mid rise dorm... etc?

Anyways has there been any news on the planned 18 story tower at the punters pub triangular plot? I havent seen anything in a long time. This would be another awesome addition...
Globe link

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