In the wake of some stiff public opposition regarding the projects, Boston Properties has agreed to chop two stories from their 888 Boylston proposal and three stories from the Avalon Exeter proposal.
The Back Bay skyline with the original design for the Avalon Exeter in the foreground.
Developers for the two project have submitted revised proposals, now showing the Avalon Exeter at 27 stories and 888 Boylston Street at 17 stories. In addition, the revised proposal for 888 Boylston shows a revised and enhanced public plaza at the base.
Boston Properties and AvalonBay Communities are both hoping that the reduced heights proves to community activists that the developers are willing and able to work with the neighborhood on development issues. However, it doesn’t seem like all of the neighborhood activists are ready to call this battle over and finished:
But it sure doesn’t sound like much of a reduction. Without seeing the impacts of shadows and wind, it’s diffi-cult to comment. -Elliott Laffer, PruPAC vice chairman and NABB representative
With the height reductions, 888 Boylston should be around 237 feet (down from 265) and Avalon Exeter should be closer to 305 feet (down from 340).
Source: Banker and Tradesman
Filed under: Back Bay, Boston, Massachusetts, Proposal, Prudential Center
