Client Challenge | The land at 1467 Tremont had been vacant for more than 50 years, and it was a great location for creating transit-oriented housing needed in Boston. Several factors made this particular piece of property difficult to develop: zoning constraints for setbacks and parking requirements on the property made it nearly infeasible to build on the land; and the land area was an unusual size for conventional mixed-use development, which required the design of the building to be much more compact than similar structures.  

Team Approach | Our approach to the project enabled us to overcome zoning hurdles by creating a contextual design using a unique architectural focal point at this important intersection along Tremont Street. The building’s style is inspired by the art deco and neoclassical proportions of the adjacent Tobin Community Center and various other buildings found throughout the neighborhood. This focus on creating a quality design allowed for the team to successfully receive a Zoning Board of Appeals decision to change the property’s setbacks and reduce the required parking.   

Project Impact | The project has created new housing for Boston in a neighborhood within walking distance to more than two public transit lines — in what was once a derelict plot of land adjacent to a well-loved civic structure. The project also provides much-needed small and affordable apartment homes in the neighborhood.

Location
1467 Tremont Street, Boston, MA

Partner
New Urban Partners

Year
2011 to 2017

Team
Principle
Choo & Company
Shadrawy & Rabinovitz
Potomac Capital Advisors

Disciplines
Real Estate Development
Urban Design
Planning
Building Design
Branding & Graphic Design

Status
Complete

More Info
www.valorboston.com