HomeMy Public PortalAbout1-30-19 Community Meeting notes submitted to DCDP 190201 BOYLSTON
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February 1, 2019
Boylston Properties
Arsenal Mall - Building G Community Meeting#01
01/30/2019, Scheduled 6:30pm - 8:OOpm
Notes complied by Corey Chang, ASG
Presenters:
Andrew Copelotti - Boylston Properties
William McQuillan - Boylston Properties
Adam Gross - Ayers Saint Gross
Steve Woods - CRJA-IBI
Q 1. Will there be a rooftop restaurant?
RESPONSE-a. No.
Q 2. [David Gamble] How is the project's connection to the site and park being developed? A desire was expressed
for the west side/entry opening up to the park/plaza and not being"hidden".
RESPONSE-a. [Adam G]The building has two entrance with a more public entrance on the West that, in fact,
opens up to the park. Building G is in the concept design phase and remains much potential
to continue developing inviting entry sequences as the design progresses.
RESPONSE-b. [Andrew C] Boylston is willing to continue working with CDM and the park plan in coordination
with the design of Building G.
RESPONSE-c. [Steve W]There is enough space in the park to allow for a gradual grade change to connect the
park to the West entrance of the building and the walkway/connection to the Charles River.
Q 3. What will be the impact to the park due to the proposed design for the hardscape/walkway connection from the
Charles River?
RESPONSE-a. [Steve Woods] The proposed revision to the approved park design fronting Building G has
reduced the paved area by 400 to 500 sf.
Q 4. How many existing trees will be removed? Is there an opportunity to add new trees? It would be beneficial to
show the impact comparison between the old walkway/connection design and the new design.
RESPONSE-a. [Steve Woods]The approved design planned for the removal of 12 trees. The proposed revision
is believed to remove no more than 12 trees and will be confirmed. Yes, there will be
opportunity to add new trees as the site plan continues to develop. A comparison document
will be created to illustrate the changes for the betterment to the site,the reduced paved area,
exiting trees to be removed, and proposed new trees. A comparison document on the impact
of the walkway/connection will also be developed.
RESPONSE-b. [Bill M]Overtime the existing landscape and trees have been neglected. Boylston is committed
to improving the condition of the site. Boylston emphasized that the renovations to Arsenal
Mall,the new buildings, and site improvements are a significant investment in the community,
and the landscape and trees are important components to the success of the project.
RESPONSE-c. [Steve Magoon] Boylston Properties is committed to making the park the best that it can be for
the betterment of the community.
Q 5. How will the potential for light pollution from Building G as a "glass" building be managed?
Soo Boylston St. Suite 1390 Boston, MA 02199 1 617-262-4646 1 boylstonproperties.com
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RESPONSE-a. [Adam G] It was noted that the design is still in early concepts, and used Ayers Saint Gross'
University of Baltimore Law School project,a LEED Platinum building,as a precedent to discuss
many options available to attenuate light spill from within a building including
"fritting"/patterning of clear glass which diffuses light, spandrel/opaque coatings on the glass
which blocks light, smaller windows within masonry (vs all glass as in the north elevation of
Building G), and interior window shades.
Q 6. Has a traffic study been performed? What will be the impact on traffic given the change in use of Building G
from residential to lab (or business) use?
RESPONSE-a. [Andrew C]Traffic analysis is in its early stages. Preliminary feedback from the analysis as well
as data from the Linx, as a precedent, indicate a favorable reduction in traffic because of the
change in use.Additionally,structured parkingfor BuildingG tenants will be provided within the
basement floor.
Q 7. [Lisa]Will the public be able to access/enter the lobby of Building G? What might be consider allowing for more
public interaction with the ground floor?
RESPONSE-a. [Andrew C] Boylston is committed to continue working with the City and CDM to find
opportunities to develop the site plan to best engage with the building.
RESPONSE-b. [Bill M] Building G as a residential facility would have had a private lobbywhich will bethe same
for a lab facilityfor similar and numerous reasons including safety,security,confidentiality,etc.
Boylston needs to respect the privacy and security of the tenants.
Q 8. [Steve Magoon] Describe the space between Building G and Building F?
RESPONSE-a. [Andrew C]There are 24 feet of separation between the buildings. Service access and loading
for Building G occurs in this area. Acknowledging that pedestrians may use this "alley" to
access the western side of the campus,the team continues to study design options to animate
the space.
Q 9. What is the plan to market the lab space to the BioMed community and ensure occupancy?
RESPONSE-a. [Bill M] We are listening to the lab community, like the CEOs for C4 and SQZ, and they are
desperate for space in Watertown with amenities. Those that are currently in the community
and expanding,do not want to leave Watertown. Startups are lookingto relocate out of Kendall
Square in Cambridge. Linx tenants sought to relocate to Watertown. New, 2 to 3-year-old
companies, that want to rent out smaller spaces (8,000 to 16,000 sf) will find the smaller
footprint of Building G very attractive.
RESPONSE-b. [Adam G] Successful national innovation district precedents, in keeping with the mission of
Arsenal and Building G, includes University of California San Francisco,the Cortex in St. Louis,
and Kendall Square in Cambridge. They all provide a blend of mixed uses including retail,office,
residential, restaurant, and research space. The difference with Watertown than other
innovation districts is that the amenities are already in place making this site very attractive for
companies to move to.
Q 10. What was the anticipated occupant density for Building G as a residential tower?
RESPONSE-a. [Andrew C]Approximately 450 people.
Q 11. Concern expressed for the grading and the existing steep transition from the edge of Charles River up towards
Building G.
RESPONSE-a. [Steve W]The proposed sitework will be"seamless"with the walkways sloped at less than 5%
(1:20)allowing for hand and guardrail-free walkways.
Soo Boylston St. Suite 1390 Boston, MA oz199 1 617-262-4646 1 boylstonproperties.com
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Q 12. Would tenants consider giving"science talks" as part of a community engagement/education?
RESPONSE-a. [Andrew C]The building is in early stages of design and the team will explore this as the design
develops.
Q 13. Will shuttle bus service be provided?
RESPONSE-a. [Bill M]Yes.
The Meeting was ended at approximately 7:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Corey Chang,Ayers Saint Gross
Soo Boylston St. Suite 1390 Boston, MA 02199 1 617-262-4646 1 boylstonproperties.com