Project Mass

Boston Looks To Welcome A New Neighborhood

BOSTON (WBZ) ― It's a mini-city and Boston's newest neighborhood in the making. Development of the Seaport District on the South Boston waterfront is moving forward like never before. Since Boston is a major economic engine for the state, we all have a stake in its growth and vitality, whether we live in the city or the suburbs. In this Project Mass. special report, we look into the future.

When WBZ asked Boston Mayor Tom Menino what he sees for the South Boston waterfront, he answered simply: "I see a new city." The area called the Seaport District is prime real estate and someday thousands will live, work and play there. Located just across Fort Point Channel from Boston's Financial District, progress on the Seaport District has been slow, with development on several large parcels bogged down for years. But finally, the growth is accelerating. The Institute of Contemporary Art has a dramatic new building, recently opened for visitors right on the waterfront, and there are several significant projects moving forward in the area. "This is going to grow and flourish over the next several years," says Boston Mayor Menino.

Many of the projects are mixed-use developments, meaning they incorporate condos and apartments, stores and restaurants, hotels and office buildings as well as parks. The idea is to take an area that's been little more than huge parking lots with incredible views, and turn it into an area that is vital, 24 hours of every day. Joe Fallon is the developer of Fan Pier. His project will cover more than 3-million square feet and nine city blocks with office space, condos, a hotel, marina and park. Fallon believes the Seaport District has enormous potential for the city and the region. "The waterfront has changed Boston. If you want to live in Boston you want to live on the water, and that's what people are doing now. They're coming to live on the water," says Fallon.

Next door to Fan Pier is Pier 4, another large future project. Currently home to Anthony's Pier 4 Restaurant, there's a proposal to add a hotel, high-rise residences, offices and shops.

Seaport Square is planned for just across Northern Ave. At 23 acres, it's one of the biggest mixed-use developments. Some people call it a city within a city.

The fourth major project moving forward is Waterside Place, near the new Convention Center. Recently approved, the plan calls for retail, condos and another hotel.

But not everyone is convinced. One long time S. Boston resident says, "I don't think it's going to be all that great for S. Boston because the family community is leaving here now, and there's too much traffic." Developer Joe Fallon acknowledges that change is inevitable. "I think South Boston isn't the only neighborhood that's changing. If you look at the Back Bay or the South End, a lot of those neighborhoods have changed as well," according to Fallon. There will also be affordable housing built as part of the large residential projects, according to Mayor Menino. And Menino adds that the District will be unique, while holding onto the city's image. "I don't want this to be Fifth Avenue. This has to be different, it has to be Boston," says Menino.

Menino is still interested in moving Boston City Hall to the area as well.

These developments and others in the pipeline will not materialize quickly. Construction will be ongoing for decades. However, groundbreaking for a hotel on Joe Fallon's Fan Pier is scheduled for this fall.

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