GE Innovation Point February 2019 Construction Update

GE Innovation Point is transforming as reconstruction continues along the Harborwalk as the weather permits, windows continue to be installed, lots of steel, roof work and expect to see the metal skin of the green pedestrian bridge removed along with other structural improvements. 

·         Pedestrian traffic has been relocated onto the first phase of the Harborwalk sidewalk.  The balance of the Harborwalk reconstruction, Phase 2, from the trailers to Necco Ct. is continuing as weather permits.  Overlook deck framing is complete, deck construction will continue as weather permits.  The Phase 2 harborwalk concrete sidewalk will be placed as weather conditions permit.  Temporary access to the dock is maintained daily.  Landscaping and certain plantings will be completed in the early spring of 2019 to meet planting season requirements. 

·         Temporary heating units have been installed and are providing heat through temporary ducts from both the west face and the east face of the buildings.  These units will remain in operation throughout the winter months.  Certain portions of the building are being wrapped or tented to allow masonry, concrete, and other construction to continue.  The openings in the building are being closed up on a permanent basis as work progresses.

·         Structural steel erection for the west building high roof, mechanical screen supports and 6^th floor is complete.  Concrete has been placed on the 6^th floor.  The concrete high roof deck slab will be placed on the west building during February, after which placement of the permanent roofing will commence.

·         Structural steel erection for the east building will complete in February.  The east building steel has been tied into the glass enclosure structure between the buildings.  The low roof steel and deck are in place, the high roof steel structure and mechanical screen supports above the low roof are being erected.   With completion of the low roof the new concrete block stair shaft masonry work in the northwest corner of the building is underway and will complete this month.  The northwest corner of the concrete decks on the 2^nd through 5^th floors of the east building are being prepared for concrete now that the stair shaft is above the low roof.   Preparations for placement of the low roof concrete deck are underway and will complete this month.  The placement of permanent roofing on the east building will commence once the concrete decks are placed. 

·         The crane continues to support the erection of the structural steel.  The current crawler crane will be removed from the site mid-February.  Mobile cranes will be used as additional equipment and materials need to be hoisted into the building.

·         Cutting and repointing of the exterior masonry façades is one of the activities that is temperature sensitive.   Cutting and repointing is continuing in the area that has been tented and heated between the buildings.  Washing of the masonry facades has been postponed until temperatures permit completion of this work. 

·         The construction of the new large openings in the south and west faces of the first floor of the west building and on the south face of the east building continues.   Once the opening is made, steel framing is placed supporting the existing masonry wall, then the masonry is reconstructed around the steel frame.  The work on the large openings will continue. 

·         Window installation is continuing in both buildings.  Caulking and sealing around the new windows as well as placement of window trim is in progress and will continue. 

·         Rough-in of interior walls and interior masonry restoration is underway in the west building.  Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection rough-in is continuing on the first 4 floors of the west building.  This will expand onto the 5^th floor once the permanent roof is in place.  Rough in of the ductwork and piping risers in the west building core is complete.

·         Rough-in of interior walls and interior masonry restoration is underway in the east building.  The mezzanine level partitions are constructed with building infrastructure installation underway.  Electrical, mechanical and plumbing rough-in is continuing in the first 3 floors of the east building.  Rough in of the ductwork and piping risers is nearing completion in the core of the east building.  The passenger and freight elevator installation will begin in late February.

·         The new column for the Necco Ct. bridge has been placed.  The base of the column will be encased in concrete to protect it from vehicles.   Scaffolding erection on both sides of the Necco Ct. bridge to the full height of the bridge is underway and will complete in mid-February.   Removal of the existing metal panel skin will be performed first with structural improvements to the bridge steel following the removal.  Fabrication of structural steel, curtainwall and metal panels for the bridge reconstruction is underway.  Abatement of lead-based paint from structural members inside the bridge will continue in order to prepare the surfaces for welding.  GE and its contractors will continue to coordinate the work in Necco Ct. with Synergy. 

·         The final transformer has been placed in the transformer yard by Eversource.  The main electrical gear has been placed inside the main electrical room inside the building and is being prepared to receive permanent power.  Once all electrical gear testing and inspections are complete, Eversource will energize the permanent power to the building. 

·         National Grid will provide a permanent gas service connection to the buildings from Necco St.  This will require trenching in Necco St.  Tie-in is currently forecast to be performed this Spring pending final schedule from National Grid.

GE Innovation Point Construction updates occur about monthly in frequency or when there are major transitions in the construction process. Visit GE Reports to sign up for updates and to find the latest information or contact GE at innovation.point@ge.com.

GE Innovation Point January 2019 Construction Update

Ever wonder what is going on along the Harborwalk, with the green pedestrian bridge and the historic Necco buildings? Be in the know with the GE Innovation Point construction update for January 2019.

·         Pedestrian traffic has been relocated onto the first phase of the Harborwalk sidewalk.  The balance of the Harborwalk reconstruction, Phase 2, from the trailers to Necco Ct. is continuing.  Foundations for overlook decks are complete.  Deck construction will continue into February.  Light foundations and light poles have been installed.  Electrical wiring installation is underway.  The Phase 2 harborwalk sidewalk will be placed as weather conditions permit.  Temporary access to the dock is maintained daily.  Landscaping and certain plantings will be completed in the early spring of 2019 to meet planting season requirements. 

·         Temporary heating units have been installed and are providing heat through temporary ducts from both the west face and the east face of the buildings.  These units will remain in operation throughout the winter months.  Certain portions of the building are being wrapped or tented to allow masonry, concrete, and other construction to continue.  The openings in the building are being closed up on a permanent basis as work progresses.

·         Structural steel for the glass enclosure connecting the two buildings has been erected.  Concrete has been placed on the 2^nd through 5^th floor.  The 6^th floor and roof steel of the glass enclosure has been erected and will be completed with the west building 6^th floor and roof steel in January.  A temporary roof membrane has been placed on the 5^th floor concrete slab to keep the balance of the west building dry while the new roof is constructed.  Once the high roof and 6^th floor roof steel are complete, the concrete deck slab will be placed and construction of the permanent roof will commence.

·         The steel and concrete deck for the mezzanine level inside of the east building has been completed.  Interior partitions and MEP equipment rough-in has begun on the mezzanine level. 

·         The placement of timber beams, girders and deck around the passenger elevator and freight elevator in the east building is now complete.  Temporary steel bracing will be removed once the balance of the concrete slabs in the northwest corner of the east building are placed on each floor.  The new concrete block stair shaft masonry work in the northwest corner of the building is complete to the 5^th floor and will be completed through the final roof elevation by early February. 

·         The concrete decks on the 2^nd through 5^th floors of the east building have been completed, except for the northwest corner at the freight elevator.  Interior partitions and rough in has begun on the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd floors.  A temporary roof membrane has been placed on the 5^th floor concrete slab to protect the building.  Placement of structural steel for the columns supporting the roof steel is underway.  Roof structural steel will continue into early February.  Once the roof steel is complete the concrete deck slab will be placed and construction of the permanent roof will commence.

·         Cutting and repointing of the exterior masonry façades is one of the activities that is temperature sensitive and will be performed as conditions permit.   Winter weather measures are being implemented to allow this work to continue around the building.   Cutting and repointing is continuing in the area that has been tented and heated between the buildings.  Cutting and repointing of masonry from mast climbers will continue in the southwest corner and northeast corner of the west building as weather permits.  Washing of the facades has been postponed until temperatures permit completion of this work. 

·         The construction of the new large openings in the south and west faces of the first floor of the west building and on the south face of the east building continues.   Once the opening is made, steel framing is placed supporting the existing masonry wall, then the masonry is reconstructed around the steel frame.  The work on the large openings will continue. 

·         Masonry restoration, blocking and waterproofing around the window openings is complete.  Window installation is continuing in both buildings.  Caulking and sealing around the new windows as well as placement of window trim is in progress. 

·         The crane is supporting the erection of the structural steel for the roof and the new 6^th floor on the west building.  The crane also continues to support placement of timber beams and girders and to support placement of the mechanical and plumbing risers and equipment.  The crane will remain on site into the 2019 construction season.

·         Rough-in of interior walls and interior masonry restoration is underway in the west building.  Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection rough-in is continuing on the first 4 floors of the west building.  This will continue and include the 5^th floor over the next couple of months.  Rough in of the ductwork and piping risers in the west building core is complete.

·         Rough-in of interior walls and interior masonry restoration is underway in the east building.  Electrical, mechanical and plumbing rough-in is continuing in the first 3 floors of the east building.  Rough in of the ductwork and piping risers continues in the core of east building. 

·         The new column for the Necco Ct. bridge has been placed.  The base of the column will be encased in concrete to protect it from vehicles.   Scaffolding is being erected on both sides of the Necco Ct. bridge to the full height of the bridge to support the reconstruction of the bridge structure and skin.  Scaffolding erection will take the balance of January.  The scaffolding will span Necco. Ct to allow vehicle and pedestrian traffic to be maintained below during rehabilitation of the bridge.  Fabrication of structural steel, curtainwall and metal panels for the bridge reconstruction is underway.  Abatement of lead-based paint from structural members inside the bridge has commenced in order to prepare the surfaces for welding.  Structural steel improvements to the bridge will follow abatement.  GE and its contractors will continue to coordinate the work in Necco Ct. with Synergy. 

·         The final transformer has been placed in the transformer yard by Eversource.  Work on the main electrical room inside the building is underway to prepare for the electrical gear and permanent power.  Electrical gear installation will occur in early February.  Once electrical gear is in place, Eversource will energize the permanent power to the building.  

GE Innovation Point Construction updates occur about monthly in frequency or when there are major transitions in the construction process. Visit GE Reports to sign up for updates and to find the latest information or contact GE at innovation.point@ge.com.

Fort Point Landmarks October 2017 Meeting

The FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on:

Thursday, October 12, 2017

6:00 PM

Boston City Hall - Piemonte Room (5th Floor)

After 5:30 pm, enter and exit City Hall at the Dock Square entrance on Congress Street 

(across from Faneuil Hall).

Subject of the hearing will be applications for Certificates of Design Approval on the agenda below, review of architectural violations and such business as may come before the commission, in accordance with Ch. 772 of the Acts of 1975, as amended.from Faneuil Hall).

Design Review

18.407 FPC 5 Necco Street: 

Applicant: Peter Cavanaugh, General Electric (CE)

Proposed Work: Design updates to previously approved rehabilitation of 5 and 6 Necco Street (formerly 5 and 6 Necco Court) including: Necco Court Bridge west elevation design updates;  Necco Court Bridge east elevation paint color; window treatment at the first two floors on Necco Court and Necco Street; level 6 design updates; exterior signage; exterior lighting; and outdoor furniture and landscape.

18.392 FPC 300 Summer Street: Applicant: Marggie Lackner, The Artist Building at 300 Summer StreetProposed Work: Replace existing chiller at roof with new chiller on the existing steel dunnage with required supplemental steel; and install window grates on four ground floor windows on the north elevation alleyway to match adjacent window grates.

13.391 FPC 343 Congress Street:
Applicant: Brian Lesser, Speakeasy Group, Inc.
Proposed Work: Replace existing metal cut-out blade sign with a neon lit painted aluminum blade sign, replace existing metal cut-out sign above the existing metal canopy with a neon lit painted aluminum sign; and replace existing door handle.

18.390 FPC 47 Farnsworth Street:
Applicant: Jean-Claude Tetreault, Trillium Brewing
Proposed Work: Modify openings, construct a roof deck and bulkhead, and install signage.

18.269 FPC 253 Summer Street:
Applicant: Michael McGowan, Bergrneyer Associates, Inc.
Proposed Work: Install illuminated blade sign on Summer Street; install illuminated sign at Harborwalk window sign facing the channel; and install wall-painted signage (“Lolita”) on the Harborwalk (Continued from 9/14/2017 public hearing).

18.394 FPC 25 Thomson Place:
Applicant: Nick Makemson
Proposed Work: Installation of two exterior patio dining areas and installation of signage.

Administrative Review/Approval
18.315 FPC 311 Summer Street: Remove three sections of existing window bars from the Summer Street ground level windows.

Review and Ratification of 9/14/2017 Public Hearing Minutes

Discussion Item
Amending Section 8.0 Recommendations of the Fort Point Channel Landmark District Study Report, specifically regarding commissioner nominations.

Staff Updates

Projected Adjournment - 9:00 pm

FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION

David Berarducci, Susan Goganian, John Karofl Lynn Smiledge, Vacancy

Altemates: Thomas Rodde, Vacancy

originally published 10.2.17

Fort Point Landmark Special Meeting: Green Bridge

Over the past couple of weeks you may have noticed two paint samples attached to the green pedestrian bridge connecting 6 Necco Court to the rear of 27 Melcher Street. These samples are options for the renovation of this bridge and the bridge between 5 Necco & 6 Necco, 

The Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission is holding a public meeting regarding the paint sample mock-ups for the Necco Court Bridge on:

Thursday, August 24, 2017

5:30 PM

5-6 Necco Court

Paint Sample Mock-up

17.1289 FPC- 5 Necco Court (Necco Court Bridge)    (Previously presented 6/2017)
Applicant: Peter Cavanaugh, General Electric
Proposed Work: Review of a minimum of two green paint samples approximately 4’x4’ on the corrugated metal façade of the connector bridge fronting Necco Street.

If you are unable to attend, you may send your comments by noon on Thursday to Sara McCammond at FPNA and to Lisabeth Schwabb at Fort Point Landmarks. Please note that any comments sent to Landmarks become part of public record. 

Boston Conservation Commission Public Meeting

The Boston Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing: 

January 4, 2017 

Boston City Hall

Piemonte Room (Fifth Floor) 

(Use Congress Street As An Entrance/Exit After 5:30 P.M.)

to review the following projects to determine what conditions, if any, the Commission will impose in order to protect the interests of the public and private water supply, ground water, prevention of pollution, flood control, prevention of storm damage, protection of fisheries and land containing shellfish, and protection of wildlife habitat. Click here for complete agenda. The public is invited to make comments.

Fort Point Discussion Topics

6:15 PM – Notice of Intent for DEP File No. 006-1490 from General Electric Company (GE) for the rehabilitation of two existing buildings, construction of a new 12-story building, and associated activities at 5 and 6 Necco Court and Necco Street, South Boston, Fort Point Channel (LSCSF)

7:00 PM – Notice of Intent from Boston Parks and Recreation Department for the renovation of Children’s Wharf Park, 64 Sleeper St, South Boston Waterfront, Fort Point Channel (LSCSF)

Fort Point & Seaport Updates and General Business

Request for Certificate of Compliance for DEP File No. 006-1369 from the Fallon Company for removal of a bituminous concrete parking area and the construction of a new building with an underground parking garage, new private roadway, and associated utilities, 100-104 Northern Avenue, South Boston, Boston Harbor.

Fort Point Channel Landmarks November 2016 Meeting

The FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION will hold a public hearing:

Thursday, 10 November 2016

6:15 PM (new time)

Boston City Hall – Piemonte Room (5th Floor)

After 5:30 pm, enter and exit City Hall at the Dock Square entrance on Congress Street

(across from Faneuil Hall).

Subject of the hearing will be applications for Certificates of Design Approval on the agenda below, review of architectural violations and such business as may come before the commission, in accordance with Ch. 772 of the Acts of 1975, as amended.

I. REVIEW and RATIFICATION OF OCTOBER 13, 2016 MINUTES

II. DESIGN REVIEW

6:30 PM

17.389 FPC 35 Channel Center Street, Apt. 501

Applicant: Kyle Sheffield, LDa Architecture & Interiors (Architect)

Proposed Work: Replace a roof deck, replace the wrought iron railing with a glass railing, and install a wood privacy screen.

6:45 PM

17.389 FPC 9 Channel Center Street

Applicant: Dan McGrath, Berkeley Investments, Inc. (Applicant)

Proposed Work: Install two light fixtures adjacent to the entryway, install tenant signage on the left side and building signage on the right side of the entryway.

7:00 PM Continuance from 10/2016

17.382 FPC 5 & 6 Necco Court

Applicant: Todd Dundon, Gensler (Architect)

Proposed Work: Response to Commission’s request on new window opening details on the south and west façades; modifications to the opacity of the glass enclosure; and interior renderings of the glass enclosure.

FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION

David Berarducci, Susan Goganian, John Karoff, Lynn Smiledge, Michele Yeeles

Alternates: Thomas Rodde, Vacancy

Fort Point Channel Landmarks October 2016 Meeting

updated 10.6.16 with revised agenda. Please note addition of 300 Summer and time changes. 

The FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION will hold a public hearing:

Thursday, 13 October 2016

5:30 PM

Boston City Hall – Piemonte Room (5th Floor)

After 5:30 pm, enter and exit City Hall at the Dock Square entrance on Congress Street

(across from Faneuil Hall).

Subject of the hearing will be applications for Certificates of Design Approval on the agenda below, review of architectural violations and such business as may come before the commission, in accordance with Ch. 772 of the Acts of 1975, as amended.

I. DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

5:30 PM                  
17.381 FPC:  347 Congress Street
Applicant: Thomas Trykowski, Silverman Trykowski Associates (Applicant)
Proposed Work: Remove and replace three canvas banner signs on the existing armature fronting Congress Street.

5:45 PM Continuance from 9/2016
17.245 FPC:  9 Channel Center Street
Applicant: Dan McGrath, Berkeley Investments, Inc.(Applicant)
Proposed Work: Install two light fixtures adjacent to the entryway; install tenant signage on the left side and building signage on the right side of the entryway.

6:00 PM Previously presented 4/2016
16.1274 FPC:  24 Farnsworth Street
Applicant: Rev. Harlan Limpert, Unitarian Universalist Association (Applicant)
Proposed Work: Install signage on Farnsworth Street façade.

6:15 PM
17.390 FPC 300 Summer Street
Applicant: Susan Knack-Brown, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (Architect)
Proposed Work: Install metal cladding at the fourth through seventh floors on the secondary north façade.

6:30 PM 
17.391 FPC 300 Summer Street
Applicant: Susan Knack-Brown, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (Architect)
Proposed Work: Construct a mechanical penthouse; replace window perimeter sealants in-kind; replace deteriorated metal shutter pintles with painted brick; clean and repoint the masonry façades; and replace all of the non-historic windows on the east façade with two-over-two double-hung aluminum windows with an extruded aluminum brick mold and a dark green finish.

6:45 PM Previously presented for Advisory Review 8/2016
17.382 FPC: 5 & 6 Necco Court
Applicant: Todd Dundon, Gensler (Applicant), General Electric & MassDevelopment
Proposed Work: Construct a glass enclosure between the two buildings and a connector bridge to a new building; construct a rooftop addition, mechanical equipment and roof deck; modify window, door and hoistway openings; create new window and loading bay openings; install signage; relocate and screen ground level transformers; and create a waterfront plaza.

PROJECTED ADJOURNMENT: 8:45 PM

FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION

David Berarducci, Susan Goganian, John Karoff, Michele Yeeles, Vacancy

Alternates: B.K. Boley, Thomas Rodde

originally published 10.5.16

Fort Point Happenings Starting Sunday

Update 8/26/16.: The Verdict is on for Tuesday, August 30th. 

Fort Point Stage will be presenting a free outdoor screening of  The Verdict (1982) staring Paul Newman and Charlotte Rampling on:

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

8:00 PM

A Street Park

The movie filmed in Boston is about a lawyer who sees the chance to salvage his career and self-respect by taking a medical malpractice case to trial rather than settling. The Verdict received 5 Oscar Nominations and 5 Golden Globe nominations.

Bring chairs, blankets and snacks. Sagarino's will be open until 11 PM. If rain threatens, check the Fort Point Stage website  at 4pm or on twitter for a cancellation notice.

Denise Hajjar will be hosting Runway on the Greenway on Monday, August 15th (rain date August 22nd) at 6pm. The free fashion show will showcase the Greenway and entertain you with models, music, dancing and of course, fashion! The runway show starts at 6:45pm across from the Denise Hajjar Boutique (510 Atlantic Avenue) and ends at 7:30pm with a finale walk and a raffle drawing. The show features Denise's current collection and jewelry created specially for the show by Fort Point jeweler Dawna Davis.The models will be escorted back and forth by off-duty fireman. What is there not to like! More details.

General Electric headquarters development project will be the subject of two meetings next week:

Tuesday, August 16th: A joint Boston Civic Design Commission and Fort Point Landmarks meeting at 5pm at City Hall, room 937A. More details.

Wednesday, August 17th : Public Community Meeting at 6pm at Atlantic Wharf, Fort Point Room. This will be the first public/IAG meeting during which GE will discuss the GE Hadquarters project. More details.

Mark you calendars for future GE public meetings on September 7th and on September 21st from 6pm-7:30pm at Atlantic Wharf.

Craft Beer Cellar Fort Point Grand Opening event starts Wednesday, August 17th through Saturday, August 20th with tastings at 3pm and 5:30pm (Wed - Fri) and informal tastings all day Saturday. Free gift bags to the first 25 people at each tasting. Craft Beer Cellar is located at 34 Farnsworth St (former home of Yada Yaha). More tasty details.

Fort Point Channel Landmarks August 2016 Meeting

The FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION will hold a public hearing:

Thursday, 11 August 2016

5:30 PM

Boston City Hall – Piemonte Room (5th Floor)

After 5:30 pm, enter and exit City Hall at the Dock Square entrance on Congress Street

(across from Faneuil Hall).

Subject of the hearing will be applications for Certificates of Design Approval on the agenda below, review of architectural violations and such business as may come before the commission, in accordance with Ch. 772 of the Acts of 1975, as amended

I. DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

5:30 PM

16.1756 FPC 326 A Street, Apt 6C

Applicant: Walter Adams, WBA Associates (Applicant)

Proposed Work: Remove ten non-historic windows at the third floor and install ten one-over-one, double-hung aluminum windows with a bronze anodized aluminum finish in non-compliance with the FPCLDC Standards & Criteria.

5:45 PM

16.1761 FPC 300 A Street

Applicant: Peter Dominski, MEPT Fort Point Creative LLC (Applicant)

Proposed Work: Install internally illuminated acrylic signage on the panels adjacent to the main entryway; install painted signage with external light fixtures at the third floor on the Necco Street and Necco Court elevations.

II. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW / APPROVAL: In order to expedite the review process, the commission has delegated the approval of certain work items, such as those involving ordinary maintenance and repair, restoration or replacement, or which otherwise have a minimal impact on a building’s appearance, to the staff pending ratification at its monthly public hearing. Having been identified as meeting these eligibility criteria and all applicable guidelines, the following applications will be approved at this hearing:

17.144 FPC 5 & 6 Necco Court: Clean, remove biological growth and remove paint from the masonry façades; repoint; remove abandoned non-historic anchors from the masonry; replace deteriorated face brick in-kind; stone and concrete resurfacing; replace severely deteriorated sandstone with dutchman in-kind; remove the non-historic brick infill at window openings and replace all of the single and paired wood sashes and wood brick molds with aluminum single and paired two-over-two, fixed off-set sashes and extruded aluminum brick molds all detailed and finished to match the historic; installing temporary wood infill protection at select ground level openings; replace and restore where missing the copper cornice; replace the copper parapet coping cover in-kind; repair, replace where missing, and repaint all cast iron features and hoistway elements in-kind; restore bronze (Boston Wharf Co.) medallions in-kind; and repair and repaint the fire escapes in-kind.

III. ADVISORY REVIEW

6:15 PM 5 & 6 Necco Street

Applicant: Todd Dundon, Gensler (Architect)

Proposed Work: Construct an atrium between the two buildings and a connector bridge to a new building; construct rooftop additions; create new openings on the secondary façades; modify the window openings on the existing connector bridge; install spandrel glass at street level windows; modify the fire escape doors and landings; install large display windows within the hoistways; install signage; and create a waterfront plaza.

PROJECTED ADJOURNMENT: 7:00 PM

FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION

David Berarducci, Susan Goganian, John Karoff, Michele Yeeles, Vacancy

Alternates: B.K. Boley, Thomas Rodde