Illuminate the Harbor With Fireworks & Music This Thursday Night

On the evening of Thursday, August 28,2025 at 8:30pm fireworks will illuminate the Harbor. The13th annual event is hosted by Boston Harbor Now in partnership with MeetBoston. 

It will be a special evening of free, outdoor enjoyment for people of all ages, to celebrate all the waterfront has to offer!

• Live Music & Activities: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
• Fireworks Display: Begins at dusk (approximately 8:30 PM)

Viewing areas will be available at locations across the Boston Inner Harbor Harborwalk in South Boston, East Boston, Charlestown, and North End. Our closest viewing location is Fan Pier Park and Moakley Bridge.

And before the fireworks, enjoy the last free Harborwalk Sounds concert at the ICA Harborwalk from 6pm to 8:30pm with Ness DeJean, an emerging pop singer-songwriter with a voice that channels soul, passion, and raw emotion. A quick reminder that the ICA is free on Thursday nights from 5pm to 8pm. 

Celebrate Boston's Public Open Spaces By Pitching A Blanket

Last month FPNA invited you to Waterfront Development In Your Neighborhood presented by the Harborfront Neighborhood Alliance in partnership with Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) and Boston Harbor Now, focusing on your rights to public access and amenities along our waterfront. 

This summer CLF and the Boston Waterfront Partners* invite you to pitch a blanket with your friends and neighbors, enjoy games and refreshments, bring a picnic, and learn more about your rights along Boston’s waterfront. Did you know that Massachusetts law grants each of us the right to use open spaces on Boston's waterfront? Getting out and pitching a blanket is a great way to reclaim public spaces in Boston’s Seaport and Downtown Waterfront areas. It's only by actively using our public spaces that we can ensure Boston Harbor remains vibrant and accessible to all – the People's Harbor we all deserve.  

Celebrate Boston's Public Spaces 
Thursday, July 25, 2019
5:30 PM –7 PM 
The Public Green, Seaport District 
1 Marina Park Drive, Boston

Sign Up Here

Please keep in mind that per the rules of the Public Green no dogs are allowed. 

What else can you do?

Know your rights. CLF will be providing “People’s Harbor” tote bags to guests on a first come, first serve basis. Each tote bag will include a USB with copies of the People’s Guide to Chapter 91 in English and in Spanish. 

Get out and enjoy Boston's Waterfront. Use the Boston Harborwalk Map Tool to discover public spaces along the Harborwalk and waterfront. You can find restrooms, green lawns, seating areas, fishing docks and observation decks. You can also look up Chapter 91 licenses and management plans governing access to waterfront public spaces in your neighborhood. 

Take the pledge to Protect the Boston Harbor and the Public Waterfront. 

*FPNA and the Harborfront Neighborhood Alliance are members of the Boston Waterfront Partners along with CLF and many other advocates of our waterfront. 

originally published 7.18.19

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.

Experiencing Boston's Waterfront Through An Artist's Lens

If you walk around the neighborhood, odds are you go along the Harborwalk during some part of your daily travels. The Harborwalk isn't just in our neighborhood. It extends over forty miles from Dorchester to East Boston and offers a variety of experiences along narrow paths and wide open spaces with varying degrees of what my mother would have called southern hospitality (even though she was born in Connecticut and worked in Boston).  

This summer photographer Leonardo March went exploring throughout the Boston Harbor capturing how people interact or don't interact with the waterfront. Who feels welcome. Who does not. Through his art, Leo challenges us to think of the potential, the vision, required to create spaces that feel "like another room in your house."

Join the Barr Foundation, Fort Point Arts Community, and photographer Leonardo March for an opening reception of "Another Room in the House" on:

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

The Gallery at Atlantic Wharf

290 Congress St. 

The reception will feature opening remarks from Barr Foundation President Jim Canales as well as a a conversation between exhibit artist Leonardo March and curator Lucy Rosenburgh of Kate Chertavian Fine Art. Attendees will be able to network, enjoy refreshments, and view the exhibit.  Register here to reserve your spot. 

In closing, I must express gratitude to the Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act, commonly referred to as Chapter 91, for protecting and guaranteeing public access to the water and honoring our maritime history, especially in an era of rapid growth and development of #ourwaterfront.

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.

GE Innovation Point October 2018 Construction Update

In case you missed it, there is a lot going this October at GE's Innovation Point from advancements to the Harborwalk to the Fort Point Pier (GE public dock) to the historic NECCO buildings.

·         The first phase of the Harborwalk construction will complete this month with pedestrian traffic relocated onto the permanent sidewalk in the phase 1 area.  The sidewalk has been placed, and the loam is in place waiting for the plants to arrive and for the final transitions to the existing parking lot and bollards to be placed.   

·         The balance of the Harborwalk reconstruction, Phase 2, from the trailers to Necco Ct. began and will continue through the end of 2018.  The existing dock has been revised to meet the new sidewalk elevation and excavation is underway to grade the site for the new sidewalk.  Light foundations and foundations for the new overlooks will be constructed, followed by framing and deck construction.  The temporary walkway for that phase is in use.  Temporary access to the dock is also maintained daily.  Landscaping and certain plantings will be completed in the early spring of 2019 to meet planting season requirements of the plants. 

·         Structural steel for the glass enclosure connecting the two buildings has been erected.  Preparations are underway to place the concrete slab on the steel deck for the 2^nd through 5^th floors of the glass enclosure.

·         Structural steel work to construct the mezzanine level inside of the east building will commence this month. 

·         The masonry walls at the 5^th floor of the west building are being modified to receive the new structural steel for the 6^th floor and roof.  A temporary roof membrane has been placed on the 5^th floor concrete slab to keep the balance of the building dry while the new roof structure is constructed.  Erection of the 6^th floor steel and new roof steel has commenced with work on the columns to support the deck underway.

·         All concrete slabs in the west building have been placed.   The timber beams, girders and deck have been restored on all floors in the west building.  Rough-in of interior walls and completion of interior masonry restoration is underway.

·         The 1^st floor deck slab was placed in the east building.  The old first floor has been removed and the column encasement is complete with preparations underway of the existing exterior masonry walls to receive the structural steel supporting the mezzanine level.

·         The placement of timber beams, girders and deck around the passenger elevator and freight elevator in the east building is continuing, tying the building masonry exterior back to the core in preparation for structural slabs to be placed on each floor of the east building.   The steel bracing for the exterior walls is in place and demolition of the existing masonry stair tower and old freight elevator shaft is underway and will continue for the rest of the month.

·         Initial electrical, mechanical and plumbing rough-in is nearly complete in the crawlspace of the west building and is underway in the crawlspace of the east building.  Construction of new ductwork and piping risers continues in the cores of both the west and east buildings. 

·         The pile cap for the new column to support the bridge across Necco Ct is complete and is protected by a temporary plywood enclosure.  Fabrication of materials for the bridge reconstruction is underway.

·         Cutting and repointing of the exterior masonry façades continues on both buildings.  Repair and replacement of damaged brick is performed as part of the restoration process.  Mast climbers will continue to be moved around the building as the masonry restoration progresses.  Cutting and repointing of masonry will continue for a couple months.  Washing of the facades will be performed once the masonry restoration is completed after mortar has cured for the required duration.

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

·         The preparation of existing window openings in both buildings is underway to restore masonry and provide the blocking necessary to receive the new windows.  Waterproofing and caulking is being placed in the masonry openings to prepare them to receive the windows.  Windows have been delivered to a nearby location off-site and are being staged for installation.

·         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, demolition of the stair and elevator shaft and placement of the mechanical and plumbing risers.  The crane will remain on site through most of the 2018 construction season.

·         Waterproofing on the west side of the west building will be completed shortly and allow for construction of the balance of the transformer yard.  Once the remaining transformer yard retaining walls are completed the final transformer will be placed by Eversource to provide permanent power to the buildings.  In preparation for that, work on the main electrical room inside the building is underway.  GE and its contractors will continue to coordinate the work in Necco Ct. with Synergy.   

GE Innovation Point September 2018 Construction Update

The first phase of the Harborwalk construction continues with the Harborwalk temporarily located onto the existing parking lot.  The existing Harborwalk was removed in the area of the first phase, new light bases and conduit have been installed and excavation and placement of the subbase for the Harborwalk is underway.  The concrete and landscaping associated with the first phase of the Harborwalk will be placed in September.   

·         The balance of the Harborwalk reconstruction, Phase 2, from the trailers to Necco Ct will be constructed from September through the end of 2018.  The temporary walkway for that phase has already been constructed.  Landscaping and certain plantings will be completed in the early spring of 2019 to meet planting season requirements of the plants. 

·         Structural steel for the glass enclosure connecting the two buildings is being erected.  Structural steel work in the glass enclosure area will continue through the month.  Structural steel is being delivered for erection of the mezzanine level in the east building.

·         The removal of the balance of the west building roof is underway to make way for construction of the new 6^th floor and roof.  A temporary roof membrane has been placed on the fifth floor concrete slab to keep the balance of the building dry while the new roof structure is constructed.  Erection of the structural steel for the west building 6^th floor will commence after the existing roof removal is complete.

·         The fifth floor concrete slab in the west building has been placed.   Preparations are underway for concrete slab placement on the second, third and fourth floors of the west building.  Rough-in of interior walls and completion of interior masonry restoration will follow concrete slab placement.

·         The slab on grade was placed in the east building.  The columns have been encased in concrete below the first floor and the first floor structural slab has been placed.  Column bracing and encasement above the first floor will commence once the concrete slab has cured.  Construction of the mezzanine floor will also commence once the first floor concrete slab is accessible.

·         The timber beams, girders and deck have been restored in the opening from the freight elevator that was demolished on all floors but the fifth floor in the west building.  Completion of the remaining beams, girders and deck is underway.

·         The placement of timber beams, girders and deck around the passenger elevator and freight elevator in the east building is continuing, tying the building to the core in preparation for structural slabs to be placed on each floor of the east building. 

·         Initial electrical, mechanical and plumbing rough-in continues in the crawlspace and on floors of the west building.  Construction of new ductwork and piping risers continues in the west building which is being coordinated with construction of the core’s interior masonry walls.  Electrical, mechanical and plumbing rough-in will commence in the crawlspace of the east building.

·         The pile cap for the new column to support the bridge across Necco Ct is complete and is protected by a temporary plywood enclosure.  Fabrication of materials for the bridge reconstruction is commencing.

·         Cutting and repointing of the masonry façades continues on both buildings.  Repair and replacement of damaged brick is performed as the restoration progresses.  Mast climbers will continue to be moved around the building as masonry restoration progresses.  Cutting and repointing of masonry will continue for several months.  Washing of the facades will be performed once the masonry restoration is completed after mortar has cured for the required duration.

·         The construction of the new large openings in the first floor of the west building continues.  Two have been braced with the masonry reconstruction in process while other openings are being made and braced.  The work on the large openings will continue into October. 

·         Masonry openings for the new windows on the 4^th and 5^th floors on the south side of the east building will be completed when masonry restoration moves to the south façade of the east building.  The preparation of existing window openings in both buildings is underway to restore masonry and provide the blocking necessary to receive the new windows.  Masonry repairs of the interior walls is performed when weather precludes exterior façade restoration work.

·         The crane is supporting removal of the roof of the west building and the erection of the structural steel for the roof and the new 6^th floor.  The crane continues to support placement of timber beams and girders and placement of the mechanical and plumbing risers.  The crane will remain on site through most of the 2018 construction season.

·         The new switch and transformer in the new transformer yard were placed into operation on August 25 servicing the 253 Summer St. and Melcher St buildings.  The existing electrical transformer that remains has been de-energized and will be removed by Eversource allowing for completion of the new transformer yard.  GE will continue to work closely with Synergy, its tenants and Eversource to complete the electrical equipment revisions on Necco Ct.    

GE Innovation Point Construction updates occur about monthly in frequency or when there are major transitions in the construction process. Visit

www.gereports.com/boston to sign up for updates and find the latest information or contact GE at innovation.point@ge.com.

GE Moves Forward On Harborwalk & Necco Reconstruction

The first phase of Harborwalk construction began with relocation of the Harborwalk onto the existing parking lot, removal of the existing Harborwalk lights, abandonment of wells in the Harborwalk and mobilization of materials.  The Harborwalk will be reconstructed in phases.  Demolition of the existing Phase 1 Harborwalk and excavation for the new Phase 1 Harborwalk light locations (the existing lights will be refurbished for re-use) and sidewalk will begin in early August, followed by construction of new light foundations and new sidewalk.     The balance of the Harborwalk reconstruction, Phase 2, from the trailers to Necco Ct will be constructed from mid-September through the end of 2018.  The temporary walkway for that phase has already been constructed.  Landscaping and certain plantings will be completed in the early spring of 2019 to meet planting season requirements of the plants.  The first-floor concrete deck in the west building has been placed. The slab for the lobby area between the buildings within the future glass enclosure has been placed.  The existing first floor of the west building has been removed providing a new “first” floor space that showcases the timber frame construction and is over 17 feet tall.  The columns have been braced with the lower cast iron portions of the columns wrapped in concrete.  Preparations continue for concrete placement on the fifth floor of the west building which will be placed in August.  Preparations continue for the slab on grade in the east building.  All remaining underground utilities have been completed and the grade beams supporting depressed slabs have been placed.  Reinforcing steel for the concrete encasement of the columns will complete shortly.    The timber beams, girders and deck have been restored through the fifth floor of the west building, tying the existing floors back into the concrete core.  The original stairs in the NW corner of the building have been removed and were replaced with beams and timber decking to close up the opening from the stair removal.  The opening from the freight elevator that was demolished is being closed up on each floor with timber beams, girders and decking.  The welding of clips and support angles on the east core required to support the beams and timber decking is nearing completion.  Placement of timber beams, girders and decking tying the building back to the core in the east building is underway.    Construction of the masonry walls of the freight elevator in the east building is complete and the remaining core shaft wall is being placed as the timber deck replacement advances up through the building.  Initial electrical, mechanical and plumbing rough-in continues in the crawlspace and on floors of the west building.  Construction of new ductwork and piping risers continues in the west building which is being coordinated with construction of the core’s interior masonry walls. The pile cap for the new column to support the bridge across Necco Ct is complete and is protected by a temporary plywood enclosure.  Fabrication of materials for the bridge reconstruction is commencing. Brick masonry restoration mock-ups are complete for each step in the masonry restoration process.  Cutting and repointing of the masonry façades are underway on both buildings.  Repair and replacement of damaged brick is performed as the restoration progresses.  Mast climbers will continue to be moved around the building as masonry restoration progresses.  Cutting and repointing of masonry will continue for several months.  Washing of the facades will be performed once the masonry restoration is completed and mortar has cured for the required duration. Masonry openings for the new windows on the 4th and 5th floors on the south side of the east building will be completed when masonry restoration moves to the south façade of the east building.  The first of the large openings in the first floor has been cut into the west building.  As bracing and reconstruction of the opening continues additional large openings will be made on the south facades.  The preparation of existing window openings is underway to restore masonry and provide the blocking necessary to receive the new windows.  Masonry repairs of the interior walls is performed when weather precludes façade restoration work. The crane continues to support placement of timber beams and girders as well as placement of the mechanical and plumbing risers.  Steel erection will commence in early August with erection of the steel for the glass enclosure between the two buildings.  The crane will also support removal of the roof of each building and the erection of the structural steel for the mechanical spaces and the new 6th floor.  The crane will remain on site through most of the 2018 construction season. The ductbank from the telephone manhole on Necco St. into the building is complete.  GE will continue to work closely with the owners of Necco Ct. and Necco St. to maintain access during completion of this work. Electrical ductbank installation at the west end of Necco Ct. will be completed in sequence with Eversource work to replace the transformers.  A new switch and transformer have been energized by Eversource above elevation 19.5 in the newly constructed transformer yard.  GE is working closely with Synergy, its tenants and Eversource to coordinate the changes to electrical service in the 253 Summer St. and Melcher St. buildings.     GE Innovation Point Construction updates occur about monthly in frequency or when there are major transitions in the construction process. Visit  www.gereports.com/boston for the latest information or contact GE at innovation.point@ge.com.

GE To Begin Construction On Harborwalk

GE Innovation Point Construction Update – July 2018 ·         Harborwalk construction is scheduled to begin on July 9.  The Harborwalk will be reconstructed in phases.  The first phase will be the southern extent from the construction trailers to the bend in the Harborwalk.  To construct the first phase, the Harborwalk will be temporarily rerouted over the Gillette parking lot.  The temporary route will be set up the week of July 2.  Construction of the first phase will be completed by early September.  The balance of the Harborwalk reconstruction, Phase 2, from the trailers to Necco Ct will be constructed from mid-September through the end of 2018.  Landscaping and certain plantings will be completed in the early spring of 2019 to meet planting season requirements of the plants.  ·         The first-floor concrete deck in the west building has been placed.   The slab for the lobby area between the buildings within the future glass enclosure will be placed in July.  Preparations are underway for the slab on grade in the east building and for the concrete deck on the fifth floor of the west building to be placed during July.    ·         The wood beams, girders and timber deck has been restored through the fifth floor of the west building, tying the existing floors back into the concrete core.  The original stairs in the NW corner of the building is being demolished floor by floor and replaced with beams and timber decking to close up the opening from the stairs.  Demolition and placement of beams and decking will be completed in July. ·         Welding of clips and support angles on the east core required to support the beams and timber decking is underway.  Placement of beams, girders and timber decking in the east building, tying the building back to the core, will be commence in July. ·         Construction of the masonry walls of the freight elevator in the east building is underway and will complete in the month of June.  Masonry walls in the core of the west building are also underway and will continue through July. ·         Building electrical, mechanical and plumbing coordination is nearing completion.  Sleeves through the concrete are placed as concrete areas are formed.  Initial electrical, mechanical and plumbing rough-in has begun.  Construction of new ductwork and piping risers will begin in the concrete core of the west building this month. ·         The pile cap for the new bridge column across Necco Ct is complete and is protected by a temporary plywood enclosure.  Planning for the bridge reconstruction is continuing. ·         Brick masonry restoration mock-ups continue.  Cutting and repointing of the masonry façade is underway on the east building on the east and north facades as well as on the north façade of the west building.  Mast climbers are in use on the north façade and will continue to be moved around the building as masonry restoration progresses.   Cutting and repointing of masonry will continue for several months.  Washing of the facades will be performed once the masonry restoration is completed on each façade. ·         Masonry openings for the new windows on the 4th and 5th floors on the south side of the east building have been cut in, the masonry jambs, header and sill will be completed when masonry restoration moves to the south façade of the east building.  The preparation of existing window openings is underway to restore masonry and provide the blocking necessary to receive the new windows.  Masonry repairs will continue on the interior walls on several floors of the east building as well. ·         The crane continues to support the movement of concrete forms and placement of reinforcing as well as placement of timber beams and girders.  The crane will remain on site through most of the 2018 construction season. ·         The ductbank from the telephone manhole on Necco St. into the building will be installed this month.  GE will continue to work closely with the owners of Necco Ct. and Necco St. to maintain access during completion of this work. ·         Electrical ductbank installation at the west end of Necco Ct. will be completed in sequence with Eversource work to replace the transformers.  A new switch and transformer have been set by Eversource above elevation 19.5 in the newly constructed transformer yard.  Primary cable will be pulled this month from the Eversource manhole in Necco Ct into the switch and transformer by Eversource crews.   Once the new transformer and switch are energized by Eversource, the Synergy building will be placed on the new service.  GE is working closely with Synergy and Eversource to coordinate the changes to electrical service.   These updates occur about monthly in frequency or when there are major transitions in the construction process. Visit www.gereports.com/boston for the latest information or contact GE at innovation.point@ge.com.

South Boston Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting

The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) invites you to attend the fourth South Boston Waterfront Municipal Harbor Plan public meeting on:

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

6pm - 8pm

City Hall, 5th floor, Piemonte Room

In February, the City of Boston initiated a planning process to renew and amend the South Boston Waterfront District Municipal Harbor Plan (South Boston MHP). The intent of the planning effort is to facilitate the redevelopment of the parcels at 150 Seaport Boulevard and update the South Boston MHP with the numerous planning initiatives and City policies related to the planning area that have developed since the plan’s approval in 2000. 

View past meeting presentations and meeting notes. The next meeting is scheduled for March 30th at 6 pm. 

If you have any questions, contact Chris Busch, Senior Waterfront Planner at the BRA via email or by phone at 617.918.4451 

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South Boston Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting

The Boston Redevelopment Authority invites you to attend the South Boston Muncipal Harbor Plan meeting on:

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

6pm - 8pm

City Hall, 5th floor, Piemonte Room

In February, the City of Boston initiated a planning process to renew and amend the South Boston Waterfront District Municipal Harbor Plan (South Boston MHP). The intent of the planning effort is to facilitate the redevelopment of the parcels at 150 Seaport Boulevard and update the South Boston MHP with the numerous planning initiatives and City policies related to the planning area that have developed since the plan’s approval in 2000. The planning effort will be administered by the Boston Redevelopment Authority, and developed in conjunction with a harbor planning advisory committee that will meet at regularly scheduled public meetings through the winter.
  
The renewal and amendment process will be guided by Chapter 91 of the M.G.L. and 310 CMR 9.00, the Waterways Regulations, which govern new development and uses along the state’s coastline to protect the public’s rights on private and Commonwealth tidelands. The Commonwealth recognizes that each harbor is unique and encourages municipalities to develop comprehensive plans, in accordance with 301 CMR 23.00, the Harbor Plan Regulations, that are tailored to their own objectives and also consistent with state tidelands policies. As harbor plans are long-term, active planning documents the regulations have provisions for renewal and amendments to accommodate changes to development programs and local policy and planning goals. 
  

The South Boston MHP renewal will comprise the entire 108 acres of the South Boston MHP planning area, with a single-site amendment for the parcels at 150 Seaport Boulevard, where the Whisky Priest and Atlantic Beer Garden establishments are currently located. When the South Boston MHP was being developed in 2000 these properties were some of the only active businesses in the planning area, functioning as water dependent seafood markets up until the late 1990’s, when they were converted into restaurant use. The redevelopment of these parcels was not anticipated at the time of the South Boston MHP and provisions to facilitate additional density at the property were not included in the plan, however, the state’s approval of the South Boston MHP did contemplate additional height at the location with the consolidation of developable land. With the parcels now under common ownership, and surrounded by new development, there is new interest and opportunity to revitalize the property and have it function to expand the Harborwalk network, enhance the public realm and improve waterfront access. 
  
The City of Boston foresees future comprehensive waterfront planning efforts that will be informed by the long range planning currently underway including the Imagine Boston 2030 citywide planning process, Go Boston 2030, Boston Creates, Housing a Changing City and Boston’s Climate Action Plan. 

source: BRA website