Monday, April 05, 2010
Don't Get Towed: Street Cleaning Starting
Street cleaning begins tomorrow (Wednesday) on A St. Don't forget to move your car and remember to start checking the signs.
Fort Point Landmark District Hearing, 4/8
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION will hold a public hearing:
DATE: Thursday April 8, 2010
TIME: 5:00 P.M.
PLACE: BOSTON CITY HALLROOM 801
Subject of the hearing will be applications for Certificates of Design Approval on the agenda below, reviews of architectural violations, and such businesses as may come before the commission, in accordance with Chapter 772 of the Acts of 1975, as amended. Applications are available for public inspection during normal business hours at the office of the Environment Department. Sign language interpreters are available upon request.
Please ensure that all electronic devices are silenced prior to entering the hearing room.
After 5:30 p.m. , enter and exit City Hall at the Dock Square Congress Street
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE APPLICANT ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND
FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION
David Berarducci, Susan Goganian, John Karoff, Yanni Tsipis, Michele Yeeles
Alternates: B.K. Boley, Kosta Ligris
DESIGN REVIEW APPLICATIONS
Application: 10. 1067 FPC 368 Congress Street
Applicant: Steve Brooks, CFS Seaport LLC: The applicant is requesting an extension of the Certificate of Appropriateness for temporary signage on the Congress Street Façade regarding application 09.1134 FPC.
Application: 10.1069 FPC 332-340 Summer Street
Applicant: Fort Point Realty Group Trust, Edward A. Gottlieb: Installation of 6 concrete planters at frontage of a surface parking lot.
Application: 10.1070 FPC Corner of A and Binford streets
Applicant: Channel Center
VIOLATION
. Installation of unauthorized signage and lighting on A Street façade.
PROJECTED ADJOURNMENT: 6:20 p.m.
Date posted: March 26, 2010
cc: Mayor, Inspectional Services Department, City Clerk, Boston Redevelopment Authority, Applicants,
District City Councilors, Neighborhood Services, Property Owners, Law Department, Abutters (from most recent tax list)
For additional information, please contact Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission staff at 617-635-3850 or caitlin.greeley@cityofboston.gov
Friday, April 02, 2010
Boston Magazine on Fort Point
Lofts to Talk About
http://www.bostonmagazine.com/issues/articles/lofts_to_talk_about/
BEFORE THE RECENT ECONOMIC TROUBLES presented themselves, optimistic Bostonians fully expected Fort Point to bust out as the South End’s edgier cousin — its brick-and-beam-loft dwellers were sure to fast-track an array of exciting retail ventures, not to mention a vibrant, gritty-glam nightlife scene. But just because Fort Point isn’t yet a replica of New York’s Tribeca doesn’t mean it’s DOA. “We’re all disappointed that the economic scene didn’t allow quick development,” says Vivien Li, executive director of the Boston Harbor Association. “On the other hand, anytime something new opens, it’s huge.”
In fact, much is percolating in Fort Point. The city of Boston has 41 million square feet of development now under review, approved, or in construction, and 42 percent of that real estate is located here. And artsy it may stay, thanks to a few key players who are keeping prices down in order to lure cool kids to the channel. Case in point: this month’s opening of chichi Louis Boston on Fan Pier. It wouldn’t have happened without developer Joe Fallon, overlord of 21 precious waterfront acres, who made a sweetheart deal with owner Debi Greenberg to woo her away from Newbury Street and other prospective locations by promising a tailor-made, albeit “temporary,” new building. (Fallon’s master plan shows a residential tower on that site — presumably Louis’s permanent home will anchor the lower floors once it’s built.) With Louis Boston in place, the upper crust can browse modern art at the nearby ICA (free on Thursday evenings), then treat themselves to an appointment atSalon Mario Russo after perusing the racks.
Meanwhile, Young Park of Berkeley Investments made sure his recently completed FP3 condo project on Congress Street offers plenty of lower-priced studio units to attract members of the creative class. The building is expected to win FHA approval shortly, meaning buyers will be able to finance these units with government-backed loans up to $523,750 with only 3.5 percent down. It was also Park who lured chef-restaurateur Barbara Lynch to Fort Point with a great bargain on space for Sportello, Drink, and her new upscale restaurantMenton, opening later this spring. Similarly, Park coaxed Joanne Chang to start up a branch of her bakery,Flour, on Farnsworth Street in 2007.
Although developer Tony Goldman, who has a portfolio of nine buildings on Melcher and A streets, is occasionally demonized for displacing Fort Point’s artist population, he’s making good by offering “boutique office space” at $20 per square foot. It’s not class-A space (Ropes & Gray won’t be relocating here anytime soon), but the elevators work, and the lobbies are graffiti-free. Once designers, software startups, architects, and retailers set up offices here, Goldman plans to develop a hip residential component to match, the first piece of which will be a 180-foot tower at 319 A Street Rear, now in the approval process. And as the ranks of the local population swell, expect to see more restaurants like Barlow’s, which opened on A Street in January, serving up midprice fare for neighborhood residents, the lunch crowd, and commuters using the Boston Harbor Water Taxi.
“It’s a seven-to-10-year cycle,” says Albert Price, managing director of Goldman Properties. “Fix up the buildings to get the creative businesses in, develop retail at the ground level, and residential will follow.”
Catching up with the ongoing renewal of Fort Point.
By RACHEL LEVITT
Posted on 3/29/10
http://www.bostonmagazine.com/issues/articles/lofts_to_talk_about/
BEFORE THE RECENT ECONOMIC TROUBLES presented themselves, optimistic Bostonians fully expected Fort Point to bust out as the South End’s edgier cousin — its brick-and-beam-loft dwellers were sure to fast-track an array of exciting retail ventures, not to mention a vibrant, gritty-glam nightlife scene. But just because Fort Point isn’t yet a replica of New York’s Tribeca doesn’t mean it’s DOA. “We’re all disappointed that the economic scene didn’t allow quick development,” says Vivien Li, executive director of the Boston Harbor Association. “On the other hand, anytime something new opens, it’s huge.”
In fact, much is percolating in Fort Point. The city of Boston has 41 million square feet of development now under review, approved, or in construction, and 42 percent of that real estate is located here. And artsy it may stay, thanks to a few key players who are keeping prices down in order to lure cool kids to the channel. Case in point: this month’s opening of chichi Louis Boston on Fan Pier. It wouldn’t have happened without developer Joe Fallon, overlord of 21 precious waterfront acres, who made a sweetheart deal with owner Debi Greenberg to woo her away from Newbury Street and other prospective locations by promising a tailor-made, albeit “temporary,” new building. (Fallon’s master plan shows a residential tower on that site — presumably Louis’s permanent home will anchor the lower floors once it’s built.) With Louis Boston in place, the upper crust can browse modern art at the nearby ICA (free on Thursday evenings), then treat themselves to an appointment atSalon Mario Russo after perusing the racks.
Meanwhile, Young Park of Berkeley Investments made sure his recently completed FP3 condo project on Congress Street offers plenty of lower-priced studio units to attract members of the creative class. The building is expected to win FHA approval shortly, meaning buyers will be able to finance these units with government-backed loans up to $523,750 with only 3.5 percent down. It was also Park who lured chef-restaurateur Barbara Lynch to Fort Point with a great bargain on space for Sportello, Drink, and her new upscale restaurantMenton, opening later this spring. Similarly, Park coaxed Joanne Chang to start up a branch of her bakery,Flour, on Farnsworth Street in 2007.
Although developer Tony Goldman, who has a portfolio of nine buildings on Melcher and A streets, is occasionally demonized for displacing Fort Point’s artist population, he’s making good by offering “boutique office space” at $20 per square foot. It’s not class-A space (Ropes & Gray won’t be relocating here anytime soon), but the elevators work, and the lobbies are graffiti-free. Once designers, software startups, architects, and retailers set up offices here, Goldman plans to develop a hip residential component to match, the first piece of which will be a 180-foot tower at 319 A Street Rear, now in the approval process. And as the ranks of the local population swell, expect to see more restaurants like Barlow’s, which opened on A Street in January, serving up midprice fare for neighborhood residents, the lunch crowd, and commuters using the Boston Harbor Water Taxi.
“It’s a seven-to-10-year cycle,” says Albert Price, managing director of Goldman Properties. “Fix up the buildings to get the creative businesses in, develop retail at the ground level, and residential will follow.”
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Kristen Mills show at Bob's Your Uncle
This Is Really Good and Worth Your Time
An exhibition by Kristen Mills
Bob's Your Uncle - www.BobsYourUncle.com
25 Channel Center St.
Opening reception Wednesday, March 31st, 6-8 PM.
Regular hours: Tues - Fri, 11 am - 6 pm
An exhibition by Kristen Mills
Bob's Your Uncle - www.BobsYourUncle.com
25 Channel Center St.
Opening reception Wednesday, March 31st, 6-8 PM.
Regular hours: Tues - Fri, 11 am - 6 pm
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Berkeley Faces Foreclosure on FP Properties
UPDATE: In the Banker & Tradesman, Park says rumors of his demise are premature:
Developer Denies Fort Point Foreclosure Threat
By Paul McMorrow
Banker & Tradesman Staff Writer
03/24/10
Berkeley Investments principal Young Park is denying reports that he is close to losing much of his Fort Point office portfolio, saying talk of a foreclosure at the former Boston Wharf Co. warehouses is a negotiating tactic by lender Wells Fargo.
"We are in negotiations with them," Park said. "The story is, it's a maturity default, we're cooperating with the lender to find a solution, and a solution will be found one way or another. These properties are cash-flowing. We've never missed a payment. There's no distress of any kind."
Berkeley will negotiate a loan extension, find replacement debt for the maturing loan or buy back its own note from Wells Fargo, Park said.
"We certainly have the financial capacity to do one of those three things," he said. "This is not great publicity, but it is what it is, and we need to deal with it. There's no way we're going to walk away."
---
Fort Pointless
Foreclosures a setback for neighborhood
By Donna Goodison | Tuesday, March 23, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Real Estate
Berkeley Investments is staring down a foreclosure auction for nine of its Fort Point Channel properties in Boston’s Seaport District, including office buildings at 368 and 381 Congress St.
Wells Fargo Bank set a May 5 sale of the parcels after Berkeley defaulted on a mortgage, according to a legal notice announcing the auction. The sale is yet another potential setback for Seaport development that’s been stalled by financing constraints.
The properties constitute a large portion of the 700,000 square feet portfolio of a dozen buildings, parking garages and lots that Berkeley bought for $97 million from Boston Wharf Co. in 2004.
Its goal was to turn Fort Point Channel into a more active neighborhood.
Berkeley president Young Park said his company is in negotiations to avoid the foreclosure sale.
“We’re working through it,” he said yesterday. “The note reached its maturity date . . . and the bank doesn’t want to renew the loan.”
The real estate investment and development company previously sold five of its former Boston Wharf properties, totaling 335,000 square feet, to Newton’s National Development.
Parcels headed for the auction block also include 22 Boston Wharf Road, an eight-story building with six levels of parking and 58,000 square feet of office space; and 12 Farnsworth, a six-story building with ground-floor retail.
Park is a “visionary” who understood Fort Point Channel’s potential to be a unique neighborhood by converting its warehouses for 21st-century uses, said Vivien Li, executive director of the Boston Harbor Association. He lured two of the city’s top chefs: Barbara Lynch, who opened Sportello, Drink and Menton on Congress Street; and Joanne Chang, whose Flour Bakery is at 12 Farnsworth.
“It would be a major setback for this district if for some reason he was not able to hold onto these properties,” Li said. “But the real estate market is very tough right now, and financial institutions are really scrutinizing every loan. They are not lending money, which is what put a halt to all the development on the waterfront.”
Berkeley’s Fort Point Channel parcels might not be its only properties in trouble.
The Worcester Telegram & Gazette this month reported that a March 31 foreclosure auction had been set for three downtown Worcester properties that are part of Berkeley’s stalled $563 million, 20-acre CitySquare development plans. The newspaper said it erroneously printed a legal notice for the auction that the mortgage holder had pulled. Last week, however, Hanover Insurance Group’s Opus Investment Management signed a purchase and sale agreement with Berkeley to become the project’s new developer. Berkeley, meanwhile, will retain ownership of the three buildings in question, the newspaper said.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/business/real_estate/view.bg?articleid=1241704
Developer Denies Fort Point Foreclosure Threat
By Paul McMorrow
Banker & Tradesman Staff Writer
03/24/10
Berkeley Investments principal Young Park is denying reports that he is close to losing much of his Fort Point office portfolio, saying talk of a foreclosure at the former Boston Wharf Co. warehouses is a negotiating tactic by lender Wells Fargo.
"We are in negotiations with them," Park said. "The story is, it's a maturity default, we're cooperating with the lender to find a solution, and a solution will be found one way or another. These properties are cash-flowing. We've never missed a payment. There's no distress of any kind."
Berkeley will negotiate a loan extension, find replacement debt for the maturing loan or buy back its own note from Wells Fargo, Park said.
"We certainly have the financial capacity to do one of those three things," he said. "This is not great publicity, but it is what it is, and we need to deal with it. There's no way we're going to walk away."
---
Fort Pointless
Foreclosures a setback for neighborhood
By Donna Goodison | Tuesday, March 23, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Real Estate
Berkeley Investments is staring down a foreclosure auction for nine of its Fort Point Channel properties in Boston’s Seaport District, including office buildings at 368 and 381 Congress St.
Wells Fargo Bank set a May 5 sale of the parcels after Berkeley defaulted on a mortgage, according to a legal notice announcing the auction. The sale is yet another potential setback for Seaport development that’s been stalled by financing constraints.
The properties constitute a large portion of the 700,000 square feet portfolio of a dozen buildings, parking garages and lots that Berkeley bought for $97 million from Boston Wharf Co. in 2004.
Its goal was to turn Fort Point Channel into a more active neighborhood.
Berkeley president Young Park said his company is in negotiations to avoid the foreclosure sale.
“We’re working through it,” he said yesterday. “The note reached its maturity date . . . and the bank doesn’t want to renew the loan.”
The real estate investment and development company previously sold five of its former Boston Wharf properties, totaling 335,000 square feet, to Newton’s National Development.
Parcels headed for the auction block also include 22 Boston Wharf Road, an eight-story building with six levels of parking and 58,000 square feet of office space; and 12 Farnsworth, a six-story building with ground-floor retail.
Park is a “visionary” who understood Fort Point Channel’s potential to be a unique neighborhood by converting its warehouses for 21st-century uses, said Vivien Li, executive director of the Boston Harbor Association. He lured two of the city’s top chefs: Barbara Lynch, who opened Sportello, Drink and Menton on Congress Street; and Joanne Chang, whose Flour Bakery is at 12 Farnsworth.
“It would be a major setback for this district if for some reason he was not able to hold onto these properties,” Li said. “But the real estate market is very tough right now, and financial institutions are really scrutinizing every loan. They are not lending money, which is what put a halt to all the development on the waterfront.”
Berkeley’s Fort Point Channel parcels might not be its only properties in trouble.
The Worcester Telegram & Gazette this month reported that a March 31 foreclosure auction had been set for three downtown Worcester properties that are part of Berkeley’s stalled $563 million, 20-acre CitySquare development plans. The newspaper said it erroneously printed a legal notice for the auction that the mortgage holder had pulled. Last week, however, Hanover Insurance Group’s Opus Investment Management signed a purchase and sale agreement with Berkeley to become the project’s new developer. Berkeley, meanwhile, will retain ownership of the three buildings in question, the newspaper said.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/business/real_estate/view.bg?articleid=1241704
Monday, March 22, 2010
BPL Community Meetings
In order to share information and gather additional feedback from the community, the Boston Public Library is offering a series of neighborhood meetings:
Saturday, March 27 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Harborside Community Center 312 Border St. East Boston
Saturday, March 27 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Harborside Community Center 312 Border St. East Boston
Saturday, April 3 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Codman Square Branch 690 Washington St. Dorchester
Monday, April 5 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Honan-Allston Branch 300 North Harvard St. Allston
Tuesday, April 6 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Curley Middle School 493 Centre St. Jamaica Plain
Wednesday, April 7 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. www.bpl.org Online Moderated Chat
For more information: www.bpl.org/budget
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Barlow's Licensing Hearing Wednesday, 3/24
Barlow's licensing hearing is this coming Wednesday, March 24 at 10:00 am. If you want your opinions to be heard about the extended hours and entertainment proposed by Barlow's, the licensing board requests letters to be mailed or hand delivered, no emails. You can mail it to:
Boston MA
Daniel Pokawski
Licensing Board
Rm 816
City Hall
Their application asks for three things:
1. Live entertainment for Jazz brunch on Sunday
2. Extend current 12:30am close time to 1:00am
3. Extend patio hours from 10:00pm close to 11:00pm *
I have heard (though don't have official confirmation) that they're going to remove the third item and, for now, keep the close time of the patio to 10 PM, which is what their current license allows.
1. Live entertainment for Jazz brunch on Sunday
2. Extend current 12:30am close time to 1:00am
3. Extend patio hours from 10:00pm close to 11:00pm *
I have heard (though don't have official confirmation) that they're going to remove the third item and, for now, keep the close time of the patio to 10 PM, which is what their current license allows.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Binford Greenspace Meeting, 3/24
---
Please inform all occupants of 25 / 35 Channel Center
When: Wednesday, March 24th at 6pm
Where: 30 Channel Center (the former Sales/Marketing Office)
We will be providing an overview of the project and displaying drawings.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Barbara Lynch's Menton Opens 4/3
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MENTON, CHEF BARBARA LYNCH’S FORT POINT FINE DINING RESTAURANT, TO OPEN ON SATURDAY, APRIL 3RD
Chef Lynch’s Eagerly Anticipated Menton Will Offer Boston an Unforgettable New Option in Fine Dining
Between classic and modern there is a beautiful place that is Menton
Chef Lynch’s Eagerly Anticipated Menton Will Offer Boston an Unforgettable New Option in Fine Dining
Between classic and modern there is a beautiful place that is Menton
March 16, 2010, Boston, MA….James Beard Award-winning chef Barbara Lynch will open the final concept to complete her Fort Point trifecta on Saturday, April 3, 2010. Menton, which will join neighbors Drink and Sportello, is named for a small French village near the Italian border. The restaurant will be a glamorous expression of fine dining that will reflect Chef Barbara Lynch’s shared love for the cuisine of these two countries.
“I am so excited that the moment has finally come to open Menton,” said Chef Barbara Lynch. “I have such an amazing team that has been working incredibly hard over the last four years to make this dream a reality. As Boston continues to grow and evolve, it is nothing short of exhilarating to be a part of that growth and we hope that Menton will represent Boston on a national and international stage. From the sourcing of ingredients and the design of the dining room to the selection of beautiful wine offerings, china and glassware, the creative process has been a dream - we can’t wait for guests to experience Menton!”
For the opening of Menton, Chef Barbara Lynch has assembled an incredibly talented team of both longtime employees and welcome additions to the company. Chef Colin Lynch, the Executive Chef for Barbara Lynch Gruppo and former Co-Executive Chef of No.9 Park, will be the Executive Chef of Menton and has worked closely with Chef Barbara Lynch (no relation) over the last four years to design the kitchen, source the china, select purveyors, and create the menu. Chef Colin will oversee the daily operations of the kitchen and will be assisted by Executive Sous Chef Wyatt Maguire. Kevin Gravito, formerly of No.9 Park, will be the Pastry Chef. Front of House operations will be led by General Manager Alec Riveros, who most recently served as the General Manager and Wine Director at Clio and Uni Sashimi Bar. Wine Director Cat Silirie, with whom Chef Barbara Lynch has worked with for over 20 years, has created a stellar wine program for Menton. The list celebrates Cat’s love for old world wines from some of France, Italy, and Austria’s most beloved and distinguished producers and, as with all of Cat’s selections, will pair beautifully with the cuisine.
Often described as Boston’s new frontier, Fort Point features an artsy, urban cityscape with a sense of history and an eager eye towards the future. Neighborhood architecture varies from the historic brick buildings that once housed warehouses to sleek, futuristic design statements. Menton, which captures the duality of being both classic and modern, is perfectly at home in this old/new neighborhood as well as within FP3, the Berkeley Investments-owned, AIA award-winning luxury condominium complex that has been praised for its impressive historical-modern design. The interior space was designed by Cheryl and Jeffrey Katz of C&J Katz Studio. Longtime friends of Chef Barbara Lynch, Cheryl and Jeffrey also designed No.9 Park, Stir, Drink, and Sportello. Using a palette of gray with touches of silver and black, C&J Katz created a glamorous yet inviting aesthetic in a space which was expertly constructed by Ed McCabe, David O’Connor, and John Cash of Cafco, a Boston-based construction management and general contracting firm. Artwork for Menton was created by Burgundy, France-based artist Matt McClune, a one-time bartender at No.9 Park and B&G Oysters. In addition to the elegant dining room which will seat 6o guests, Menton will feature a private dining room that can accommodate up to 50 guests for a seated dinner and the Chef’s Table, an intimate space with a dynamic view of the kitchen which can seat up to 14.
Menton will offer dinner Sunday through Saturday; the lounge will open at 5pm each evening and the dining room will begin serving at 5:30pm. Reservations for Menton may be made beginning Tuesday, March 16th online (www.MentonBoston.com) or daily from 10am-10pm by phone (617.737.0099). Two menu formats will be offered: a four-course prix-fixe menu ($95) and a seven-course chef’s tasting menu ($145). The cuisine of Menton, an artful blend of French technique and Italian soul, will display Executive Chef Colin’s preference for precision, purity, and visual artistry. Guests will relax and enjoy a carefully choreographed culinary experience under the direction of Chef Colin and his team.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
flour closed tomorrow (3/15)
flour bakery on Farnsworth St. will be closed tomorrow (March 15th) for renovations.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Archon Scales Back 319 A St.
Fort Point Developers Downsize Project, Succumb To BRA’s Demands
http://www.bankerandtradesman.com/news137344.html
The Archon Group and Goldman Properties have scaled back the size of their proposed Fort Point residential tower, bowing to pressure from the Boston Redevelopment Authority and neighborhood residents.
In backing off plans to plant a 240-foot tower at 319 A St. Rear in South Boston, Archon and Goldman are also pulling a significant community benefit - the donation of a Summer Street warehouse for artist live/work space.
The BRA told the developers Thursday that its proposed warehouse donation at 327 Summer St. did not constitute enough of an "exceptional" community benefit to warrant a building height 60 feet over the current 180-foot zoning limit. The BRA asked Archon and Goldman to either reduce the size of their proposed tower, or to significantly increase their benefits package.
...
http://www.bankerandtradesman.com/news137344.html
The Archon Group and Goldman Properties have scaled back the size of their proposed Fort Point residential tower, bowing to pressure from the Boston Redevelopment Authority and neighborhood residents.
In backing off plans to plant a 240-foot tower at 319 A St. Rear in South Boston, Archon and Goldman are also pulling a significant community benefit - the donation of a Summer Street warehouse for artist live/work space.
The BRA told the developers Thursday that its proposed warehouse donation at 327 Summer St. did not constitute enough of an "exceptional" community benefit to warrant a building height 60 feet over the current 180-foot zoning limit. The BRA asked Archon and Goldman to either reduce the size of their proposed tower, or to significantly increase their benefits package.
...
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Barlow's Applies to Expand Liquor License
Barlow's, the bar at 241 A Street, is looking to expand their licenses to include some changes:
1. Live entertainment for Jazz brunch on Sunday
2. Extend current 12:30am close time to 1:00am
3. Extend patio hours from 10:00pm close to 11:00pm
There will be a community meeting about this:
Barlow's License Meeting
Tuesday March 16th at 7pm on
241 A Street, 2nd Floor
1. Live entertainment for Jazz brunch on Sunday
2. Extend current 12:30am close time to 1:00am
3. Extend patio hours from 10:00pm close to 11:00pm
There will be a community meeting about this:
Barlow's License Meeting
Tuesday March 16th at 7pm on
241 A Street, 2nd Floor
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