point cover jan 13 - Boston Redevelopment Authority

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.
The Point, Boston
Project Impacts to Historic Resources
No significant impacts are anticipated to the historic properties noted above, as the majority of resources are
too far from the Project Site to be impacted either visually or by shadows. A Project Notification Form (PNF)
will be submitted to the MHC for review in February 2013.
Design Concept
The project design was carefully developed to meet the unique needs of a gateway project for the Fenway
Neighborhood and to complement the urban design characteristics of the surrounding area. As described
more fully in Chapter 2, Urban Design, the design concept of the upper residential levels includes the setback of the
different masses and a faceted geometry creates a slender and sleek structure, appropriate for a Fenway
neighborhood landmark. The faceted treatment of the façade also aims to reduce the building to a human scale
and enhances pedestrian interaction and attraction along storefronts. At the sidewalk level, exterior enclosure
along the retail and residential lobbies will create a rich and varied streetscape.
The building will include varied glazing and masonry exterior finishes to enhance its unique architectural
presence while reinforcing its appropriateness for the neighborhood (refer to Figure 2.4). Both at the retail
and residential levels, glazed surfaces are maximized while a masonry band concept is utilized to relate to the
material character of the neighborhood.
Urban Design and Streetscape
The Project aims to introduce high-quality and iconic architecture to provide a transformative effect for the
neighborhood. By redeveloping an underutilized and dilapidated site currently consisting of a collection of
low-story commercial uses with some surface parking, the Project will significantly improve the aesthetic
character of the Project Site. Streetscape improvements include new signage, street furniture, lighting, and
landscaping (street trees). Also, the Project will provide the opportunity for an outdoor seating area for
potential restaurant occupancy at the south-east corner along Boylston Street, which will enhance street life
and character and add diversity to the urban texture.
Shadow Impacts
No significant impacts are anticipated to the historic properties noted above, as they are too far from the
project area to be impacted either visually or by shadows. The Olmsted Park System to the west, including
Park Drive will have no new shadows from the proposed building. The only historic property that would be
moderately affected by shadow is the Landmark Center, which would receive new shadows from the Project
on partial sections of the building under the 9 A.M. condition in March, September, and December.
\\MABOS\projects\11381.00\reports\Article80\
Expanded_PNF\06_Historic_FINAL.doc 6-6 Historic Resources