point cover jan 13 - Boston Redevelopment Authority

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.
The Point, Boston
The design goal of the Project is to help realize the revitalization of Boylston Street through a
strengthened gateway into the Fenway invigorating the pedestrian, residential, and commercial activity
of the district.
The building massing is composed of three discrete volumes that slip horizontally in plan and are
articulated vertically in elevation with a distinctive saw tooth pattern. The design uses form and
geometry to clearly differentiate and express the Project’s key components: retail and residential.
Varied glazing and masonry exterior finishes enhance The Point’s unique architectural presence, while
reinforcing its appropriateness for the neighborhood. As the building moves toward the Emerald
Necklace to the west, it appears to dematerialize. On its eastern end, adjacent to the neighborhood, it
recalls the masonry facades of the surrounding urban fabric.
Public realm improvements, such as the enhanced cross-connection between Brookline Avenue and
Boylston Street and the proposed open space at the southeast corner of the Project Site along Boylston
Street (potentially an outdoor seating area for a restaurant), will add character and diversity to the urban
texture.
The streetscape will be enhanced by new signage, street furniture, lighting and landscaping.
Urban Context
The neighborhood context of the Project is shown previously in Figure S.2. The Project proposes to build
upon the recent developments in the Fenway area and continue the positive growth along Boylston Street.
Boylston Street is an important vehicular connector serving the Fenway neighborhood and linking downtown
to the Longwood Medical Area and the City of Brookline to the west. This street has seen increased
pedestrian activity resulting from recent residential and commercial developments at 1330 Boylston Street
and Trilogy. Brookline Avenue is of a more intimate scale and is defined by the historical automotive
industry buildings of the 1920’s. It is grounded at the west by the retail and office development of Landmark
Center and to the east by Fenway Park. The Project proposes to retain and enhance the pedestrian link
between Brookline Avenue and Boylston Street, connecting residential, commercial and business uses in the
immediate vicinity.
The Project, as illustrated in Figure 2.1, will create the sense of a gateway into the Fenway neighborhood from
the. With its prominent position and distinctive architectural design, the Project will enhance the corner of
Boylston Street and Brookline Avenue and create a new neighborhood landmark. The improved public realm
along Boylston Street and Brookline Avenue will address the need for better pedestrian connections and
permeability, as well as facilitate accessibility between the existing residential neighborhood, Landmark
Center, the Emerald Necklace, nearby institutions, the Longwood Medical Area, and Fenway Park.
Design Concept and Development
The overall concept of the Project originates from its prominent location at the junction of Brookline Avenue
and Boylston Street – the two major vehicular thoroughfares in the Fenway neighborhood. The design goal of
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_PNF\02_Urban Design_FINAL.doc 2-2 Urban Design