Draft Project Impact Report - Boston Redevelopment Authority

Exeter Residences/888 Boylston
\\Mabos\projects\09916.00\docs\Permits\DPIR\Text\DPIR Chapter 1 Executive
Summary.docx
frontage surrounding the Prudential Center. These two buildings represent the last
325 feet of street frontage from the original Prudential Center.
1.3 Summary of Project Public Benefits
Jobs and Housing Linkage
Exeter Residences responds to the needs of the community for additional mixedincome
housing in the Back Bay, and exceeds the requirements of the Mayor's
Executive Order on Affordable Housing through a combination of new on-site
affordable housing construction and affordable restrictions at other residential
buildings within Prudential Center owned by AvalonBay. Affordable housing is
discussed in further detail in Chapters 2 and 8.
The Exeter Residences will include construction of a public pedestrian connection
between Exeter Street and the plaza level of the Prudential Center via a grand
stairway and public elevator. This connection will further the Development Plan
goal to integrate and connect the Prudential Center to the surrounding
neighborhoods. The presence of the Exeter Residences’ front door on Exeter Street
and this new public connection to the plaza will help transform the pedestrian
experience along Exeter Street. Additional proposed improvements to Exeter Street
will include street trees, new sidewalk materials and curb line improvements in front
of the property, and improved street lighting. The Proponent is also proposing street
trees at the intersection of Blagden Street and Exeter Street. These upgrades to Exeter
and Blagden Streets will enhance the pedestrian experience, integrate Exeter Street
into the Back Bay aesthetic and mitigate wind impacts.
888 Boylston responds to the market demand of a changing office market by locating
new office space in a dense urban location well served by transit and supported by a
multitude of amenities within walking distance. Office space of adequate size with
options for expansion, views and access to amenities is in demand for tenants who
desire an enhanced locale in which they can live, work and play. 888 Boylston will
appeal to a segment of the market looking for this type of space. 888 Boylston will
benefit local businesses since the office tenants will frequent local restaurants, shops,
and services. In addition, a new multi-use, pedestrian friendly plaza area in front of
the building will replace the last remnants of the original 1960’s design and enhance
the public realm by providing a new active “front door” to the Prudential Center.
The Exeter Residences and 888 Boylston will contribute both a jobs and housing
exaction to mitigate the effects of new large-scale real estate development. Based on
its Development Impact Uses, as defined in Article 80B-7, the Exeter Residences will
contribute approximately $2,089 in jobs linkage and $10,468 in housing linkage. 888
Executive Summary 1-6