Draft Project Impact Report - Boston Redevelopment Authority

Exeter Residences/888 Boylston
3.1 Introduction
\\Mabos\projects\09916.00\docs\Permits\DPIR\Text\DPIR Chapter 3 Urban
Design.docx Urban Design 3-1
Urban Design
This chapter was prepared for the DPIR to supplement the Urban Design chapter
documented in the NPC/PNF. Specifically, this section updates the NPC/PNF to
present the modified height, density and design which has evolved since the
NPC/PNF and provides detail regarding the urban context of Exeter Residences and
888 Boylston. The remaining information studied pursuant to Article 80 Large
Project review guidelines is contained in Chapter 4 of the original NPC/PNF
document.
The following section outlines the design basis, process and references for the
proposed buildings. The zoning for the site is determined by Article 41 and the
Development Plan for PDA No. 37 and is specifically intended to “encourage largescale
private redevelopment of the obsolete Prudential Center while ensuring highquality
design.” The PruPAC design review process and subsequent public
comments since the filing of the NPC/PNF have shaped the designs for Exeter
Residences and 888 Boylston and form the basis of the revisions included in this
DPIR.
3.2 Urban Context – Exeter Residences
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The proposed Exeter Residences is located on the eastern edge of the Prudential
Center Planned Development Area (PDA No. 37) and is bounded by Exeter Street to
the east; a parking garage entrance to the south; the Lord & Taylor department store
and loading dock to the north; and a pedestrian plaza to the west. The building will
rise in a footprint that integrates with parts of the existing Prudential Center parking
garage entrance and a portion of the Lord & Taylor department store as depicted in
Figure 3-1. All related figures for Exeter Residences are reproduced at the end of this
chapter.
The Exeter Residences site is an exceptional example of a sustainable approach to
creating housing opportunities within the Back Bay. The building will be built over
an existing structure which makes the building a redevelopment as contrasted with a