The 1970’s Charles Hurley complex in Boston, Massachusetts, is set to undergo a redevelopment project. This came to light following the selection of Leggat McCall Properties by the state government to carry out the project.
The development of the Charles Hurley complex in Boston is however expected to retain most of the building’s exterior Brutalist architecture while making changes to the interiors. Recently, the Baker administration unveiled the design plans by NBBJ, which also adds a pair of high-rises to the existing structure.
The Charles Hurley complex redevelopment will feature spaces for life science use, government offices, ground-floor retail and 200 housing units. Bill Gause, a Leggat McCall Properties partner, described the $1 billion redevelopment as an exciting challenge and a transformative project. During an interview, he mentioned that a team of experts familiar with historic architecture have also been brought on board.
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Besides NBBJ, serving as the prime architect, alongside Audrey O’Hagan, the project also involves the New York-based Beyer Blinder Belle. This historic preservation architectural firm is expected to provide guidance on incorporating historic elements into the new Hurley complex redevelopment.
Design plans for the Charles Hurley complex redevelopment
The Charles Hurley complex redevelopment designs show two towers atop the existing 6-story building, on the corner of Staniford and Cambridge streets. One of the high-rise buildings will be a lab tower near Cambridge Street. Meanwhile the second building will be a residential tower along Staniford Street. Additionally, the redevelopment also covers the central plaza behind the Hurley building, along with a parking area on Merrimac Street.
The Boston Preservation Alliance was satisfied with the proposal from Leggat McCall and has shown support for the Charles Hurley complex redevelopment. According to Alison Frazee, the Alliance’s Executive Director, their plan best preserves the original expression of the historic building. She also stated that the project also provides the opportunity to better utilize the Government Services Center complex. Furthermore, she said it would add new uses to the area, increase porosity through the site and improve the urban region.
William Gause, executive V.P for Leggat McCall, was grateful for the opportunity to work with the Commonwealth on the project. He described the Charles Hurley complex redevelopment as a critical public-private endeavor, with potential to impact positively on surrounding regions.
