Developers The Abbey Group, along with mayor Thomas Menino, recently held a ceremonial groundbreaking for The Viridian at 1282 Boylston St., which will include 342 residences (including 38 affordable housing units), 295 underground parking spaces and 10,000 s/f of ground-level retail space. The $200 million project is set to be completed in the spring of 2015.
In addition to housing and retail space, 1282 Boylston will provide the neighborhood with a Community Center large enough for multiple functions and events.
"The Fenway continues to transform thanks to the partnership and economic investment of developers like the Abbey Group, and the work of the community to create a vision for their neighborhood," said Mayor Menino. "1282 Boylston is a reflection of that vision, and I'm thrilled to be here today to celebrate its groundbreaking."
"We'd like to thank Mayor Menino for all of his support throughout the years," said David Epstein, President of the Abbey Group. "We believe that the Viridian at 1282 Boylston will continue transforming Fenway into an 'Urban Village' on the rise and provide immeasurable benefits to residents of the community."
Other notables in attendance at the groundbreaking included John Fish, CEO of Suffolk Construction, general contractor of the project; Simeon Bruner, founding principal of Bruner/Cott, designers of the Viridian; and representatives of the Boston Redevelopment Authority.
"We couldn't be prouder to partner with the Abbey Group on this project," said Fish. "We're pleased to play a continuing role in the revitalization of the Fenway neighborhood by creating a new center for modern living."
"The Viridian holds a seminal place in the dramatic and ongoing transformation of Boston's Fenway neighborhood," said Bruner. "The design responds directly to the diverse residential desires of the community today while also acknowledging the surrounding historic urban fabric in a light-hearted, modern way."
The Abbey Group is a Boston-based real estate company founded in 1968. From its early years redeveloping urban Boston historic buildings into luxury residences and high quality offices, the firm has evolved into a prominent force in real estate and resort development. The Abbey Group has developed over 100 buildings used for commercial, retail, residential, laboratory, and parking uses, including 45 PROVINCE, Riverside Technology Center, Landmark Center, Lafayette City Center, Landmark Sq. Apartments, and St. Germain St. Apartments. In 2003, the Abbey Group became co-owners and managing partners of the fabled Boston Celtics, bringing a lifetime love and enthusiasm for the team to the partnership.