Boston-based developers The Abbey Group held a ceremonial topping off for its Viridian project at 1282 Boylston St., which will feature 342 residences (including 38 affordable housing units), 295 underground parking spaces and 10,000 s/f of ground-level retail space. The ceremony marks a milestone in the continuing transformation of the Fenway neighborhood into a vibrant "urban village."
In addition to housing and retail space, the LEED Gold certified Viridian complex will also provide the neighborhood with a new community center. The non-profit center will offer computer access to residents and community meeting space and services for lectures, events, neighborhood groups and educational classes.
"The Viridian at 1282 Boylston is situated in the heart of the thriving Fenway neighborhood's cultural, social and retail center and serves as a gateway to the residences in the Fens," said David Epstein, president of the Abbey Group. "With its convenient location, access to the Longwood Medical Area, active social scene and many dining and entertainment options, the Fenway is quickly becoming one of the premier residential destinations in the city of Boston."
The Viridian is the latest in a series of new housing options and developments that have risen and connected the booming Fenway neighborhood in recent years. New award-winning restaurants, apartment buildings, condominium complexes, hotels, entertainment venues, transit options and office spaces have rebranded the area as a "mini-Newbury" and the most rapidly and drastically changing neighborhood in the city.
This wave of construction will continue over the coming years, as the Fenway will see further additions of a $500 million mega-center, first-class hotels and residential spaces, and expanded retail developments including the city's first Wegman's Supermarket and Target.
The ceremony featured keynote speaker John Barros, chief of economic development, city of Boston. Other notables in attendance at the event included Stephen Murphy, Boston city councilor; Josh Zakim, Boston city councilor; and representatives of Suffolk Construction, general contractor of the project.
"The Fenway revitalization has taken another giant leap forward with the Viridian project," said Barros. "Through economic and social investment, the Abbey Group, its partners and the community have joined together to create a transformative landmark that meets the needs of all current and future residents of this historic neighborhood."
The $200 million project is set to be completed to accommodate new residential tenants in the spring of 2015.