The Abbey Group receives approval from BRA for 1282 Boylston Street development

The Boston Redevelopment Authority has approved plans for The Abbey Group to move forward on the proposed project at 1282 Boylston St., at the east corner of Jersey St., which will offer new housing options and expanded retail alternatives in the Fenway neighborhood. The master plan includes an enhanced urban design, improved offices spaces, on-site affordable housing and a community center that has been a desirable amenity in the Fenway neighborhood for some time. The Abbey Group plans on commencing work as early as the end of 2012. The development will create an estimated 600 union construction jobs. The 331,000 s/f mixed-use project was designed by Bruner/Cott and Associates as project architects. 1282 Boylston includes 210 residential apartment units, 88,000 s/f of office space, 12,000 s/f of ground floor retail space, and underground parking for approximately 295 vehicles in a three-story below grade garage within the building. The integrated residential and commercial building blends with the emerging character of the neighborhood. The Abbey Group will provide 2,700 s/f of ground floor space for the community center, as well as a build-out of the facility valued at $3.5 million. The Abbey Group will work with existing neighborhood groups to form a new non-profit that will run the center to provide programming, meeting space and community building activities for Fenway residents of all ages. Distinguishable project benefits include 360 potential permanent, public transit accessible jobs on-site, enhanced pedestrian safety by improving sidewalk widths and lighting and added pedestrian amenities, including new streetscape design along the project frontage with high-quality paving materials, street furnishings, and landscaping. "We are very pleased to move forward on this project," said David Epstein, president and chief operating officer for The Abbey Group. "Thanks to the Boston Redevelopment Authority, 1282 Boylston will be a tremendous asset to the Fenway community. The urban village design will preserve the unique character of the area, providing an active environment serving residents, restaurant and retail patrons, as well as office workers. We are particularly excited about the creation of the new community center that will address a long standing neighborhood concern." About The Abbey Group: The Abbey Group (www.theabbeygroup.com) 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 Corporate Center, Landmark Square 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.