The Province St. of today was once known as Governor's Alley, home to the Government House for sitting governors of the Commonwealth and the first governor's mansion. Today it is officially the new home to one of the most vibrant residential living quarters in the city, 45 Province.
Mayor Thomas Menino and former governor Paul Cellucci headlined a group of dignitaries joining The Abbey Group to celebrate the grand opening of the city's newest luxury condominium tower and pay tribute to its historic link to the past.
Business, political and community leaders joined area neighbors as mayor Menino performed the traditional ribbon cutting and Cellucci helped to dedicate a plaque marking the historical significance of the former Governor's Alley location. The plaque includes the names and dates of service of every governor in the history of the Commonwealth.
"I'm delighted to be here today to celebrate the opening of Boston's newest residential building," mayor Menino said. "This project has truly transformed Province St., and I want to thank The Abbey Group for the streetscape improvements that they made. This street rebuilds a vital link between the historic Beacon Hill and Downtown Crossing. We're making great strides in Downtown Crossing with our marketing and branding initiative and the addition of this new housing and restaurant space adds to the vitality of the neighborhood."
"I'm honored to in a sense be representing past governors of the Commonwealth at this exciting dedication," said Cellucci as he officially unveiled a new plaque outside of 45 Province. "This is a great day as we celebrate our history here in Massachusetts."
45 Province is a 32-story high-rise situated at the foot of Beacon Hill and within close proximity to the city's financial district and the Boston Common. The development offers residents the ultimate in elegance, design and modern amenities in a building that also reflects the character of old Boston.
It is a full-service building that offers an Exhale spa, exclusively for residents. The complex includes a four season pool, spa treatment room and fitness studio with cardio, stretching and conditioning areas; a parlor comprised of a library and dining room with a catering kitchen, a screening room; a fine dining restaurant; a bistro restaurant with an outdoor patio; a spectacular roof terrace offering sweeping panoramic views of the city; valet parking and 24-hour concierge service.
"This is a true milestone, one that could not have been achieved without the support and hard work of so many people," said Abbey Group chairman and CEO Robert Epstein. "It is exciting for all of us to see our vision for this project become a reality. It's especially rewarding to see this community come together to welcome the residents who will make 45 Province their home and contribute to the vitality of this neighborhood."
Suffolk Construction, the general contractor on the project, has had hundreds of dedicated workers on site since breaking ground in October 2006. The building, designed by architect Bruner-Cott and Associates, was finished on schedule and to the highest quality. Given the fact that one of the most distinguishing aspects of 45 Province is its dynamic infusion of history and tradition into one of the city's most modern luxury residences, it is only fitting that the exterior of the 138-unit building features terra cotta, a time-honored building material that dates back to the 19th century.
"We are honored that Bob and David Epstein selected Suffolk to be part of such an outstanding team," stated John F. Fish, CEO of Suffolk Construction. "This incredible project not only reflects their vision but is also a tribute to the contractors, architects, subcontractors and building trades who worked together as one cohesive team to make 45 Province a complete success."
Attendees of the celebration were given tours of 45 Province including model units designed by Dennis Duffy and Manuel de Santaren as well as the roof terrace with its views extending from the Golden dome of the State House, across the Charles River and Boston Harbor to the Blue Hills.