Chestnut Hill, MA WS Development has unveiled extensive renovation plans for The Street Chestnut Hill: 27 Boylston, located in the center of the property. It will be revitalized to create architectural intrigue and new uses that will set the property up for even more growth. Slated for completion in 2023, 27 Boylston will consist of 20 new retailers and restaurants, office space and new community gathering spaces. Spanning 90,000 s/f across three levels, the building will complement the current lineup of retail and dining offerings at The Street with a continuation of the specialty retail and fashion concepts, a mix of new and popular culinary concepts, fitness, and several more local businesses.
Designed by WS studio senior design director Jared Ramsdell and designer, Morella Garofalo with architect of record Sasaki, 27 Boylston will embrace and highlight some of the original features of the existing building to pay homage to its history and create an interesting and fresh experience for guests. The curvature and brickwork of 27 Boylston will remain while the building will be reimagined with masonry, metal, wood, enlarged windows, and lush greenery crawling up, around and above, enhancing the architecturally distinctive structure.
Encouraging guests to meander and explore, an elevated walkway will wrap around the building to a second level of retail shops and a 64 ft. bridge will transport guests through tree canopies to the property’s southern façade. The pond facing overhang of the original structure will also be modified to allow light infiltration and views up to the sky while additional outdoor gathering spaces such as a large 765 square ft. sunken patio and a reclaimed pedestrian space at the original loading dock will be activated for open air experiences, dining, and community programming.
“We brought our passion for community and placemaking to this quirky existing building to enhance the original architecture into a series of dynamic pedestrian & retail experiences. We love the history of the building and embraced that through sustainable design choices to make a place for everyone to enjoy,” says Jared Ramsdell, AIA, LEED AP, Sr. Design Director, WS Studio, WS Development.
“As The Street continues to evolve as a lifestyle destination, we are thrilled to share details of this major renovation. It will welcome so many incredible new businesses to the neighborhood as well as add even more personality to the property and new experiences for our community to enjoy. We cannot wait to share more in the coming months,” says Alana Stein, General Manager of The Street Chestnut Hill.