BRA Approves 32-Unit Condo Building in South Boston

By Veronica Grecu, Associate Editor

Last month the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) board green-lighted a new residential project at 30 B Street in the South Boston neighborhood.

30 B Street – South Boston

Proposed by GFC Development, the $13 million project will be built on a 13,600-square-foot parcel that is currently occupied by three dilapidated buildings. According to the Project Notification Form (PNF) that was filed with the BRA this spring, GFC Development plans to tear down the existing structures and replace them with a five-story apartment community that is expected to enhance the residential nature of the surrounding neighborhood.

Conceptual plans for the 30 B Street building were created by Embarc Studio Architecture + Design of Boston to complement the neighborhood’s unique character and architectural elements. Designed as a gateway between an existing residential and commercial urban stretch, 30 B Street is located within walking distance of the Broadway Station on the MBTA Red Line and several bus stations with access to Cambridge, downtown Boston and various points in South Boston.

At roughly 40,000 square feet, 30 B Street will have 32 condominiums, four of which will be affordable units, and 33 on-site and off-street parking spaces, enclosed bicycle parking and open spaces available for residents. According to the BRA, GFC Development has agreed to contribute $40,000 to the Inclusionary Development Fund—a City policy that requires developers of new housing projects with 10 or more apartments to set aside 15 percent of the apartments as below-market affordable housing units as a condition of receiving relief from the Boston Zoning Code.

According to the PNF, the developer plans to start construction at the site this fall, with an estimated completion date set for late 2015.

Rendering courtesy of Embarc Studio Architecture + Design