2 Harbor Street Project in Boston’s Seaport Receives Final Approval from BPDA

The proposed redevelopment of 2 Harbor Street in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park in Boston’s Seaport recently received its final approval from the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) Board.

Epsilon led the complicated permitting effort for the project at both the city and state levels. Being sited within the Marine Park, the project was subject to the requirements of the Marine Park Master Plan (which is currently being updated), Chapter 91 Waterways Regulations, as well as other city and state requirements. Epsilon filed a Notice of Project Change with MEPA, as well as a Draft and Final Environmental Impact Report, completing the Final EIR in just two weeks after receipt of the Certificate on the Draft EIR was issued. At the city-level, Epsilon prepared the Expanded Project Notification Form under Article 80 filings for submittal to the BPDA.

This project is notable for its substantial energy savings. Because of their heavy demand, lab/offices pose challenges to reduce energy consumption and concomitant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The project will incorporate an innovative curtain wall design, rooftop solar panels, and energy recovery in the ventilation system, along with other features that will enable it to achieve a nearly 30% reduction in GHG emissions compared to a “base-case” building design.