Highland Marine proposed redeveloping the existing 150,000-sf facility as industrial space. The building is currently utilized by Boston Sand & Gravel as a concrete batch plant facility but its lease expired and they are planning to vacate the site within two months. Highland Marine's proposal will add approximately 20 new loading docks and will be designed to accommodate various industrial users including freight forwarding, freezer/refrigeration, manufacturing/assembly, dry storage/warehouse and research/development flex space. The projected cost of the redevelopment is approximately six million dollars.

The BRA issued a request for proposals a year ago for the project. The RFP called for a re-use plan consistent with the goals outlined in the Port of Boston Economic Development Plan, the South Boston Seaport Public Realm Plan, and the Marine Industrial Park Master Plan, all three of which indicate that the site be used for water-dependent industrial or general industrial uses. Three companies responded to the RFP, including CQ Properties and International Cargo Port–Boston LLC.

First Highland Management and Development Corp., the parent company of Highland Marine, has developed over 7 million sf of industrial properties in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the country. Most recently, First Highland purchased and renovated the 680,000-sf Boston/Dedham Industrial Park in Hyde Park.

The Boston Marine Industrial Park is located on the South Boston waterfront. The city calls the park an "integral component" of city Mayor Thomas M. Menino's Back Streets Initiative, a program that focuses on the city's commercial and industrial businesses. In November, the Mayor launched the Back Streets program--a new initiative that focuses on Boston's commercial and industrial businesses. The goal of Back Streets is to stimulate our economy, strengthen our neighborhoods, and create more jobs for the people of Boston.