The $190-million project being developed by Noddle Development LP, a partnership of Winn Development Corp. and the Related Cos., involves 400 residential condominiums. The city says it will "breathe new life into the dilapidated East Boston piers that have stood vacant for decades. Clippership's significant mix of uses will animate the neighborhood's waterfront, while also complementing the existing commercial center in East Boston's Maverick Square." The project is part of the city's East Boston Master Plan, which was released three years ago and outlined a vision for the future of the neighborhood.

The four-building complex is situated on waterfront land and will include a mix of uses in addition to the residential component: restaurant, retail, visitor services as well as arts-related and community-related uses in the ground-floor spaces of the buildings. The wharf will also incorporate 1,715 ft of Harborwalk and will add four acres of new open space. Off-street parking will be accommodated in an underground 670-space garage.

This site has been vacant for nearly 20 years. More than 14 years ago, developer Edward Saxe proposed a 370-unit condominium complex here but the collapse of the economy forced the plan to be abandoned. The Beal Cos. tried again about six years ago but complained that the state's Chapter 91 regulations that monitor waterfront development made the project too difficult.

But the city wanted to see these sites developed. Most recently, the $100-million redevelopment of nearby Pier One received its state environmental approval, bringing the 881,000-sf project which was proposed by the team of Roseland Property Company and Sea Chain Marine LLC very close to reality.

"Clippership Wharf stands as yet another example of an effective public process that improves as a result of an engaged community. The willingness of the developer to respond to public input has produced a fantastic project for East Boston and for the city as a whole," says Boston Redevelopment director Mark Maloney. "Furthermore, Clippership will bring much-needed housing to this neighborhood." The project includes 20 affordable units onsite and 30 offsite.

The city notes that because of the project's proximity to the Maverick Square MBTA station and its plans for water transit terminals and water taxi stops, the project is an "excellent" example of Transit-Oriented Development, a planning strategy that fosters development in and around a network of public transportation.

With state environmental approvals already granted, the project awaits the state-issued Chapter 91 license and is expected to break ground in late 2004 or early 2005.