BOSTON–The Boston Redevelopment Authority has granted final approval for a $160-million mixed-use highrise to be built in the shadow of the John Hancock Tower. The 32-story, 443,300-sf building at the corner of Stuart and Clarendon streets, christened "The Clarendon." will bring 200 rental apartments, 150 condominiums, a new post office and a rehabilitated Hard Rock Café to the Back Bay street corner. The project, which will include street level retail, also calls for a 393-car underground parking garage. Work is expected to get under way next spring.
The BRA approved the project Thursday, just one year after it was submitted, following a vote by board members requiring no further environmental review of the 335-ft building. Developers Related Cos. LP of New York City and locally based Beal Cos. still must win approval from the city's Zoning Board of Appeals for the tower's height, which is twice the height allowed by city zoning bylaws.
"The Clarendon will bring with it important economic development opportunities," said BRA director Mark Maloney in a statement following the board's approval. "New vibrant ground-floor retail and restaurant will create more than 100 new permanent jobs. Coupled with new housing, these uses will activate the streetscape 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
About 13 percent of the building's rental units will be affordable housing. In addition to the affordable-housing component, the developers also agreed to contribute $825,000 for community projects designed by the BRA, including a planning study of the Stuart Street area.
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