The $150-million project would be 25 stories high and would 390rooms, a 3,500-sf lobby, a restaurant and a 121-space undergroundgarage. The project, which would be located at the corner ofTremont and Stuart streets, reportedly has the support of cityMayor Thomas M. Menino, along with the BRA approval, but that doesnot guarantee that the zoning change request will be granted.

The developers have already requested a zoning change for theproject last year, but the commission did not allow the change,insisting that the project receive BRA approval first. The zoningchange being requested by the developers involves changing the areainto an urban renewal district, which would enable the project toreach its proposed height of 274 feet. If the zoning commissiondenies the request, developers would have two more chances to win achange.

The request faces opposition from local residents who object tothe size of the project. The opposition wants to maintain theoriginal zoning requirements to protect the nature of the area,which includes Chinatown and Bay Village. Other concerns are theincrease in traffic and the sense that the approval of the projectlacked enough public participation.