Boston’s Old South Church is the latest aggrieved party in a simmering battle for sunshine amid a downtown building boom.
The 142-year-old church is two blocks away from a planned tower at Back Bay Station, a subway and commuter rail stop. Representatives for the church are concerned that shadows from the planned 365-foot tall structure would cause moisture damage to masonry and darken stained-glass windows.
Old South Church has asked the developer for $19 million in mitigation funds, with $4 million going toward repairs to the church. The remaining $15 million would go to a citywide fund for affordable home-ownership programs.
Boston Properties, the developer, says the fee is exorbitant, and that impact studies don’t support the church’s fears, though a preservation architect quoted by the Boston Globe says the concerns are warranted. The company plans $72 million in upgrades to the train station and surrounding area as part of a $1 billion project consisting of three office and apartment towers and a garage over the Massachusetts Turnpike.
The Boston Planning & Development Agency hasn’t made a decision on the church’s request, and has delayed a vote on the project while church officials and the developer continue discussions. In a related matter, the state passed a law earlier this year that allows more shade from buildings on Boston Common, a move that would allow construction of a proposed 700-foot tall tower above an old parking garage.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 30, 2018
San Francisco plans tougher seismic building codes
Recommendations include addressing geotechnical issues like those faced by Millennium Tower.
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2018
Tall Mass Timber code proposals approved at Intl. Code Council public comment hearings
Proposals now go to online voting; final outcome expected in December.
Codes and Standards | Oct 25, 2018
Low-income neighborhoods could benefit most from green roofs
Those areas face the biggest risk from extreme heat.
Codes and Standards | Oct 24, 2018
Building design critical to prevent school shootings
Safety must be balanced with welcoming environment.
Codes and Standards | Oct 23, 2018
Codes in Florida Panhandle made buildings vulnerable to Hurricane Michael
Less stringent codes in northern parts of state linked to devastation.
Codes and Standards | Oct 19, 2018
Global Green Tag production certification standard will launch in U.S. at end of year
Australian program recognized by WELL, claims compliance with LE.
Codes and Standards | Oct 18, 2018
Federally-backed rebuilding of public buildings often leaves them vulnerable to future storms
FEMA dollars pay for reconstruction, but local decision-makers ignore climate change impacts.
Codes and Standards | Oct 17, 2018
Philadelphia plumbing code will now allow for more use of plastic pipes in high rises
Of the 50 largest U.S. cities, Philadelphia is one of just six that still require metal pipes.
Codes and Standards | Oct 16, 2018
New Disaster Recovery Reform Act will support adoption of updated building codes
Provides incentives for communities to modernize and enforce codes.
Codes and Standards | Oct 12, 2018
Boston ‘housing emergency’ prompts regional initiative for new residential construction
Mayors of 15 cities set goal of 185,000 new homes by 2030.