KPF unveils The Pinnacle at Central Wharf, a high-performance, resilient tower

The Pinnacle at Central Wharf, a high performance and resilient mixed-use tower on the Boston harbor waterfront will reconnect Downtown Boston to the waterfront with new public space.

The KPF-designed project will replace a seven-story parking garage that currently occupies the entirety of the site. The building will give half of the previously inaccessible area over to public open space and also incorporate innovative design strategies pertaining to climate resiliency, energy, emissions, water, and materials to minimize its environmental impact and improve the health and wellbeing of the community it serves.

The Pinnacle public realm

The tower’s curvilinear form will reduce shadow impacts and ease pedestrian flow around the building’s base, creating smooth circulation paths and opening view corridors to the water. As the tower rises, setbacks provide outdoor terraces for occupants and visitors, with views to Boston Harbor and downtown. The glass curtain wall is treated with a non-reflective coating to minimize the glare to the neighborhood.

The Pinnacle’s orientation on the site will enable a new pedestrian corridor, designed to integrate with the New England Aquarium’s proposed “Blueway” vision, to connect the waterfront to 28,000 square feet of on-site active public space, the Rose Kennedy Greenway, and Downtown Boston.

The Pinnacle top floors

The project will also be the first Downtown Waterfront project to implement Boston’s new climate conscious development mandates. The project site and the Harborwalk adjacent to the site will be elevated four feet above its present grade and connect with neighboring sites as they make similar adjustments in the future. These changes will help reduce inland flood risk, protect billions of dollars in property and infrastructure, and enhance walks along the harbor.

The Pinnacle is anticipating LEED Gold certification thanks to its high-performance envelope, high-efficiency mechanical and ventilation systems, and low-flow and low-consumption plumbing fixtures.

The Pinnacle exterior

Mary Ann Lazarus, FAIA, LEED® AP BD+C, has accepted a two-year consulting position with the American Institute of Architects in Washington, DC. Her new position, which begins March 1, will focus on increasing the AIA's impact on sustainability across the profession. The St. Louis-based architect will continue consulting at HOK.

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