Back to Boston- Observations June 2023

[BostonBornMassMade]

Originally Posted by P Larsen

There is large building construction in other parts of the city, but I would expect that's because it was already in the pipeline.

I think it's not a great sign that half the city isn't seeing anything new at all. Definitely didn't feel "booming" in any way in the areas I was.

Actually, I did see a new building going up on Taber Street in Nubian Square(that's new-ish).

-Bartlett Yards project was wrapping up in Roxbury- but that's been in the pipeline for 6/7 years.

-Olmsted Green was pretty much complete in Mattapan. That's been literally 20 years in the pipeline and in development.

-I didn't go to Glovers Corner to check the progress of DotBlock. Overall though, I did not see not much construction here at all in those parts of the city I frequent.

A 50 year old vacant lot on Warren Street had a new building completed (125 warren street). And the Loop at Mattapan Station was completed. It was definitely a pretty urban/harsh building in that it was all grey, blocky, no grass or landscaping. Functional but kind of soviet block like.

I remember in the past, both 20 years ago and 5 years ago.... seeing much much more redevelopment.

[Lampert]

Originally Posted by BostonBornMassMade

-Downtown Crossing is seemingly 40% vacant and a shell of what it was 10 years ago. Truly sad to see.

Unsurprising considering the news of petty criminal activity (and not so petty) that come out of that area every other day.

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by Lampert

Unsurprising considering the news of petty criminal activity (and not so petty) that come out of that area every other day.

That and that it was oriented towards retail (which is obviously no more). Reading this got me thinking back to how vibrant the place was growing up. I even recall the old Lafayette Place mall. While a failed mall obviously, I remember thinking it was pretty cool as a kid. Packed Filene's and Jordan Marsh right across the street from each other. Jack's Joke Shop on Temple Place. All gone now.