The Stuart Street Planning Study represents a pivotal initiative shaping the future of a key area in Boston. Launched in 2008, this comprehensive study was a direct response to substantial development proposals in the vicinity, including projects like Clarendon, Columbus Center, 131 Dartmouth Street, and 10 Saint James Avenue. Furthermore, it addressed the necessity to update the Downtown Interim Planning Overlay District, which had been in place for over two decades. To guide this important process, an Advisory Group was established, working collaboratively with the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA, now the Boston Planning & Development Agency – BPDA) and their team of consultants throughout the planning duration.
Delving into the Stuart Street Planning Study Background
At its core, the Stuart Street Planning Study was designed to explore the potential for development within the designated area while carefully considering its broader impact. The study meticulously defined guidelines for building height, density, and land use, crafting various scenarios for future growth. A crucial element was the thorough assessment of how increased density and building heights would affect surrounding neighborhoods. This included analyzing impacts on transportation infrastructure, the public transit system, parking availability, and environmental factors such as wind patterns, shadow casting, and groundwater levels. The study also prioritized the incorporation of new open spaces and the preservation of existing ones, pedestrian accessibility, historically significant buildings, and important view corridors.
The long-term evolution of the Stuart Street area is intrinsically linked to its surroundings, including notable landmarks, residential zones, and open public spaces. Future development must thoughtfully address the influence of wind and shadow on nearby Copley Square, the Boston Public Garden, and adjacent communities like Bay Village, the South End, and Back Bay. Moreover, given that much of Back Bay is built on landfill, maintaining appropriate groundwater levels is a critical consideration for any new construction in the Stuart Street area. The ultimate aim of the Stuart Street Planning Study was to establish updated development guidelines and zoning recommendations specifically tailored for the blocks encompassing Stuart Street.
Defining the Stuart Street Study Area
The Stuart Street Planning Study area is clearly defined, encompassing a significant 12+ block region exceeding forty acres. Its boundaries are marked by St. James Avenue to the north, Dartmouth Street to the west, Columbus Avenue/Cortes Streets to the south, and Arlington Street to the east. This area is framed by iconic Boston landmarks, including the towering 790-foot Hancock Building, the Old Hancock Building, historic Copley Square, and Trinity Church. The diagonal intersection of Columbus Avenue and the proximity to the historic Bay Village and South End neighborhoods further characterize the area. The majority of the study area falls within the General Business District (B) and the Downtown Interim Planning Overlay District (IPOD), established in 1987. The remaining portions are situated within the Bay Village Neighborhood District (Article 63) and the South End Neighborhood District (Article 64), both adopted in 1998, indicating a complex existing zoning landscape that the Stuart Street Planning Study sought to refine.
Accessing the Stuart Street Planning Study Documents
For those seeking detailed information, the documents related to the Stuart Street Planning Study are readily accessible. This includes:
- Article 48 Stuart Street District – Draft for Boston Zoning Commission – 3-4-16 PDF, 154KB 3/4/2016
- Article 48 Stuart Street District – Draft Approved by BRA Board – 2-11-16 PDF, 246KB 2/11/2016
These documents provide a deeper understanding of the zoning changes and guidelines established as a result of the Stuart Street Planning Study, crucial for developers, residents, and anyone interested in the ongoing development of Boston’s urban landscape, particularly around Stuart Street.
