The Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation (CSNDC) has switched course from plans to renovate its headquarters space at the corner of Southern Avenue and Washington Street with a new filing that proposes a full demolition and reconstruction project and minimal expansion.
Instead of building on top of its current space in the Square, the NDC now wants the city to approve a replacement of the building with a 5-story mixed-use building with 41 units of affordable housing and two underground parking spots. The headquarters footprint would expand down Southern Avenue with the taking of a garage at No. 14.
“The project team reviewed the structural considerations, and it was determined…due to structural issues that the best way to move forward was to demolish the building and construct a brand-new, multi-use development,” said Toney Jones, project manager for Codman Square NDC.
The renovation filing was submitted in 2023 after several private meetings with neighbors, but the determination now to demolish the existing building required the new filing with the city’s Planning Department in July. A casualty of the refiling proposal is vehicle parking.
There were 11 spaces underground laid out in the initial filing, but due to new requirements to build 46 bike storage spaces and common shower stalls for bikers, Jones and CSNDC Real Estate Director Tim Caplice said, space to accommodate those new municipal regulations – and the repositioning some mechanicals and trash storage – ate up most of the space set aside for parking.
Showers and parking for bike-user employees are mandatory for non-residential buildings of a certain size, with a square-foot accounting of space used as a base. Under the new NDC plan, the showers and bike parking will be located in the basement garage.
Both Jones and Caplice said they are working to find off-site parking for residents and commercial tenants at some underutilized parking lots at the Latin School Apartments on Talbot Avenue a short walk away.
The housing part of the new plan includes a reduction from 45 units to 41 units of affordable spaces with no major changes, and open space, with a community room on the roof.
The retail program would be scaled down, likely to two storefronts. Existing tenants have been advised of the plans and of the help available for relocation.
Overall, the NDC believes its new development can be a great addition to the revitalization of Codman Square with historic renovations to the Second Church, the Great Hall, and other amenities.
“I think the resurgence and vibrance to the Square added by this project will be a win-win,” said Jones, “and equally complement the existing Latin buildings with residential components.”
