The development team behind a plan to construct a 5-story, 46-unit building at 1428 Dorchester Ave. returned to the Fields Corner Civic Association (FCCA) last month to discuss changes to their plan for the site, which includes a building that once housed an insurance business that would be demolished.
Originally projecting 23 units, the proposal in its new form has more apartments; it would eliminate four tandem parking spots; add a small ground floor retail space; eliminate a garage door on Dorchester Avenue; and add a dog run in the back, and playroom for children on the first floor.
The design has also been updated, according to attorney George Morancy and architect Eric Zachrison, as a better fit with its surrounding buildings.
“The previous design didn’t reflect enough of the neighborhood context, so we went through the neighborhood and incorporated those elements into the new design,” Zachrison said.
“It is much more in line with the character and the context of the street…It’s going to be one of the key buildings here now and we wanted to make sure the exterior was special and that we have the retail space there in the front.”
The elimination of the parking in favor of retail came at the suggestion of neighbors, who were upset over the garage door emptying out onto Dorchester Avenue in an area mostly occupied by ground floor storefronts.
Other suggested changes were pushing back the fifth floor to soften the height from the street, and adding the playroom.
“Instead of a conference room or health club, we wanted kids to have a break-out space they could use,” said Zachrison.
Said neighbor Vivian Girard. “I think it is much improved project from what it was before.” However, he and others expressed a worry about the project ever getting to construction – as many others seem stalled out and other newer buildings have high vacancy rates.
Girard pointed to the Richdale project next door, which was permitted three years ago. “A lot of projects are approved but never come under construction,” he said.
FCCA Treasurer Hiep Chu agreed: “Dot Block has been there five years, and the vacancy rate is still pretty high and the same for the Imprint project on Morrissey Boulevard. I know housing is a need of the community but going forward affordability of the housing is of great concern.”
Ahern assured attendees that he doesn’t undertake projects without building them.
“Everything I’ve brought to the ZBA (Zoning Board of Appeal), I’ve built. So far, so good,” he said.
Morancy, who also represents the Richdale project, said his client would be filing an extension on that project soon. He also said it might require a change to rentals rather than homeownership to get going.
As for 1428 Dorchester Ave., Morancy predicted permitting this summer.
“I would expect this would be on track for the BPDA Board of Directors meeting in July after I report that these changes were well-received,” he said, with a trip to the ZBA afterward to finalize permitting.
Graphics courtesy Architect Eric Zachrison
A rendering of the updated building design at 1428 Dorchester Ave. that was presented to the Fields Corner Civic Association last month
