This morning, National Development celebrated the start of construction on Phase 1 of the $200M Ink Block mixed-use complex with a block party rather than a line-up of suits with hard hats and shovels. (Those who brought hard hats were free to put cocktails in them.)

National Development managing partnerTed Tyesays the unusual ceremony--featuring the Ink Blocktail above--is appropriate for one of the companys mostexcitingprojects. For starters, the five-building Ink Block complex is transforming this part of the South End, replacing the former Boston Herald office and printing plant with 475 housing units and 85k SF of retail. The site--six acres--is probably the largest single development parcel in Boston, Ted tells us. Another notable feature: the complex will take up an entire city block in a neighborhood that has transformed into one of Boston's trendiest since the 90s.

In the first half of the 20thcentury, this section of the South End was mostly residential. By the 50s, houses were razed for industrial buildings. Now, the Ink Block is the first project being built under new city planning guidelines that return the neighborhood to its mixed-use roots and call for rebuilding Harrison Avenue as a boulevard with wide sidewalks and outdoor dining. (Now people on dinner dates and skateboarders can coexist in harmony.) Ink Block construction started today will be completed in early 15, delivering three buildings with 312 apartments, from studios to three bedrooms, a roof deck pool, fitness center,bike workshop, and underground parking. The retail includes a 50k SF Whole Foods.