BPDA Approves New Holocaust Museum Downtown, Redevelopment Of Whole Foods In Brighton
The Boston Planning & Development Agency approved several projects during its monthly board meeting on Thursday, including a 230-unit redevelopment in Brighton and a new Holocaust Museum and Educational Center downtown.
The six-story, 32K SF museum will be located at 125 Tremont St., across the street from the Park Street Church and steps away from the Boston Common. The project, run by the Holocaust Legacy Foundation, is expected to cost $35M and open in early 2026.
"The Museum and Educational Center is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Boston each year, and will serve as a powerful and enduring reminder of what can happen when hatred goes unchecked, by fostering an understanding of the value of inclusivity, tolerance, and equality for all," the foundation's attorney, Michael P. Ross of Prince Lobel Tye LLP, wrote in its June application.
The board also approved Kimco Realty's 341K SF redevelopment at 15-35 Washington St. in Brighton. The project will include 229 units, a new 43K SF Whole Foods grocery store, replacing the existing Whole Foods on the site, and an additional 4K SF of retail space. The developer has also set aside 41 units as income-restricted.
The BPDA board also voted on policy and planning amendments, including the implementation of PLAN: Newmarket, aimed at preserving one of the city's few industrial hubs. It also approved an affordable housing waiver, part of Mayor Michelle Wu's executive order that would exempt certain affordable housing projects from the Article 80 process and accelerate their development.
Alexandria Real Estate Equities also won approval for the sale of its interests in two Charlestown Navy Yard buildings, the Boston Business Journal reported. The buildings, once occupied by Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and The MGH Institute of Health Professions, were leased out through the BPDA to The East Cambridge Co. but now sit vacant.
