First Residential Building Opens at Fenway Center
New Model for Sustainability in Luxury Apartment Living
BOSTON, MA (August 2020) – BOWER, the highly anticipated residential development that is Phase 1 of the 1.3 million-square-foot transit-oriented, mixed-use Fenway Center complex, has opened the first of two residential buildings. The project is located adjacent to the historic Fenway Park and Lansdowne Commuter Rail Station, and reimagines an underutilized urban crossroads as a walkable, pedestrian-oriented community that reconnects the historic and unique Audubon, Fenway, Kenmore and Longwood Medical Area neighborhoods.
Comprised of two buildings—an 8-story, 100-unit mid-rise and an adjacent 14-story, 212-unit tower—Bower provides a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, ranging from $2,788- $6,038. Each is equipped with energy efficient features, open floor plans and a beautiful design aesthetic with shared amenities atop both buildings. The first of the two buildings is now open and actively leasing. Building 2 remains under construction with an anticipated completion in September. Key to the project team’s goal of smart, sustainable, community-focused growth, public amenities at Bower include a 12,000-square-foot public plaza and multi-level landscaped pedestrian walkways that connect the two buildings. Commuter rail service at the revitalized, full-service Lansdowne Station between South Station and Worcester UMass Medical Center is also located at Fenway Center, providing access to Fenway Park, Lansdowne Entertainment District, Longwood Medical Area and connection to all parts of the city without need for an automobile.
Shared amenities between the two buildings include: two expansive roof decks, with the taller building’s indoor/outdoor areas offering partial views into Fenway Park; a rooftop pool deck and cabanas; BBQs and fire pits; chef’s kitchen; lounge areas and an indoor, landscaped atrium; conference and co-working spaces; a secure bike garage and workshop; outdoor dog play area and dog spa; and a fitness center and yoga suite.
Additionally, Bower will be LEED Gold certified and the first multifamily building in New England to use dynamic View Smart Glass. Designed to tint automatically in response to ambient light levels throughout the day, View Smart Glass allows natural light into the buildings while keeping unwanted heat and glare out without the need for window treatments. Studies have shown that access to natural light boosts mood and productivity and comes with a number of additional health benefits such as better sleep and reduced eyestrain. Residents can enjoy their views all day as well as have the option to adjust the tint to their personal preference via a mobile app or by letting the system adjust automatically.
Due to the global health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus, people are working from and spending more time at home, creating critical need for highly-amenitized residences and thoughtful implementation of healthy lifestyle programming. “Given the amount of time we spend at home—especially in the midst of a pandemic—it is essential we design spaces we enjoy, and which promote health and our well-being,” stated Gerding Edlen Managing Partner, Kelly Saito.
Utilizing the principles of biophilic design, Bower was designed to be a place of refuge and sanctuary within the city—incorporating strategies that connect occupants to the natural environment and promote health, productivity and well-being. These strategies are proven to induce positive physical and psychological responses in people including overall happiness, reduced stress and improved cognitive function. At Bower, these features include abundant indoor and outdoor landscapes and a focus on bringing natural light into the building. Skylights, full-height glass, operable windows and a private atrium connects indoor occupants to the outdoors, and a rooftop deck and pool provides fresh air and views of the city, the Charles River, Fenway Park and sunsets.
“I am incredibly proud to have co-developed Bower. It is truly where the pebble drops for smart growth, transit-oriented and sustainable living in Boston. Bower is named for a beautiful place and industrious bird that makes a magnificent nest—and that is exactly what we’ve done with these buildings,” stated co-developer and President of Meredith Management, John Rosenthal.
The leasing office is now open and available for scheduling both in-person and virtual tours. In accordance with local and state guidance, face masks are required for all onsite tours with a limit of three visitors per tour. Additionally, high touch points are being cleaned regularly and psychical distancing of six feet or more is encouraged. Virtual tours are available via live video tours and pre-recorded, video walk-throughs are also available. For more information on Bower’s COVID-19 guidelines and in-person or virtual tours, click here.
The general contractor for Fenway Center is John Moriarty & Associates. The Architectural Team, Inc. located in Chelsea, MA is the architecture firm for the project, and the interior design firm is Planeta Design Group of Boston. Copley Wolff Design Group is the landscape architecture firm for the project. Construction lenders for Fenway Center Phase 1 are Union Labor Life Insurance Company and SunTrust Bank.
About the Name, Bower
Bower: a pleasant shady place under trees or climbing plants in a garden or wood.
The name and brand were inspired by the design team’s commitment to connecting nature and the built environment. The project’s location was once part of the Muddy River and an extension of the Emerald Necklace when the land first existed as lush and vibrant marshland dating back to the 1800s. The design team of Beam and Adam & Co., both of Boston, worked hand-in-hand with the developers, architects and interior designers to create an evocative name and brand that captured the essence of the building’s history and its residential experience.
Development Team
Bower is being developed by Gerding Edlen, in partnership with joint venture partners Meredith Management and Nuveen Real Estate and when complete there will be 312 apartments and represents the first phase of the Fenway Center, mixed-use, transit-oriented development abutting the Lansdowne Commuter Rail Station. In addition, BOWER is comprised of a large public landscaped plaza and walkway, along with 37,000 sf of ground floor retail space and 200 underground parking spaces.
About Gerding Edlen
Gerding Edlen is a leading real estate investment, development and asset and property management firm recognized for its expertise in creating and owning highly sustainable, urban infill, office, residential and mixed-use properties. Founded in 1996, the firm engages a socially responsible approach to real estate by cultivating properties that strengthen communities, minimize impact on the environment and add profound value to residents and tenants. Gerding Edlen’s efforts are guided by a set of criteria, known as the Principles of Place, where community plays a pivotal role alongside design, technology and sustainability in the success of their properties. Gerding Edlen’s development entity is a recognized national leader of sustainable development, which includes more than 75 LEED certified or certified pending properties.
