The giant empty pit in the middle of Boston’s historic center—known locally as the “hole”—has been an all too vivid symbol of an economic downturn that began in 2008. That year, developer Vornado stopped construction on what was to be a 38-story mixed-use building on the former site of Filene’s department store, a Boston institution that went bankrupt in 2006. But last February, the site began a new chapter.
Developer Millennium Partners agreed to take a controlling stake in the property for an undisclosed sum, and in mid-September, following approval from the Boston Redevelopment Authority, renderings were released showing a 625-foot mixed-used tower designed by Handel Architects, with plans for surrounding public spaces designed by the Boston firm Höweler + Yoon.
The Boston Redevelopment Authority approved Millennium’s plan in September, and final state approvals are expected by year’s end. Once those go through, construction could begin next spring, first on the Burnham renovation and then the tower, expected to be completed in three years. Public reaction to the plan has been positive, but almost anything would be preferable to the four-year-old gaping hole. Nash Yacoub, a long-time business owner with offices downtown, said, “For too many years that area has had vacant storefronts and eyesores. The neighborhood gets a lot of traffic, and I’m looking forward to seeing it rise again.”
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