More stores and offices, less expo space planned for World Trade Center

Fidelity Investments, which owns the World Trade Center, has told the BPDA it plans to invest heavily in revamping the Word Trade Center, to add stores, offices and "public realm" space by re-purposing some of the current exposition space.

The company signaled its intent for "a significant infrastructure investment" in a letter to the BPDA, in which it says it will shortly file more detailed plans for "large project" review by the agency. The plans will also include "resiliency measures to meet the challenges anticipated from forecasted rising tides and increased storm intensity."

The proposed revitalization of the SWTC is a transformative project that will modernize and reposition the existing building and Commonwealth Pier for its next generation of use as a vibrant place for work, retail, events and active public waterfront experiences within the city’s exciting Seaport District. While the existing building and Project Site require a significant infrastructure investment to enable the adaptive re-use and revitalization, the Project has tremendous potential to create an exciting, flexible, and creative workspace that attracts and retains talented employees and provides a unique waterfront experience for the public.xxx The Project will enhance its current uses by replacing the existing exhibition hall with new public realm spaces and improvements and expanded ground-floor retail space, as well as creating new flexible and innovative office space and first-class event spaces.

The World Trade Center, originally known as Commonwealth Pier, is a survivor of the days when the South Boston waterfront was a hub of shipping and commercial activity. During World War I, it served as a naval base, where new recruits underwent training before being shipped to their assignments.

Commonwealth Pier letter of intent (70k PDF).