Rendering by Perkins + Will.
A Canadian developer last week filed detailed plans with the BPDA for a four-story life-sciences building that would replace a 369-space garage at 17 Farnsworth St. off Congress Street.
The proposal by BentallGreenOak of Toronto calls for no dedicated parking for the roughly 78,000-square foot building. The developer says there are more than 6,000 parking spaces in garages and lots within a half mile of the proposed building. It says it will develop a "transit demand management" plan that will include "at least two annual events that promote multimodal travel" and "posting real-time information about nearby public transportation options." It will also provide storage space for bicycles as well as showers and a changing area for people who commute on their bikes.
Because Farnsworth Street is at sea level, the building's first floor will be raised at least two feet above the current street level to account for future flooding as sea levels rise. Also, the building will be equipped with portable barriers.
The company bought the garage for $44 million in 2015.