BRA Board Approves $586 Million in New Projects Generating Thousands of Jobs

BOSTON — The Boston Redevelopment Authority approved $586 million in new projects during their latest board meeting creating approximately 700 units of new housing along with new jobs.

All together the eight approved projects — including condos and the renovation of a former rivet factory — are expected to generate 1,4000 construction jobs.

The board also approved the name change for the Boston Marine Industrial Park in South Boston, owned by the city’s Economic Development and Industrial Corporation.

The new name is set to honor the legacy of former ambassador and mayor Raymond Leo Flynn, also known as Ray Flynn, who served as Mayor of Boston from 1984 until 1993.

The recommendation to rename the area was made by Mayor Martin J. Walsh and a special commission formed by the Boston City Council, the BRA announced.

Below is a summary of the new development projects that were approved.

• Redevelopment of Garden Garage with several hundred apartments

Total Project Cost: $350,000,000

Construction Jobs: 499

A single 44-story residential building that is approximately 517,700 square feet with 470 units, and includes approximately 367,000 square feet of below-grade parking with 830 spaces.

• Prime parcels in Allston to be transformed with new housing and retail

Total Project Cost: $47,000,000

Construction Jobs: 122

130 units of housing, along with 7,500 square feet of retail space and an on-site bicycle repair station, are slated to replace three brownfield parcels at 89 Brighton Avenue in Allston.

• New housing approved for Orient Heights in East Boston

Total Project Cost: $9,000,000

Construction Jobs: 37

Two parcels of land near Suffolk Downs and the Orient Heights Blue Line station will be redeveloped with a four-story apartment building containing 44 two-bedroom units, six of which will be designated as affordable. The development at 1181 Bennington Street will significantly improve the state of the property, where a car repair lot that has received several environmental violations is currently located.

• 32-unit development approved for Cambridge Street parcel in Allston

Total Project Cost: $7,000,000

Construction Jobs: 35

Legend Development Group received approval to construct a five-story condominium building on the site of a parking lot that previously served a veterans hall that has been closed for several years. The 32-unit building at 392-398 Cambridge Street in Allston will include 28 two-bedroom units and four one-bedroom units. Four of the units will be designated as affordable.

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