04/06/2022
New Guided Tour of the Future Commonwealth Pier
As our revitalization of Commonwealth Pier continues, we invite you to take a guided tour of this future waterfront destination.
Space to
connect
explore
celebrate
make new memories
connect
The revitalization of this historic destination is currently in progress.
News
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02/08/2022
Construction Progress at Commonwealth Pier
We invite you to watch our latest timelapse showcasing construction activity between April and November 2021!
09/08/2021
Demolition Substantially Complete
Watch our 6-month timelapse video to see the new public plaza take shape - revitalization in action!
10/15/2020
Key Stakeholders Celebrate Start of Construction
Boston's Mayor Walsh, Governor Baker and other leaders celebrate the revitalization of Commonwealth Pier.
10/15/2020
Construction Begins
Commonwealth Pier will create a vibrant, multi-use waterfront destination for Boston.
Construction Update
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About Commonwealth Pier
Enhanced and extensive public spaces. New retail, office and event spaces. So many exciting ways to connect to the waterfront. In short—A more vibrant, multi-use environment for all is coming soon.
Public Space
Space to make new memories
Introducing new ways to connect, explore and celebrate the waterfront.
Enhanced Harborwalk
The Commonwealth Pier Harborwalk will be enhanced and expanded—featuring wider walkways inviting visitors to experience breathtaking harbor views as well as new landscaping, lighting and seating; access to cruise ships, public art, and connectivity to retail and restaurants.
Accessibility
The Pier will be designed to welcome pedestrians into the site by improving connectivity throughout the entire destination. We’re introducing a new grand staircase, widened sidewalks, and clear and accessible circulation including escalators, stairs and elevator access.
Seaport Hotel
Commonwealth Pier’s new event spaces will be a continuation of the Seaport Hotel’s event and meeting spaces, service and quality. Make sure to check back soon—more details about these new indoor and outdoor facilities will be available in the coming months.
Retail Opportunities
We’re introducing 45,000 sq ft of new retail spaces—this includes shopping along Seaport Boulevard and a new restaurant and dining terrace across the upper level of the iconic Headhouse structure.
Public Plaza
We’re creating a new 25,000 sq ft public plaza facing the waterfront, designed to act as a hub and accommodate year-round activities.
Waterfront Niches
We’re carving out five waterfront multi-use, covered spaces around the Pier—giving the public plenty of seating options and space for year-round programming.
“The public spaces at Commonwealth Pier will be significantly upgraded with access to Boston's most prized amenity: the waterfront. Bostonians and tourists alike will be able to stroll the entirety of the newly renovated Pier's half a mile of Harborwalk. I can't wait to see it all come to life.”
—Megha Vadula, Senior Director of Development at Pembroke
Programming
From family-friendly activities to a wide variety of new events, our programming will cultivate a vibrancy distinct to Commonwealth Pier.
Historic Revitalization
Space to explore
Our Vision
The Commonwealth Pier revitalization builds on a rich history to create a more vibrant, mixed-use environment for all. By bringing fresh ideas and perspectives, as well as high quality craftsmanship to this reimagined site, Commonwealth Pier will prove responsive and adaptable for today’s expectations and tomorrow’s opportunities.
163,500
sq ft
Public space
45,000
sq ft
Retail space
56,000
sq ft
Event space
635,000
sq ft
Office space
“The deeper we dove into the building, the less we wanted to change what was already there—and the more we wanted to bring it back to life.”
—Kristian Ahlmark, Design Director at Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects
Read for more on the design inspiration
“When we started this endeavor, we began by imagining what the potential impact of this building could be. The deeper we dove into the building, the less we wanted to change what was already there—and the more we wanted to bring it back to life.
The building almost created a language that we enforced with all our new insertions. All the new elements—they’re all open, transparent, and very sharp in the detail—but it’s almost like…you can see where we made the cut-out. We don’t try to hide it; We leave the surfaces intact. It was more about finding the essence of the building, and the qualities which were already there, to then slowly start to scrape off the layers to see what we could find within the building.
One example of where we’re taking away a piece of the building to actually recreate the old image of the building is in the creation of the public plaza.
The idea was that this would be the space that connects all the public parts of the Pier—places like restaurants, shopping, and areas to just enjoy your surroundings. It’s also where commuters and people walking to office spaces would cross to get where they’re going. The plaza in turn acts as this very vibrant, accessible, connected piece of the building for everyone.
That’s what we all were really trying to do with the revitalized Commonwealth Pier. It’s the blend of rediscovering the building, feeling the historical strength that was there, and adding new layers that lead this building and environment into our day and age for anyone who wants to visit.”
Our History
Over its storied past, Commonwealth Pier has served as the center of the American wool trade, a port of entry for immigrants, a major transportation hub—and largely—a place of exchange in Boston.
This restoration embraces our heritage while introducing contemporary, new ways to engage the building’s unique structure and character to preserve its use well into the future.
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Sustainability
Space to nurture
We’re implementing sustainable design elements such as provisions for future solar panels and energy storage, composting and recycling. We are also making the pier resilient to rising tides and storm intensity threats—ensuring Commonwealth Pier meets the challenges anticipated from climate change well into 2070.
LEED Gold
Targeting LEED Gold certification for Core & Shell
2070
Resiliency measures target for anticipated sea level & climate affects
“It's been a pleasure to be part of a team that really put sustainability and resilience at the heart of the project. These efforts will help to set a new standard for resilient waterfront design in Boston. I'm most excited by this project’s holistic approach to sustainability, addressing environmental and human health & wellness outcomes.”
—Rebecca Hatchadorian, Associate Principal at ARUP
Contact
General inquries
Retail Leasing
Construction
Turner
Chris Brinser
617.839.2201
Location
200 Seaport Boulevard
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
Team
Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects
Design Architect
CBT Architects
Executive Architect
Turner | Janey
Construction Management
VHB
Permitting, Transportation, Civil Engineering, Cultural Resources
ARUP
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing/Fire Protection Engineer, Sustainability
IBI
Landscape Architect
Goulston & Storrs
Legal Counsel
Fort Point Associates, Inc.
Chapter 91 Licensing Consultant
Haley & Aldrich
Geotechnical Engineer
Thornton Tomasetti
Structural Engineer
Streetsense
Retail Strategy Consultant
Massport