Chiofaro harbor garage

There are a lot of skyscrapers in many big cities. Skyscrapers can represent the proud of leading in architecture’s design or to show how nice of the city’s scenery is. There is going be another skyscraper in Boston by tearing down the Boston Harbor Garage, located between the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway and the New England Aquarium. The current proposal calls for a 560-foot office tower and a 690-foot residential tower, which would translate to 40 and 59 stories, respectively. In addition, the two buildings would be connected by a 770-foot rectangular “sky frame” above the development. This project will consist of parking space, shopping stores, restaurants, hotel and residents.

This seems to be a mega project that everyone pays attention to. In construction of this project is promising $28 million in new taxes and 3,500 permanent jobs for the city. This will circulate an economy and generates lot of employments. When this project will be completed, it might be another attraction for the city that could bring many tourists to Boston. It sounds good for economic point of view; however, to pass the proposal, it is needed many processes of consideration and regulations. There are many people against this project for many reasons.

The major and critical issue is about the height of this pair of buildings. The proposal does not comply with either city or state regulations since the project exceeds its height guidelines for the waterfront by at least 145 feet. At this height, residents around that area argue that it would be too tall and overshadow the Greenway and surrounding building. Moreover, this project will cause an impact on air traffic as the Federal Aviation Administration has argued that the height could interfere with airplane maneuvers during emergencies. The site of this project located about two miles from Logan, and now the site of the Boston Harbor garage, is under the path of airplanes. This is the critical issue that should be carefully considered because it relates to the security of transportation.

In addition, the modern design of new building could be contrast with its surrounding building which most of them still maintain the old style of historical spirits. Many residents and neighbors around that are might want to keep this feeling and the scenery of original building which is a part of Boston’s uniqueness.

Therefore, before demolishing or constructing new building or architecture, project’s owner has to make sure that his project is compatible with its surrounding area and comply with both city and state regulations and laws.