The neighborhood was once a thriving marine industrial area with wharf, docks, and piers lining the waterfront’s edge. These once ubiquitous structures are now almost gone, replaced by condominium, shopping malls and parks.
Boston Towing, a harbor tugboat operating company, owns Atlantic Boiler and is one of the last water dependent businesses in the area. Recently the Fire Department required them to bring the building up to code, and from Boston Towing’s standpoint – demolishing the building costs less than spending the estimated $750K-1M to fix it.
The community is looking for ways to save this building. Given the short period of time (demolition permit deadline is September 10, 2012), options are running out. The 3 strategies being discussed to save the building are:
1. Change the zoning boundary of the building: It can function as something other than marine/ water related industry. This will make the property more valuable to develop; however, it wouldn’t necessarily save the structure.
2. Apply for the landmark status: This will protect the building from demolition; however, the landmark status may put restrictions on the alteration of the facade making it harder to develop the property.
3. Lease the space to nearby marinas and extend harborwalk into the property: This potentially would require the owner to maintain the property, which they are not interested in the first place.
What are your ideas to save this building? Have you faced a similar issue? For inquiries or suggestions – please contact Scott Hamwey at scotthamwey@yahoo.comor Susan Brauner at susanparkerbrauner@gmail.com
-Agnes
