Revitalization

Heart of the Seaport

Revitalization

A treasured Boston landmark returns with a phased opening of retail and restaurants starting in 2025. Welcome to Boston's newest waterfront destination.

New ways to connect

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.

Space to explore

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.

Space to make new memories

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.

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.

Programming

From family-friendly activities to a wide variety of new events, our programming will cultivate a vibrancy distinct to Commonwealth Pier.

The future of the pier

Commonwealth Pier will be a vibrant, multi-use waterfront destination for Boston. The historic headhouse will showcase new street-front retail, and a vibrant shopping experience along Seaport Boulevard.

Looking into the Past

Over its storied past since it's completion in 1913, 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. Source: Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection.

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

Sustainability

  • The project is designed in alignment with City/State 2050 Net Zero regulation
  • Targeting LEED Gold, FitWel and ISO 14001 green/healthy building certifications (including minimizing water consumption)
  • Creating a new natural landscape with 4 exterior courtyards and a public plaza with a mature tree grove. 80% of plants selected were native
  • Installing smart building systems and integrating health & wellness measures such as an end of trip bike facility, biophilia, healthier building materials, natural light/views, and increased fresh air
  • Adding almost two acres of net new habitat and landscape (viaduct, courtyards, entry courtyard) – pervious pavement, habitat for shore birds, songbirds, & pollinators
LEED Gold
Targeting LEED gold certification for core & shell
2070
Resiliency measures target for anticipated sea level & climate effects

Project Team

Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

Design Architect

Goulston & Storrs

Legal Counsel

CBT Architects

Design Architect

Fort Point Associates, Inc.

Chapter 91 Licensing Consultant

Turney | Janey

Construction Manager Joint Venture

Haley & Aldrich

Geotechnical Engineer

VHB

Transportation Planning

Thorton Tomasetti

Structural Engineer

ARUP

Engineer

Streetsense

Retail Strategy Consultant

IBI

Landscape Architect

Massport