Starck in Boston
City backs designer's proposalThe Boston Redevelopment Authority yesterday endorsed a plan that could have design impresario Philippe Starck recreating the interior of the old Area D4 police station in the South End, bringing some high-style condos to a neighborhood otherwise known for its staid brick.
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"I hope this sends a signal that Boston is focused on world class and cutting-edge projects," BRA director Mark Maloney said of his staff's decision to recommend Yoo D4 Urbanica's proposal. That project would preserve the facade of a four-story police station built in 1932 at 7 Warren Ave. near Berkeley and Gray streets. In the proposed makeover, the police station's interior would feature an enclosed courtyard with orange trees and a roof partly sodded with grass to hold rainwater. The roof would reduce the runoff into the South End's already overtaxed drainage system during big storms, Zahedi said. The roof was a big selling point for the project, he said.
There would also be 24 condos, ranging from about 800 to 1,300 square feet -- three designated as affordable under federal income guidelines. Market-rate condos would likely sell for $500,000 to $1 million. Once approved, the renovation is estimated to be completed by the end of 2005.
* Ray, 11/19/2003 10:03:03 AM
