The construction of Ink Block, Whole Foods, and other residences, restaurants, and shopping options has triggered a wave of development that will transform the area into an 18-hour neighborhood—one that promotes a mixed-use of activity, 18 hours per day, seven days per week.
Upward Momentum in Boston's South End
Located in the heart of Boston’s historic South End sits a three-level parking garage at 321 Harrison Avenue. The original developer enlisted the help of SMMA to reimagine the space and explore possibilities for maximizing its potential for future tenants. The resulting design includes façade work, a walk-through lobby, and adds eight stories on top of the existing garage intended for lab, office, and retail space. Ultimately, it contributes to the upward trend of the development-boom in South End’s newest neighborhood, affectionately dubbed “Ink Block.”
The design intent was to evoke the rich cultural legacy of the South End, known for its public spaces, architecture, and its connection to the arts. The area enjoys a rich cultural legacy and has always maintained a distinct personality within the context of the city. Given its proximity to both Interstate 93 and the Massachusetts Turnpike, its accessibility has made it an attractive spot for developers seeking to capitalize on real estate opportunities. New construction and adaptive reuse have fueled what has amounted to a renaissance for the neighborhood, emblematic of the continued growth of Boston as a whole.