New Jacob Wirth redevelopment proposed

A Boston developer wants to build a 24-story office tower around the Jacob Wirth building on Stuart Street, replacing a 2006 proposal for a 108-room hotel and residential building that would have also demolished a portion of the historic tavern.

The new proposal by EASTAT Realty Capital, LLC would preserve the Wirth building, a 140-year-old structure at 31 to 37 Stuart Street. A previous developer, Weston Associates, would have removed a portion of the the tavern's kitchen for the construction. That plan was withdrawn last year.

EASTAT's plan also includes a two-story winter garden with a cafe on the mezzanine level, as well as ground-floor retail space, according to plans filed with the Boston Redevelopment Authority.

The developer is betting that demand for office space in downtown Boston will remain strong by the time the building is ready for occupancy. The proposed development would include nearly 248,000 square feet of office space in a sleek, glass and steel tower. Construction would begin next July, with the tower's opening planned for early 2011.
(By Casey Ross, Globe Staff)