Park Square building to become apartments

By Casey Ross, Globe Staff

Developer Dean Stratouly is moving forward with a plan to transform the former Boston Renaissance Charter School on Arlington Street in Park Square, Boston, into an apartment and retail complex.

Stratouly, principal of The Congress Group, wants to build 128 apartments at 100 Arlington Street and use part of the ground floor for retail shops. He outlined his plans in a filing released today by the Boston Redevelopment Authority.

"This project will help to link the Back Bay and Theatre District and represents an important investment which is needed to support and encourage the continued renewal of the Stuart Street corridor," Stratouly wrote in the filing.

He purchased the 13-story building, located across from the Park Plaza Hotel, for about $40 million in August 2008. The building went up for sale after the Renaissance School moved to Hyde Park. Stratouly, who previsouly developed the office tower at 33 Arch Street and several other properties, still needs approval from the BRA before he can begin construction.