Seaport Square gets a state OK

Casey Ross, Globe Staff

The state has given a key environmental approval to the developers of Seaport Square, putting the project a big step closer to construction of 20 blocks of buildings, public parks, and new boulevards that seeks to transform a vast swath of the South Boston waterfront.

Environmental Secretary Ian Bowles found that the proposed project complies with Massachusetts regulations and will benefit the public by revitalizing 23 acres in a seaport district still dominated by surface parking lots.

The project calls for the construction of residences, stores, offices, and hotels on an L-shaped chunk of property between the federal courthouse and the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. The project also includes several new parks, streets, and sidewalks that will connect the property to the waterfront.

The development team, doing business as Seaport Square LLC, includes commercial builder Boston Global Investors, Morgan Stanley, and retail developer W/S Associates.

In his finding, Bowles wrote the project will "set a new standard for energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction by major development projects."

Plans for buildings in the complex incorporate energy-saving heating and ventilation equipment, green rooftops, and transparent walls that will reduce the need for lighting.

"Seaport Square represents the most significant commitment to green buildings of any project of its scale in the Commonwealth," Bowles wrote. "Indeed, when fully built-out, Seaport Square may be one of the largest sustainable neighborhoods in the country."

The project still needs sign-offs from the state Department of Environmental Protection and other agencies, as well as approvals from the Boston Redevelopment Authority. Construction of the first public parks is scheduled to begin next year. The developers welcomed the findings today and pledged to incorporate elements that will advance Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino's goal of re-making the area into a so-called "innovation district" with technology and medical firms, and new housing for their workers. Construction of the first buildings is expected to begin in mid 2011.

"We look forward to a continuing cooperative effort with the Boston Redevelopment Authority on development details, particularly
including creation of live/work/play innovation elements that will help set the course for the future of a vibrant waterfront," Seaport Square LLC said in a statement.