As a $1.6 billion project to redevelop the streets surrounding Fenway Park lurches forward, new plans unveiled by the architects hired by Red Sox ownership and partners show a building that would dramatically change the backdrop of the Green Monster.
Fenway Sports Group, in conjuncture with WS Development and Twins Enterprises, debuted the “Fenway Corners” project in 2021 and gained approval from the Boston Planning Department in 2023. Senior Vice President of WS Development Yanni Tsipis presented a series of artist renderings of plans for Lansdowne Street – the block that runs parallel to both the Massachusetts Turnpike and the outfield wall.
A 129-foot tall red brick building is slated to stand behind the Monster at 55 Lansdowne, and according to an article by the Boston Globe, could block the view of the historic Citgo sign “from some angles.”
The building will have signage of its own on top and will be visible above the Monster. Tsipis was adamant throughout the meeting that architects took pains to provide a “respectful” and “contextual approach to development of this site.” He noted the area is zoned for buildings as tall as 250 feet, but they found the agreed-upon height to be more “respectful.”
“The two structures work very much in harmony with each other,” he said.
While initially envisioned as lab space, the building is now expected to be a mix of ground-floor retail spaces and both retail and office spaces on the second floor. It will sit between the Cask N' Flagon and House of Blues.
Genevieve Day, of a local neighborhood association, the Fenway Alliance, said, “I love the design of the building. It really looks like one of those buildings that has always been there.”
The renderings also feature a widened sidewalk between the park and the new building, and some green space – although Tsipis said it will be a challenge to maintain grass and trees in that area.
Ownership and partners are yet to actually break ground on the project, but estimate it will be at least a 24-month undertaking, according to Boston Planning Department documents. The earliest possible starting date is 2026. Tsipis shared the following vision and priorities for Fenway Corners:
1. Put people and bicycles first
2. Respect and preserve history
3. Celebrate and embrace the grit and grain of the area
4. Focus on small, but character defining, anchor uses
5. Give attention to small details that can make a place
6. Avoid becoming a sports theme park