Big Changes Coming to Morrissey Blvd: Two Apartment Towers Approved by Boston Planning Department
Big development news for Dorchester—two new apartment towers are officially coming to Morrissey Boulevard. According to the Boston Globe, the Boston Planning Department has approved plans from Copper Mill, a Boston-based real estate firm, to transform the long-vacant Channel 56 building site at 75 Morrissey Blvd. into housing.
Here’s the scoop: the $450 million project will include 754 apartments split between two 18-story towers, plus a three-level underground garage with more than 400 parking spots. Ground-floor retail, community green space, and flood protection are also part of the design. One tower will face Morrissey Boulevard while the other will face I-93, directly next to the former Boston Globe building (now Southline).
This is just the first phase of a nine-acre master plan near JFK/UMass. Originally pitched as lab space, the project pivoted to housing when Copper Mill took over last year. It now ranks as one of the biggest residential developments approved in Boston in recent years—second only to the still-pending Dorchester Bay City project across the street.
Flooding is a big concern for Morrissey, so the site will be raised five feet, and all retail entrances will be designed with flood barriers. Demolition of the old TV studio is expected to begin later this year, with construction on the first tower kicking off in 2026.
You can read the full details here!
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
Flooding is a problem. However what about the traffic that 754 apartments will bring. It’s already connected and will put added traffic issues. Will there be a plan to add an entrance and exit to 93. And what about access to public transportation. While I think it’s great use of the land. Will there be mixed use meaning affordable units to lower income workers and over 55 living units. Or even artisan units.
Yes! This is exactly what I’ve been saying. The rotary is already a challenge in the mornings to get out of Southie and they’re going to add 400 cars? In any way you look at it, 754 apartments added to one street is a lot without more investment in infrastructure.
That’s a lot of apartments in that little area. I hope it works out. I wonder if it’s gonna be some tax Credit apartments in there or for the homeless
Does it affect Star Market?
Great news! In every shape and form, Boston needs all the housing it can get. One can hope its proximity to JFK/Umass T will dissuade some of these future residents from owning cars but if not, c’est la vie. At least any additional cars would belong to actual residents of Boston. Plus, this could potentially allow some of the current suburban commuters to live closer to their jobs, which would be a win for everyone.
This spot is a 7 minute walk to JFK – it’s incredibly T-accessible. I don’t know why there would be questions or concerns about transit access.