645 Summer Street Modernization

Saam is responsible for the revitalization of 645 Summer Street on the Boston waterfront, a developer project on Massport-owned land, and collaborated with Massport Real Estate on project execution. The building underwent a complete envelope renewal and a core-and-shell upgrade with smart amenities, waterfront views, and a harborside pedestrian promenade along the Reserved Channel.

The 150,000-square-foot two-story structure pays homage to the marine related industrial/manufacturing history of the area as a tribute to the iconic symbol of the shipping containers at nearby Conley Container Terminal. The existing precast concrete facade panels have been rearranged to reference the containers’ vertical metal paneling and the gray sheen of industrial steel and aluminum. This approach vastly improves natural light penetration into tenant offices. Full-height energy efficient glazing complements 14-foot ceilings in the workplace, yielding a lofty, open feel to promote occupant productivity and collaboration. The new curtain wall visually connects occupants and visitors to the recently expanded Boston Harborwalk along the Reserved Channel. They enter a soaring, energized lobby equipped with food services and a monumental stair to a common roof deck. Other amenities include spacious bathrooms with lockers and showers, comfortable lactation rooms, bike storage, and an artisanal eatery.

The renovation, targeting LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, incorporates roof-mounted photovoltaic solar panels, a tenant bicycle storage facility, and energy-efficient electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. A new 15-foot-wide sculpted concrete podium separates the building from Pappas Way, providing accessible entry to the building, outdoor seating spaces, and a safety barrier between people and traffic. To further enhance pedestrian safety, additional measures have been introduced to slow down traffic on Pappas Way.

Built in 1966 as a printing company’s local headquarters, the building remains a central anchor for the Boston Marine Industrial Park, which runs along the southeastern edge of the Harborwalk’s Reserved Channel segment. This area provides a home to the Boston Athletic Club, DHL Express, FedEx, UPS, W.B. Mason, and other major businesses.

LEED v4

Photos © Christian Phillips Photography