GentriWatch: Former An Tua Nua Site in Audubon Circle to Be Redeveloped
Welcome to GentriWatch, where we look for signs of gentrification happening around the city.
Audubon Circle is changing.
The neighborhood just outside Kenmore Square, bisected by Beacon Street, already saw the Elephant Walk transform from a bustling restaurant, to a massive crater near the southern portion of Boston University’s campus, to a nearly completed, $16 million apartment project in two years’ time.
The Boston Redevelopment Authority board approved Thursday a $17.5 million mixed-use project at 835-843 Beacon Street, the former site of the dearly departed An Tua Nua, a popular spot for a beer before the Sox game. The Irish pub closed in 2013 and was replaced by Arc, which has since shuttered.
The five-story, 45-unit project, submitted by Miner Realty, will include two ground-floor retail spaces and 30 parking spaces, as well as six affordable units as required by the city’s Inclusionary Development Policy. In addition, Miner’s plans include a “significant financial contribution” to the Audubon Circle Neighborhood Association.
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Rendering by PCA, via Boston Redevelopment Authority
The building boom along Western Avenue in Allston is spreading into Brighton.
At the same meeting, the BRA board approved plans to convert the former site of Autobahn USA into 132 rental units with retail space at the corner of Western Avenue and Leo M. Birmingham Parkway.
The $51 million project, developed by Boston-based Mount Vernon Company and designed by Prellwitz Chilinski Associates, is being hailed as a “new gateway to Brighton.” Located near the Celtics’ future practice facility at Boston Landing, 530 Western Ave. will include 17 affordable units, as well as storage for 160 bicycles, a bike workshop with tools and repair parts, and a new Hubway station. Those who pre-lease one of the studio, one-, two-, or three-bedroom units will receive a free bike.
As part of its plans, the Mount Vernon Company has committed $200,000 for a joint transportation study conducted by City Hall and MassDOT exploring ways to enhance the Birmingham Parkway corridor for pedestrians and cyclists.
Notice something changing in your neighborhood? Let me know: kclauss@bostonmagazine.com, @KyleClauss.
