Boston Convention & Exhibition Center - Boston, MA
CSL was recently retained to help lead Master Planning and Feasibility Research for the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. The comprehensive planning work provided a research-based framework for future development of the BCEC, supportable development on Authority-owned land, and efforts to link the BCEC site into surrounding neighborhoods. Working with project architects and planners, specific key Planning Objectives that were addressed as part of study included the following:
- Evaluated industry trends that effect future convention and tradeshow needs.
- Evaluated negative impact of the lack of hotel rooms in the city and in the vicinity of the BCEC.
- Considered global venue innovation that may have application to future BCEC development initiatives.
- Considered the need for and impact of additional ballroom and/or multi-use space on Authority-owned parcels.
- Evaluated future sustainability issues impacting BCEC programming.
- Assessed potential economic impact of expansion scenarios, including phased approaches.
- Explored ways to knit the BCEC into the fabric of the surrounding neighborhoods and streets.
- Assessed opportunities to leverage BCEC activity and future commercial development initiatives to establish D Street as a multipurpose, active streetscape.
- Incorporated industry trends in terms of open space, public art, technology, food service and other aspects into BCEC planning.
- Explored public transit opportunities, pedestrian access, connections to the South Boston neighborhood, the Fort Point Channel and the South Boston Waterfront.
- Evaluated means of ensuring effective truck and freight access into the BCEC and loading docks.
CSL’s recent work for the Authority built on our past planning studies for the convention and tradeshow industry in Boston conducted in 2011.