Boston’s former Constitution Center is undergoing a $20 million renovation to create a creative workplace in a unique waterfront environment. The project, which has been renamed Constitution Wharf, is an 8-acre office property located in Charlestown directly on the Boston Harbor and situated across the North Washington Bridge from North Station.
Constitution Wharf will completely reimagine the waterfront office environment to highlight the building’s location on a pier directly next to the birth of the USS Constitution. The 180,000-square-foot office complex is located on the waterfront within walking distance to several public transportation options, as well as a myriad of restaurants, coffee shops, and nightlife. Constitution Wharf has ample on-site parking and also offers a dedicated shuttle service, on-site zip cars, and a nearby Hubway station to further enhance commuter’s options.
National Development will begin construction this month on a new double height lobby, entryway, lounge, café, and fitness area dedicated to the building. Landscape improvements will create an outdoor harbor side “living room” complete with a fire pit and media screen, and ample event space available for tenants to share and interact. The renovation will also include workspace improvements, covered bike storage, new signage and a public art component. Constitution Wharf will offer a high performance work environment in an urban waterfront setting with spectacular views of the Boston skyline and Boston Harbor.
Shoes.com (formerly ShoeBuy) has signed a long-term lease for 31,300 square feet with National Development at Constitution Wharf. The online retailer will relocate its headquarters from 101 Arch Street in Boston’s Financial District to the second floor of One Constitution Wharf due to the company’s rapid growth and desire for unique workspace. National Development will renovate the space to provide a customized open workspace designed to meet the company’s needs. Shoes.com will take occupancy of its new headquarters in late summer 2017.
“We’re incredibly excited about the opportunity to grow our business and to foster an energetic company culture for shoes.com at Constitution Wharf,” said John Foristall, EVP & CFO of shoes.com. “The property’s redevelopment was very attractive to us and met our strict criteria to move our growing headquarters to a premiere and unique location. The custom open workspace on the waterfront will allow us to continue to modernize and transform how people shop for shoes and to attract top talent.”
“It’s a privilege to work with National Development on Constitution Wharf, and we credit the team for their hard work and vision for this project which attracted an exciting company like shoes.com,” said David Townsend, Newmark Knight Frank (NKF) Executive Managing Director. “The property’s fantastic location along with its modern amenities will make Constitution Wharf a great place to build culture and to recruit the best talent.”
