Roseland and Massport hold ribbon cutting for $75 million Portside at East Pier Building 7; project to encompass 176 apartments and 3,600 s/f retail

Roseland, a subsidiary of Mack-Cali Realty Corp., in partnership with the Mass. Port Authority (Massport), hosted a ribbon-cutting event for the opening of Portside at East Pier Building 7, its flagship residential and retail complex located at 50 Lewis St. Joined by city and state officials including state senator Anthony Petruccelli and state representative Carlo Basile, Roseland and Massport celebrated the completion of the initial building in city's first residential waterfront development project in decades. Design for the $75 million project was provided by Lessard Design Inc. and the general contractor was Cranshaw Construction. Portside at East Pier Building 7 features five stories comprised of 176 apartments - including six extended-stay units - in addition to 3,600 s/f of ground floor retail space and 192 parking spaces. "The opening of Portside at East Pier Building 7 marks a major step in creating a dynamic, thriving waterfront neighborhood that truly represents the character of East Boston," said Marshall Tycher, president of Roseland. "Roseland is proud to play an integral role in the transformation of this previously underutilized shoreline, and we look forward to continuing to build our relationship with the East Boston community." The property is the first to open as part of Roseland's larger, master-planned, mixed-use waterfront development, which will contain three buildings and a total of 550 luxury apartments in Jeffries Point. Once completed, the development will feature 70,000 s/f of ground floor retail space, which is planned to include a theater, fitness club, business center, parking facilities, and more. In line with Roseland's vision to create a cohesive neighborhood experience on the waterfront, Roseland and Massport are also repurposing the outdoor space on the 26 acre lot to create a public park and recreational marina. Massport CEO Thomas Glynn honored the vision of three individuals who could not attend the event: Massport's Tom Butler and Lowell Richards and the late Boston mayor Tom Menino. "Just as they envisioned, we hope that the success of Portside at East Pier will spark a revitalization of one of this city's real gems - the East Boston Waterfront," Glynn said. Portside at East Pier's East Boston neighborhood offers residents convenient access to various retail and dining destinations, with a multitude of local shops and restaurants in the immediate vicinity, along with access to several public transportation options. The property is just steps away from the T at Maverick Station, which provides easy transport to the center of Boston and to Logan International Airport. Residents and visitors will also have access to a water taxi to Lewis St. in Boston's North End. "As the state representative from this area, I am constantly selling East Boston as a hidden gem of the city, and one that is constantly evolving before our eyes," said state representative Carlo Basile. "I want to thank the many organizations, agencies, and residents that came together to make this project happen." City councilor Sal LaMattina said "Portside at East Pier Building 7 has been an achievement in the making for many years. As a WDAC member I'd like to thank Roseland, Massport, the city of Boston, and East Boston residents for their partnership and teamwork. These beautiful apartments overlooking the Boston skyline will be the catalyst for other developments along our waterfront." As of Oct. 15, Roseland has opened leasing at Portside at East Pier Building 7 to both residents and retail tenants. Key amenities of the complex's residential units include oversized windows, ceramic tiles, stone countertops, kitchen islands, stainless steel appliances, washer and dryer, hardwood-style flooring, 10-foot ceilings and, in many homes, balconies with stunning views of the Boston Harbor. Additionally, the pet-friendly community offers tenants a 24/7 concierge, fully equipped fitness center, clubroom with gaming and lounge areas, a conference room with Mac stations, and Wi-Fi throughout all common areas. Shown (from left) are: State senator Anthony Petruccelli, Roseland president Marshall Tycher, city councilor Sal LaMattina, state representative Carlo Basile, BRA director Brian Golden, and Massport CEO Tom Glynn