Boston’s South Station, the busiest transit hub in New England, has entered a new era with the unveiling of a comprehensive redevelopment led by Hines in partnership with Amtrak, MBTA, the Boston Planning & Development Agency, and MassDOT.
Originally opened in 1899 and designed by Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge, the Beaux-Arts landmark remains central to the city’s civic identity. Pelli Clarke & Partners spearheaded the redesign, which marks the first major upgrade to the 126-year-old station since the 1980s.
The Great Space at Boston South Station
A centerpiece of the transformation is the Great Space, a new south entrance concourse defined by 10 monumental concrete arches supporting three dramatic domes rising six stories high.
This newly completed concourse enhances the passenger experience by replacing what was once a dim, congested hub with expanded, bright public spaces; increased circulation; and seamless multi-modal transit connectivity.
“The completion of Boston South Station marks a radical transformation of the passenger experience, ensuring longevity through enhanced transit connectivity and reimagined public spaces,” says Fred Clarke, cofounder and partner emeritus at Pelli Clarke & Partners. “We sought to honor the station’s heritage while reestablishing it as a civic centerpiece through progressive design and sustainable construction. This redevelopment positions South Station as both a vital urban landmark and a symbol of Boston’s capacity to adapt, evolve, and lead.”
A new 52-story mixed-use tower
Rising above the station is the addition of a 51-story mixed-use tower, with a sculpted form that “reshapes the skyline while thoughtfully complementing the surrounding urban fabric and remaining respectfully attuned to the historic headhouse it rises above,” says Graham Banks, partner at Pelli Clarke & Partners.
The tower comprises 680,000 square feet of office space, 166 Ritz-Carlton residences designed by Jeffrey Beers International, and a mix of retail, dining, and amenities. Floor-to-ceiling windows in office and residential units boast panoramic views of the city and its harbor.
At the tower’s base, a multi-level podium, accessed through a dedicated entrance adjacent to the transit center, houses shuttle lobbies, retail spaces, and restaurants.
A landscaped one-acre rooftop park crowns the podium, offering gardens and outdoor spaces for tenants and residents.
With LEED Gold precertification and a planned BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, South Station is also recognized with a GRESB Green Star.
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