As many areas of Boston continue their transformation thanks to one of the most noteworthy building booms in the city's history, the Back Bay is gradually turning into the metropolis' second highrise cluster. Approved by the Boston Redevelopment Authority last year, another skyscraper known as 380 Stuart Street is set to join the growing pack of tall contemporary buildings. The new $350 million office tower will be developed and funded by John Hancock, also responsible for the city's John Hancock Tower — now 200 Clarendon Street — and Berkeley Building, which are both located in the Back Bay.

380 Stuart Street, image via Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM)

Designed by Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) in collaboration with CBT Architects, 380 Stuart Street will bring a new architectural style to the neighbourhood. Indeed, with a height of only 27 storeys for 118 meters, the edifice will have a strong presence in the streetscape thanks to generous curves. Starting at street level, an arched gateway fronting Stuart Street will frame the entrance of the 58,000-square-metre building, then extend on each side of the tower as a parapet above the street-level restaurant and other retail spaces.

Gateway at 380 Stuart Street, image via Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM)

Looking up, a clear glass facade will wrap the edifice's rounded corners, eventually reaching the last level topped by a similarly curved roof pierced on each side to accommodate a roof deck for community events along with mechanical equipment. Other amenities include a fitness centre as well as a 175-spot underground parking garage. The developer has indicated that the new tower will have the capacity to accommodate up to 3,000 people. 

Aerial view of 380 Stuart Street, image via Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM)

The site at 380 Stuart Street is currently occupied by a 13,000-square-metre, nine-storey office building built in 1924. Owned by John Hancock and without any heritage designation, the structure will be torn down to make way for the new development. Construction is expected to start some time in the second half of 2016, for a planned completion date in early 2019.

Existing building at 380 Stuart Street, image retrieved from Google Streetview

In the meantime, additional images and information about the project can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.