Commission clears Fourth & Harrison office and mixed‑use revision, including land dedication for 144 affordable units

Boston Properties returned to the Planning Commission on June 16 seeking approval of a revised Fourth & Harrison project that incorporates the 759 Harrison parcel and adds roughly 305,000 square feet of office for a total of about 810,000 square feet of office across the site. Staff recommended approval of a modified large project authorization, Phase 2 office development authorization and conditional use authorization for demolition of existing buildings.

Sponsor Aaron Fenton said Boston Properties purchased 759 Harrison and worked to relocate unsafe, unpermitted dwelling units on that parcel to safe housing, later negotiating a land‑dedication agreement to provide roughly 15,000 square feet for the city to build an estimated 144 affordable units. Fenton outlined a community benefits agreement that includes below‑market PDR space, programming of privately owned public open space, public‑art collaboration and commitments to union construction jobs. He also emphasized sustainable design goals including an all‑electric building and LEED Platinum aspirations.

Carpenter union representatives and local nonprofit partners testified in favor of the revised project, highlighting union job creation and existing community partnerships. Commissioners discussed the timing and phasing of work but emphasized the project’s role in realizing the Central SoMa area plan and unlocking the dedicated land for affordable housing. The commission voted unanimously, 7–0, to approve the authorizations with conditions; the zoning administrator confirmed no variance was necessary.