New Balance is exploring a plan for a larger development alongside its headquarters in Brighton, MA, that would include an expansion of its offices, a park, housing, and additional commercial space. But Lowe’s is looking to build its first store in the city of Boston on the same spot.
A Lowe’s executive told The Boston Globe that said the DIY retailer will file a new development plan with the cit in the next few weeks for a 145,000-square-foot store between the turnpike and Guest Street, just below the major crossroad of Market Street. Lowe’s hopes to begin construction later this year. Although Lowe’s signed a development agreement with the property owner in 2007, it was unable to win city approvals because of residents concerns about traffic and other issues.
“Were ready and eager to start building,” said a Lowe’s spokeswoman, Maureen Rich.
But New Balance, which moved into its corporate headquarters on Guest Street in 2000, plans to offer its competing development plan during a Feb. 24 community meeting.
“We have a broad vision for the future of the Guest Street area that includes transit-oriented, phased, and sustainable development,” said New Balance spokeswoman, Amy Dow. “We look forward to engaging in dialogue with the residents of Allston-Brighton.”
The property owner, David Wanger, said his agreement with Lowe’s remains intact and he expects Lowe’s will grab the spot. With a parcel of about 10 acres, he told the Globe that Lowe’s will use about 8 and he is trying to interest New Balance in the remaining two acres.
“There could be a mixed-use project here where all three of us are involved, and we hope there will still be an opportunity to pursue that vision,” said Wanger, president of Marathon Realty Corp., of Newton.
