New Balance is planning to upgrade its headquarters in Brighton, MA, which will include an expansion of its offices, adding a park, housing and additional commercial space. However, Lowes is looking to build its first store in Boston on the same spot.
Following a signed development agreement with the property owner in 2007, Lowes hasnt been able to begin construction due to local residents concerns regarding traffic, as well as other issues. A Lowe’s executive stated that the company will file a new development plan with the city 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.
“Were ready and eager to start building,” said 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.”
Property owner David Wanger said his agreement with Lowe’s remains intact and that he expects Lowe’s will grab the spot. With a parcel of approximately 10 acres, he revealed that Lowe’s will use about 8. Wanger added that 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.
