20 Somerset continues to be a work in progress

by Sandra Miller
Beacon Hill Times
The Suffolk University Task Force for the project on 20 Somerset St. held its last public meeting on Wednesday, January 7, before the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) will vote up or down on the project on January 29. However, the task force will meet again in February when board members will discuss the remaining architectural details for the new building.
Patrick Todisco of the architectural firm led the board members through the drawings of the buildings but left several options open concerning the lights on Roemer Plaza or the exterior material that will be used at the corners of the Somerset Avenue and the Garden of Peace as well as Roemer Plaza.
The facades at both Roemer Plaza and Garden of Peace will be more reflective of the abutters, with a more subdued façade facing the Garden of Peace, and the main entrance, landscaping and a glass façade revealing the classrooms, studios and activity within the area facing Roemer Plaza.
The sidewalk on Somerset Street in front of the building will be widened from five feet to 12 feet. Roemer Plaza will probably hold street activities that aren’t held on Temple Street. Suffolk University and state park rangers will oversee the policing of the plaza, which will memorialize the legacy of the Metropolitan District Commission.
Financing must be in place before any demolition of the existing building or construction can occur, according to an agreement with the Mass. Historical Commission and Boston Landmarks Commission. “We are proceeding with caution, but believe we can finance this project as presented,” Suffolk University Vice President John Nucci told the members.
A few board members expressed reservations about approving the project with architectural details and a mitigation package for demolition and construction to be nailed down. “The BRA must approve the construction document in design, and any changes must be approved by the BRA,” said BRA spokesman Gerald Autler. “Suffolk cannot make major alterations to the project.”
“What lies ahead for the task force?” asked Rob Whitney of the Beacon Hill Civic Association. “The big issues are dealt with. We will now focus around the design issue.”
All members agreed that the efforts of longtime Beacon Hill resident and activist Billie Lawrence who died a month ago should also be permanently recognized somehow in the final design of the project.
Nucci said he looks forward to the task force staying engaged to help with the final design elements.
“This has been a great process to work with,” Autler said. “The task force is so interested in detail, and it was great to be part of the process.”