Fort Point presents a distinct urban design opportunity in Boston: few other large cities have expanses of open space available for development so close to their centers. Yet projects along Fort Point Channel, on Fan Pier, and on the South Boston Waterfront must still contend with historic elements of the neighborhood. Fort Point Channel’s warehouses housed artists’ live/work spaces starting in 1976; its Open Studios were the first in the city, and among the first in the nation. Thirty years later the area is experiencing radical change as new projects shape Fort Point and the South Boston Waterfront, making the neighborhood a new destination for homeowners, businesses, and tourists. Common Boston will showcase art, architecture, and urban design at the intersection of the community’s changing demographics as we consider how to build an economically and physically diverse neighborhood.

Events

Russia Wharf Building Tour
Friday, June 18, 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Russia Wharf, 530 Atlantic Avenue

Combing a contemporary high-rise building with restored 19th century buildings, this redevelopment project reflects Fort Point’s manufacturing past while looking toward its future. Led by CBT architect John Bedell. Registration Recommended: http://commonbostonrussiawharf.eventbrite.com/

Photo Discussion of Fort Point
Saturday, June 19, 1:30 pm
Payette, 285 Summer Street

Peter Vanderwarker has a great deal of knowledge and a collection of photographs of the development of Fort Point Channel. Through a photographic presentation, he will shed light on the development of the Fort Point neighborhood, its connection to Boston, and will comment on current directions in global architecture and what Boston might do to develop the Fort Point area. Peter also recently returned from a two week shoot in Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suchow, China. He will bring images and ideas from these great water-oriented cities. Registration Required: http://commonbostonphoto.eventbrite.com/

Boat Tour: Development on the Waterfront
Sunday, June 20, 3:00 – 5 p.m. (note change in time)
Moakley Federal Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Way

Traveling by water taxi, this tour, led by Vivien Li of The Boston Harbor Association, will trace the story of development along the waterfront from Fort Point Channel to East Boston. Sold Out

FPAC Artist Housing Tour
Sunday, June 20, 3:00 – 4:30 pm
FPAC Store, 12 Farnsworth Street

See Fort Point Channel through its artists’ eyes. Visit artist studios in three buildings, each with a different ownership structure, and learn how the artists connect to this formerly industrial neighborhood. Led by photographer and Fort Point Channel resident, Kippy Goldfarb. Registration Recommended: http://commonbostonartiststudios.eventbrite.com/

Historic Fort Point: An Infrastructure Walking Tour
Sunday, June 20, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Broadway T Station

Enjoy a walking tour discussing the history and evolution of the Fort Point neighborhood. The tour will focus on the art, architecture and culture of Fort Point, the future of the neighborhood, and possible multi-use connections to the Waterfront. Led by Michael Tyrrell, Fort Point resident historian and urban planner. Registration Recommended: http://commonbostohistoricalfp.eventbrite.com/

Family Interactive Tour
Sunday, June 20, 11:00 – 12:00 pm
Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress Street

A hands-on walking tour of the architectural elements of Fort Point Channel for children 7+ years accompanied by an adult. The tour encourages children to observe, seek, reflect and draw the Fort Point Neighborhood. Tour led by Cortney Kirk of Learning by Design in Massachusetts. Registration Recommended: http://commonbostonfamilyinteractive.eventbrite.com/

SHIFTboston Idea Tour

This winter, SHIFTboston asked architects, artists, planners, engineers and others to submit their wild, provocative visions to transform the City of Boston. Download this tour of winning proposals onto your phone from http://shiftboston.org/exhibits/future_city_tour.html and see Fort Point Channel … in 2030. Download a map (3.41mb) of some of the exhibits.