Firm infuses design with history to create authentic charm in sought-after Fort Point neighborhood retail and dining destination
BOSTON, Nov. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Margulies Perruzzi (MP), one of New England’s most innovative architectural and interior design firms, today announced the completion of the Thomson Place retail activation and streetscape project in Boston’s Fort Point neighborhood. Developed by global real estate investment manager Invesco Real Estate and Crosspoint Associates, Inc., MP designed the restoration and repositioning of three historic buildings at 25, 44 and 50 Thomson Place, with new ground-floor retail space and a new pedestrian plaza to create a vibrant retail and dining destination. A video profile of this historic retail renovation may be viewed at
With the conclusion of multiple tenant leases in the buildings, the development team saw the opportunity to convert ground-floor office space to street-level retail, restore the buildings’ architectural luster, and create an active streetscape that reflects the dynamic character of the Fort Point neighborhood. Steeped in history, MP’s design preserved the historic warehouse aesthetic while lowering the floors and window openings to provide accessibility and create sight lines and visual connection from the street. The giant openings once used for unloading goods became glass façades with lighting and signage to draw people into retail and restaurant establishments. To energize and enliven the streetscape, sidewalks were widened in areas to encourage pedestrian traffic, and a new 8,000 SF plaza with open green space was created as a public amenity for dining and performance art. MP and the development team took great care in respecting the historic context of the neighborhood while activating a new retail area for some big name tenants.
“Thomson Place presented a unique opportunity to embrace the authentic character of Fort Point and create a new ‘pocket’ neighborhood on the cusp of the Seaport District,” said John Kiernan, director, asset management for Invesco Real Estate. “MP’s design stayed true to the architectural spirit of the original structures and helped us modernize three historically significant buildings with the 21st century infrastructure sought by office and retail tenants.”
More information on Margulies Perruzzi at www.mparchitectsboston.com.
More information on Invesco Real Estate at www.invesco.com.
More information on Crosspoint Associates, Inc. at www.crosspointassociates.com.