100 Summer Street

100 Summer Street is a one million square foot complex comprised of two 32-story office towers located in downtown Boston. Equity Office Properties Trust is the owner and Elkus/Manfredi were the architects on this building repositioning and streetscape renovation project. Because the ground floor is occupied by retail and restaurant spaces, the edges of the building are punctuated with multiple entries. On a typical summer day, over 6,000 people pass through the plaza and hundreds have lunch relaxing under the trees.

The design for this contemporary urban landscape is simple and urbane, with brick and granite pavement bands radiating out from building entries. The divide in the bricks provides a visual draw into the site from the adjacent sidewalks. Thoughtful horticultural detailing allows the honeylocust trees to thrive even though they are planted at grade within the pavement. Granite planter walls provide seating, and café tables and chairs spread through the plaza invite lingering. Extensive lush plantings help to complete the character of this oasis in the heart of Boston.

While JP Shadley was at CRJA he was project manager and designer, working through initial design concepts and project permitting, as well as all construction documentation and construction observation for the first phase of the project.