Top Development & Construction Projects: On The Dot — A Visionary Fusion of Commercial and Residential Development in South Boston

Project Overview

On The Dot is a transformative, 21-acre master-planned development located in South Boston, aimed at redefining the work-live-play balance in an increasingly interconnected urban environment. Situated between Southampton Street to the south, the Amtrak rail yards to the west, and Dorchester Avenue to the east, this project is being developed by Core Investments, with Sterling Bay brought on board as a key development partner.

The site, once home to industrial uses, will be reimagined into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood that seamlessly integrates commercial, life sciences, retail, and residential development. The project will be constructed in four distinct phases and is designed to become Boston’s next premier life sciences hub and walkable residential district.

Key Project Facts

• Size: 21 acres

• Total Development: ~3.77 million square feet

• Buildings: 12 new mixed-use structures

• Residential Units: ~1,365 units across five residential buildings

• Commercial & Innovation Space: ~2 million+ SF across six buildings (office, lab, R&D)

• Retail Space: 150,000 SF

• Open Space: 2.9 acres of new green and public space, including a 1.5-acre park near realigned D Street

• Timeline: Initial residential groundbreaking expected 2025; total buildout over 10–15 years

Development Team and Key Players

Design Vision and Phasing

The On The Dot master plan, submitted as a Planned Development Area (PDA), is structured to unfold across four major phases, delivering:

• Phase 1: Residential complex and adjacent infrastructure/public realm enhancements

• Phase 2-3: Life sciences/office buildings and retail activation

• Phase 4: Additional residential and civic-use spaces

Each phase will include extensive environmental remediation, especially across sites containing historically industrial contaminants. All development will meet high standards for sustainability, resiliency, and inclusion.

Sustainability, Resiliency & Remediation

• Brownfield Remediation: Former industrial sites with state and federal hazardous soil materials will be cleaned and redeveloped for safe urban use.

• All-Electric Buildings: The entire development will prioritize electrification, reducing carbon emissions.

• Flood Resilience: Structures are designed with elevated floor levels to mitigate sea-level rise and climate change impacts.

• Green Infrastructure: 200+ trees, green roofs, bioswales, and public parks are core to the site plan.

Community Impact & Benefits

• Affordable Housing: Significant commitment to income-restricted and senior housing

• Public Open Space: Four new, accessible open spaces (totaling 2.9 acres)

• Local Business Support: 20% of retail space prioritized for affordable, locally-owned small businesses

• Economic Development: Job creation and workforce training investment of $5.6M

• Transportation Investment: $18.9M in infrastructure improvements; $1.2M to Boston’s Bluebikes program

• Diversity & Equity: DEI strategies incorporated throughout design, tenanting, and construction

Location & Connectivity

Located in a growing corridor of South Boston, On The Dot sits just minutes from downtown Boston and within walking distance of the Andrew MBTA Red Line station, the beach, and major commuter routes. The site’s realigned street grid—including a newly imagined D Street extension—improves urban circulation and integrates the neighborhood with surrounding development zones.

Estimated Cost & Financing

While the full project cost has not been publicly disclosed, the scale of On The Dot suggests a multi-billion-dollar total investment across all four phases. Financing is expected to be sourced from a combination of private equity, institutional real estate capital, and potential public-private partnership tools. Sterling Bay’s involvement brings strong national investor relationships into the project.

Projected Timeline

On The Dot is not just a real estate development—it is a reimagining of what an urban neighborhood can be. With its blend of cutting-edge life sciences facilities, thoughtfully planned housing, pedestrian-friendly green spaces, and long-term environmental stewardship, On The Dot is set to become a signature destination within Boston’s ever-evolving landscape. As one of the city’s most ambitious development efforts in recent history, it embodies a forward-looking commitment to equitable growth, climate resiliency, and neighborhood vitality.