A 2025 rarity East Design Review Board to decide on eight-story Boylston Ave E project

The East Design Review Board will convene to review an eight-story apartment building in Eastlake, marking its first meeting of the year. Proposed by Eastlake Real Estate Partners, the project seeks to demolish a 1909 duplex and replace it with an 83-unit market-rate apartment building and underground parking for 16 vehicles. The early design guidance for the project concluded in summer 2022, reflecting years of planning. Developers have adjusted the building's design based on previous feedback, enhancing views and adding balconies. Critics have noted that the design review process has become rare and is often criticized for being slow and expensive.

Despite the recent push in housing legislation, this project predates those changes. Local challenges, including high interest rates and construction costs, may delay the start of construction. The board's review will assess how well the developers have incorporated community feedback into their design.