• Urbanize
  • Posts
  • Weekly Roundup: Boston Okays 700-Foot Buildings in Zoning Overhaul

Weekly Roundup: Boston Okays 700-Foot Buildings in Zoning Overhaul

Stay Up to Date on Urban Real Estate

Author

Urbanize Team
October 27, 2025

Your City. Your Market. Your Next Deal.

Stay up to date on national urban real estate

📅 Today's Story: A unanimous vote by Boston’s Zoning Commission cleared the way for a sweeping rezoning plan that aims to inject new life into Downtown Boston, with taller buildings and more residential development.

🤝🏻 Better Together: Like what you're reading? Got a product or service you think our followers might want? What a coincidence—we're accepting sponsors again. Maybe we could interest you in our 120k+ newsletter subscribers and 1M+ monthly website views?

POLICY


Boston Okays 700-Foot Buildings in Downtown Zoning Overhaul

Pedestrians in downtown Boston (Source: Associated Press)

📰 What Happened: Boston’s Zoning Commission approved a big update to downtown zoning—the first in 30 years. The plan allows new towers up to 700 feet in select areas and mandates mostly residential projects near Downtown Crossing. It also lifts land-use restrictions for new housing as well as cafes, gyms, and bakeries.

🔍 A Closer Look: While rezoning opens new opportunities, its scope is limited by state shadow laws and FAA flight path regulations that cap building heights in much of the city. According to zoning chair Michael Nichols, only 4–6 downtown parcels could realistically support 700-foot towers. Still, the plan provides clarity for developers and helps preserve historic assets.

🧠 Why It Matters: Boston’s old zoning code has been a barrier to downtown revitalization, especially in a post-pandemic environment where office demand waned. By prioritizing housing and reducing red tape, this rezoning sets the stage for a more livable, mixed-use downtown. Mayor Wu is expected to sign the plan soon.

A MESSAGE FROM URBANIZE


Get In Front of 120k Subscribers With a Newsletter Sponsorship

Like what you're reading? Got a product or service you think our followers want? What a coincidence. Maybe we could interest you in our ads and sponsorships.

Urbanize Sponsors Get Access to:

    ✅️ 120k+ email subscribers who read our national and local newsletters
    ✅️ 40% email open rates and 2–4% click-through rates
    ✅️ 1M+ monthly pageviews across Urbanize web properties
    ✅️ 200k+ social media followers across Urbanize social platforms

Interested? Email [email protected] or click below to fill out our inquiry form.

 

Atlanta

Chicago

Los Angeles

Toronto