Program Investigations 



The investigation of alternative site programs served to focus the 

 discussion on reasonable proposals for joint development. A range of 

 potential uses for the Aquarium site and the amount of potential new 

 development were both considered. 



The range of uses initially considered for the site included offices, 

 residences, a hotel, a marine conference center, and a retail/ 

 entertainment complex. Uses were evaluated based upon several criteria 

 including building form, access and orientation, and compatibility with 

 the Aquarium's plans and public purpose. A marine conference center 

 and hotel emerged as the only strong program options meriting further 

 study. 



Office development does not seem promising, partly because of the large 

 floor plate that would be needed to be built in order to have an 

 efficient and marketable office building. If this bulk were located to 

 the west of the existing Aquarium, it would block access to the 

 Aquarium entrance. Access to office development to the east of the 

 Aquarium building, would be difficult to provide without compromising 

 the approach to the Aquarium. 



Housing development on this site would result in multiple conflicts with 

 the Aquarium uses. These conflicts relate to circulation, security and 

 privacy. In addition, the preferred housing location at the east end of 

 the pier has the same access problems as noted above for office. 



Any major retail or entertainment development would require substantial 

 building and parking area in order to be economically viable. The 

 intensity of use anticipated would overwhelm the site and diminish the 

 potential for Aquarium use. 



A hotel seems very promising to consider. Hotels are a public use, and 

 ai-e generally encouraged at waterfront locations. The public nature of 

 this use compliments the Aquarium's goals. Although the location of a 

 hotel to the east of the existing Aquarium seems impractical because of 

 access issues, the location of a long, narrow hotel to the west of the 

 existing Aquarium would be feasible. 



A Marine Conference Center offers the potential to meet a pressing need 

 in Boston for meeting space and at the same time better satisfy 

 Aquarium requirements for educational, research and meeting facilities. 



