Transit-centered placemaking ushers in a new era in Boston

Boston, MA, USA

One Congress lives at the heart of Bulfinch Crossing, a transformative redevelopment of the Government Center parking garage. Bulfinch Crossing reconnects iconic downtown neighborhoods and turns a formerly car-centric environment into a thriving pedestrian-friendly center. The tower is situated atop two MBTA subway lines, adjacent to the Boston Public Market, the North End, and the Greenway.

“As the future home for State Street’s headquarters, One Congress will fuel economic development and pedestrian activity in Bulfinch Crossing.” —Marty Walsh, Mayor of Boston

Celebrating Boston's energetic spirit and history

Ascending to forty-three stories with sweeping views of the harbor and beyond, the tower’s sail-like form unfolds skyward in a series of gently tapering layers. The fluidity of the exterior walls highlight the tower’s height and capture the sheer blue light that reflects from the harbor and Charles River. At night, the tower’s welcoming silhouette glows softly on the horizon.

Expansive and airy, there's a strong link to the outdoors throughout the tower's interior.
The lobby softens the distinction between public and private space.

Connecting people to the city and each other

At street level, the sweep of the tower’s base opens to a public square
and pedestrian throughway to City Hall Plaza. The lobby is welcoming and transparent, softening the distinction between public and private space. At the eleventh floor, a one-acre rooftop garden is an urban green haven that invites people to work outdoors or enjoy an afternoon break under the trees.

At the eleventh floor, a one-acre rooftop garden invites people to meet up for lunch or take a break under the trees.

More About the Project

Project Team

Principal Collaborators

  • Architect of Record: CBT Architects
  • Structural Engineer: McNamara Salvia
  • MEP: WSP Group

Project Information

  • Location: Boston, Massachussetts, USA
  • Clients: HYM Investment Group / Bulfinch Congress Holdings, LLC / Carr Properties
  • Size: 1,012,000 sq. ft. / 94,018 sq. m.
  • Height: 612 ft. / 197 m.
  • Completion: 2023
  • Certifications: LEED Platinum
  • Firm Role: Design Architect
  • Renderings by Neoscape