Boston’s South Station Gets Modern Makeover

A major redevelopment project for Boston's historic South Station, built 126 years ago, was unveiled on Thursday, Sept. 25. The renovated South Station addresses overcrowding and connectivity issues by increasing capacity by 50% for buses and 70% for trains. This project integrates rail and bus terminals to facilitate seamless multimodal transfers, while enhancing the station's appearance and ambiance.

A key feature of the redesign is the new vaulted concourse, known as the Great Space. It features three large domes and 10 concrete arches reaching 60 feet high.

Led by Pelli Clarke & Partners in partnership with Hines, Amtrak, MBTA, and local agencies, the project modernizes the station while preserving its historic Beaux-Arts architecture. The renovation preserves the landmark façade while introducing a modern, light-filled public space with improved outdoor connectivity.

A glass tower now sits atop this façade. Office space occupies the lower levels of the structure.

Starting at the 36th floor and extending to the top, luxury Ritz-Carlton apartments have been added, featuring units that cost between $1.3 million for a 683-square-foot one-bedroom and $14.5 million for a duplex penthouse. Residents have access to an outdoor pool overlooking Back Bay, as well as a one-acre rooftop park featuring gardens, a dog run, an outdoor movie theater, and a dining terrace.

“As Boston's population grows, so is the demand for transportation,” said Graham Banks, a partner at Pelli Clarke, who worked on the project, in a statement shared with Fast Company. “But rebuilding South Station without disrupting any of the transportation service was an enormous challenge. Work took place slowly.”

Construction began in early 2020 but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Work resumed during periods when transit services were temporarily halted.

According to Fast Company's report, the original South Station structure debuted in 1899 during the late Gilded Age. At that time, railway tracks were installed rapidly across the country. Five railroads served Boston, and each had its own terminal. 

South Station, designed by architects Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidge, was intended to consolidate the various train lines. By 1913, South Station had become the busiest station in New England.