The New Institute of Contemporary Art and the Seaport District's Condo Scene

The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) will be opening up this week at its new location in South Boston's Seaport District. The building was designed by the world famous architectural firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro. The ICA building is sure to inspire vibrant conversation regarding its incredible design, its prime real estate on one of Boston's most valuable seaside lots, and just what exactly the Institute will feature. The building sits on 62,000 square feet, with an 18,000 square foot gallery and a 5,300 square foot Performing Arts Center. As to the building's inspiration, Elizabeth Diller said,

"The design of the ICA negotiates between two competing objectives: to perform as a dynamic civic building filled with public and social activities, and as a contemplative space providing individual visitors with intimate experiences with contemporary art. The "public" building is built from the ground up; the "intimate" building, from the sky down."

So, what does this mean for the Seaport District's condo scene? This is just another step in the gentrification, some say revitalization, of the area. South Boston's Seaport District was once home to many of Boston's most extravagant restaurants, such as Anthony's Pier 4, which now neighbors the Institute. New on the scene, is Legal Seafood's LTK, and Sauciety at the new Westin hotel. There are several new, or newly converted condo buildings already open, such as the Channel Center, Fort Point Place, and Park Lane (currently just apartments). However, in the next several years, Fan Pier, Pier 4, and Waterside Place will be opening their doors, and almost 1,500 luxury condominium units among them. Fan Pier, which will snuggles up to the Institute of Contemporary Art, will have almost 1,000 condos alone. In case you weren't aware, the Seaport District is soon to be one of Boston's most desirable places to live.