Brookfiled Plans Major Renovations to Reposition 51 Sleeper St in Seaport

BOSTON–Brookfield Properties announced large-scale repositioning plans for the newly rebranded Three Seaport (formerly 51 Sleeper Street) for the 152,000-square-foot state-of-the-art office building in the Seaport. As part of the comprehensive renovations led by Boston-based Merge Architects, the building will undergo an extensive renovation including a reimagined lobby inspired by the Seaport’s industrial heritage - and an expansive roof deck amenity, adding to the building’s prime location on the waterfront with sweeping views of Downtown Boston.

“True to Brookfield’s signature placemaking approach around the world, we are excited to unveil our plan to re-imagine 51 Sleeper Street as Three Seaport,” said Ben Brown, Executive Vice President and Head of New York and Boston’s Brookfield Property Group. “With the Seaport District flourishing as a top mixed-use neighborhood, Three Seaport will further elevate and enhance the area as a leading choice for innovative companies, residents and visitors alike, added Brown, in a prepared release.”

As first reported in Real Reporter, Brookfield purchased 51 Sleeper in December 2018, paying TIAA $92 million for the prized office building via HFF Capital Markets. The office building sits at the corner of Sleeper Street and Seaport Boulevard, at the base of the connecting bridge to downtown Boston’s financial district. The eight-story building is directly across from Martin’s Park – the new waterfront park under construction to honor the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon bombings, Martin W. Richard.

Merge Architects is guiding the redesign and renovation of the building’s common areas, including the lobby, retail spaces, and potential roof deck. The architecture of the reimagined lobby and bold canopy will mark a fresh identity to the building and presence on the urban scale. The industrial materials of the lobby, such as exposed concrete, dark wood, perforated metal mesh, and blackened steel, embrace the Seaport’s industrial history. A new roof deck, subject to public approvals, would celebrate the energy of the neighborhood and the amazing panoramic views.

“We’re very excited at Merge Architects to help guide the new design and experience at Three Seaport. This is such a valuable property and location in the Seaport as one of the more prominent buildings you see as you cross the bridge and enter into this historically rich district. We’re looking forward to embracing the industrial history of this neighborhood and being a part of this new launch with Brookfield Properties,” said Elizabeth Whittaker, Principal at Merge Architects.

Built in 1929, the building’s open-plan design enhances productivity and ensures flexibility and collaboration by allowing access to abundant open creative space with beautiful natural light. Through its oversized windows and its wide-open floors, Three Seaport offers tenants a premium work environment with sweeping views of Downtown Boston. Two 20,100-square-foot floors are currently available with two more potentially available in 2020.

Current tenants of the building include architectural design firm Bergmeyer, United Way, The U.S. General Services Administration, and The Department of Early Education and Care. Three Seaport is also home to the popular Hoopsters Brewing Company at the base of the building, a brewery and restaurant where patrons can brew their own craft beer.

Cushman and Wakefield’s Michael Joyce, Thomas Ashe, Thomas O’Regan, Devin Tringale are overseeing leasing at Three Seaport. Brookfield Senior Vice President Duncan McCuaig is also handling leasing in-house.

Ben Brown

Elizabeth Wittaker