5-Story Hereford St. Proposal Sparks Concern

The size of a proposed 5-story is a concern for members of the Neighborhood Association of Back Bay's Architecture Committee.

“It’s within the height limit, which is a good thing ... but it’s too high for the context,” co-chairwoman Susan Prindle, told the Boston Herald. “It really sticks up.”

Glynn Hospitality Group, which operates restraurants that include the Black Rose, Dillon's, Jose McIntyre’s, Hurricane O’Reilly’s and the Purple Shamrock, would build between Sonsie on Newbury Street and a three-story apartment building that the company owns. It would connect 51 and 53 Hereford with an opening through what is now a brick wall, and fill in an undeveloped gap along Newbury Street. 

The building would be under height restictions, but would need zoning exemptions for setbacks.

The proposal is still very informal, but Glynn plans to work with the BRA and neighborhood groups to come up with a design that's acceptable.

“It’s very rare that you get the opportunity to put some new square footage into this neighborhood,” Meg Mainzer-Cohen, president of the Back Bay Association, said to the Herald.