Massive Retail Development, The Superette, Coming to the Seaport District
Plans many years in the making are coming to fruition rapidly these days in the Seaport District, as a major Boston-based developer announced plans to develop 125,000 square feet of retail space along the waterfront. Recently, WS Development – the developer behind the massive Seaport Square mixed-use neighborhood that’s been in the works for more than a decade – announced plans for The Superette, a European-inspired retail plaza centered around a public courtyard.
The new outdoor shopping space will round out the development of EchelonSeaport, the luxury condo and apartment development that opened in 2020 and forms just a tiny portion of a development that will ultimately encompass 20 blocks. The Superette will occupy the first two floors of EchelonSeaport. Like the housing development above it, the retail plaza was designed by the New York City office of Kohn Pederson Fox, a renowned design firm. Both aspects of the development incorporate sleek glass-and-stone design elements, producing an eye-pleasing whole.
Expected to open by the summer of 2022, The Superette will feature 40 shops, dining establishments and entertainment venues surrounding a sprawling central courtyard. The courtyard itself will host various events, activities and types of programming throughout the year. Bistro tables, shaded by chic umbrellas, will line the space, and public seating will provide ample opportunities for relaxing, socializing and enjoying the area. A tree canopy will add to the elegant and welcoming feel of the space.
The Superette represents just 125,000 square feet of a total of more than 1.1 million square feet of retail space slated for Seaport Square. Already, several tenants have been lined up for the space, which is described as having an “experience first” approach to retail thanks to a carefully curated collection of brands, shops, entertainment options and more. For example, The Garret Bars, which currently only has locations in New York City, will open its first one outside of that region at The Superette. The NYC chain is known for its speakeasy-inspired cocktail bars.
Another tenant, Puttshack, will bring cutting-edge entertainment to The Superette. Currently, the innovative mini-golf and dining concept has locations in Atlanta and Chicago, but it’s in the midst of a rapid expansion. At The Superette, the venue will occupy 26,000 square feet of space, which will include four high-tech mini-golf courses. The premises will feature sleek floor-to-ceiling windows and bright neon lighting to emphasize its futuristic approach to the popular game.
The balls used in the mini-golf courses act as mini-computers, tracking players’ moves and scores. Everything is projected onto giant, brightly lit leaderboards, allowing participants to cheer each other on without having to worry about keeping track of how many points they’ve accumulated. The venue will serve a variety of street foods featuring cuisines from around the world, along with handcrafted cocktails and an extensive selection of beers and wine.
Several retailers have already also committed to leasing space at the new Seaport District shopping area. The first Boston locations for brands like Daniel Cremieux and Mark Wheldon will be joined by retailers like Todd Snyder, Scotch & Soda, Rag & Bone, Le Labo and Vince. The Superette will also play host to the first New England location of Lucid, the luxury electric vehicle manufacturer. Additionally, the second location of Seaport Barbers, a full-service salon that has had one location in the neighborhood for some time, is slated for the development.
With The Superette scheduled for completion by next summer, a crucial part of the sprawling Seaport Square development will be open for business before too long. The piazza-style retail development is positioned on the ground floors of EchelonSeaport, which consists of two towers with distinctive, stepped silhouettes housing luxury condos. The complex also includes The Alyx, a third building offering luxury apartment homes. EchelonSeaport places an emphasis on urban resort living, and The Superette will continue that theme, bringing a little slice of Europe to the Boston waterfront.
The 1.33-million-square-foot EchelonSeaport opened in 2020, and many of the units have been sold or leased. The town square style of The Superette encourages public gatherings, and regularly scheduled events should produce a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
Ultimately, Seaport Square will occupy 20 blocks across 23 acres and span more than 7.6 million square feet of space. The Superette’s 125,000 square feet are part of what will ultimately be a total of more than 1.1 million square feet of retail space across the development, which will also include 8.8 acres of open public space, four hotels with 800 guestrooms, 2.8 million square feet of office and lab space and 3.2 million square feet of residential space. When it opens next summer, The Superette will become the first significant outdoor retail development in this part of the Seaport. It will be a significant milestone in the long-term redevelopment of the South Boston waterfront.