First Look at Boston Landing MBTA Station, as City, State Officials Break Ground

Rail will finally return to Allston-Brighton.

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Gov. Charlie Baker—joined by members of NB Development Group, as well as MBTA, MassDOT, and City of Boston officials—broke ground Tuesday on the future site of Boston Landing, a full-service commuter rail station serving the Allston-Brighton area.

The $20 million station is due in fall 2016. The larger, $500 million, 14-acre development will be home to New Balance’s new headquarters, a 175-room boutique hotel, three basketball courts, and the Boston Bruins’ new practice rink. Designers anticipate plenty of foot and bicycle traffic, and a Hubway station has been included in the plans as well. Forgoing parking, the station will include what NB Development Group calls a “kiss n’ ride” pick-up/drop-off area.

“The commitment of New Balance and the City of Boston to expand development and transportation opportunities is vital to bringing new economic activity and jobs to Greater Boston,” Baker said in a release. “These projects, supported by the industry and municipalities whose residents and employees benefit most, will expand economic growth, accessibility and mobility for others as we work toward critical reforms for our Commonwealth’s public transit system.”

The commuter rail is expected to make eight daily weekday and weekend stops at Boston Landing, which will be situated on the Framingham/Worcester Line: two outbound and two inbound trains in both the morning and afternoon. The MBTA could add additional stops at the Zone 1A station if there’s demand for it.

“A new station at this location will improve transportation access for local residents, providing them with a direct connection to economic opportunities in the Financial District and elsewhere around Boston,” Boston Transportation Commissioner Gina Fiandaca said in a release. “This project was completed using existing rail infrastructure, keeping expenses at a minimum while reaping significant benefits for the Allston neighborhood.”