Developers Plan 75 Condos at Old Suffolk University Buildings

Two years ago Suffolk University put the Frank J. Donahue Building at 41 Temple St. and the Archer Building at 20 Derne St. up for sale as part of its consolidation plans and to reduce its impact on Beacon Hill.

Last week developers filed plans with the Boston Redevelopment Authority to convert the two buildings into 75 condo units. According to a letter of intent filed with the BRA, an affiliate of New York-based Center Court Properties purchased the buildings in July for $43.5 million and the development team plans to construct 75 condos along with 60 parking spaces. Center Court Properties is the the same group that is planning a condo tower at 171 Tremont Street near the Boston Common.

The letter of intent said more information on the proposal would be submitted to the BRA in 90 days.

The buildings now being proposed for condo development are part of the University’s plans to consolidate its campus to downtown. In November 2014 Suffolk University broke ground on its $62 million building at 20 Somerset that will house academic facilities.

“The sale of these buildings allows us to consolidate their uses into our new 20 Somerset Academic Building as well as to continue reducing our footprint and impact on our residential Beacon Hill neighbors,” said Suffolk University Vice President of Governmental Affairs John Nucci.

In the past the Beacon Hill Civic Association Board said if these properties on Beacon Hill being sold by Suffolk are eyed by condo developers they would like to see units big enough to accommodate families in the neighborhood.

The BHCA has also suggested aside from condos the buildings being sold by Suffolk could be ripe for a K-12 downtown school or senior housing.

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