DORM DEVELOPER HITS HUB
Scape, a London-based company, has filed notice to the city to build a 15-story, 205,500-square-foot private dormitory aimed at graduate students on a stretch of Boylston Street in Fenway. “Scape is thrilled to announce we have secured our first site in the U.S.,” said Andrew Flynn, chief executive at Scape USA. “The location will serve as our U.S. flagship for innovative academic accommodations.” The proposal for the site, between 1252 and 1268 Boylston St., is part of the company’s plans to invest $1 billion in Boston over the next five years, and locate its North American headquarters in the city. The firm, which also operates in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia, said it plans to house more than 20,000 students nationwide over the next several years. By developing and operating private dorms, Scape said it would ease the city’s housing crunch, from students seeking short-term use, making space for Boston residents who need affordable long-term housing. An estimated 36,000 undergraduate and graduate students live off-campus in Boston, according to the city. The proposed dorms, for 500 students, are not affiliated with any school but would be operated 24 hours a day by full-time Scape staff, similar to any other residence hall. “There is a tremendous need for affordable and student housing in Boston,” Sheila Dillon, the city’s chief of housing, said in a statement. “Building housing for students that come to Boston to study will free up housing that was built to house our workforce and relieve pressure in our neighborhoods.” Scape said it plans to file a detailed proposal with the Boston Planning & Development Agency within 30 days, which will formally begin a review process and a series of community meetings.