The Druker Co. has proposed this mixed-use building for lower Boylston Street overlooking the Boston Public Garden.

The Druker Co. has proposed this mixed-use building for lower Boylston Street overlooking the Boston Public Garden.

Residents of Boston’s Back Bay got their first glimpse of the proposed redevelopment of 330 Boylston St. and they liked it.

“It’s an impressive start,” said Myron Miller, a member of the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay.

More than four dozen people gathered at the Boston Public Library on Thursday night to hear details of the 221,230-square-foot building planned for the corner of Boylston and Arlington streets.

If approved, owner Ronald Druker, president of The Druker Co., will raze the former the former Shreve Crump & Low location and build eight floors of Class A office space with ground-floor retail and 150 below-grade parking spaces.

The ground level will feature a granite façade while the rest of the building will be comprised of cast stone, a product that is used to replicate the look of limestone. The contemporary-style building also will feature bay windows trimmed with wood and bronze.

While NABB’s Miller was supportive, he noted that the concept could be “even better for the city of Boston.” However, he asked whether there was a need for 150 parking spaces given that the spots are reserved for tenants only.

“The building is being expanded and it will add more vehicles and traffic to a severely congested section of the city,” he said.

In response, David Black, the team’s traffic consultant from Watertown-based Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc., said they erred on the low side in terms of parking supply.

“If you compare this building with another Back Bay building that is in line with these existing travel patterns, we are not providing as aggressive parking,” Black said.

Elliott Laffer, another NABB member, asked whether there would be enough sidewalk space to accommodate the added retail and office use at the site.

“We are not talking about the John Hancock building,” said Druker. “The reality is that crowded sidewalks are good sidewalks; they enhance public realm. Go walk on Newbury Street the first day the temperate reaches 60 degrees and you can barely walk without hitting someone.”

Daniel Donahue, representing the nearby Lenox Hotel, applauded the project. “We are excited. We fully support it,” he said.

Source: Back Bay Residents Impressed by Druker Plan - By Thomas Grillo, Banker & Tradesman