The Big Dig transformed Boston’s streetscape and green space. Now, Seaport District, currently Boston’s single-largest development project, is changing the historic city’s skyline. The 23-acre waterfront area adds new retail, dining, hotel and entertainment options for groups. Locals can take advantage of residential, office and cultural spaces. And while it’s in with the new, Seaport District isn’t tossing history into the Boston Harbor. “Seaport has been a destination for conferences and events for quite some time due to its close proximity to Logan Airport and South Station,” says Sherri D’Alessandro Schuler, director of marketing for Seaport by WS Development, the master developer of Seaport. “Now, the Seaport has so much more to offer.” The first phase of the Seaport project, The Envoy Hotel, opened in 2015 after almost a decade of master planning and design work on the whole 20-block neighborhood. “We are now about a third complete, a quarter under construction and the rest left to build,” says Schuler. Here’s what you need to know about Boston’s newest hot spot.

Where to Meet

Kings Dining & Entertainment has 24,000 square feet of space for up to 550 guests and includes 16 bowling lanes, three premium bars, a full-service restaurant, Brunswick Gold Crown billiard tables, four retro oak Skee-Ball tables and more than 30 big-screen, high-definition TVs and projector screens. The setting is ideal for off-site receptions and celebratory events. The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston has several venues to host meetings, including State Street Corporation Lobby overlooking Boston’s signature skyline. The 3,700-sq.-ft. space displays works from contemporary artists. Located off the lobby, the recently refurbished 1,000-sq.-ft. Water Cafe is ideal for intimate events. Putnam Investments Plaza is a 3,500-sq.-ft. waterfront venue for outdoor events, while the 325-seat Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater has magnificent views of Boston Harbor and the downtown skyline. Note that corporate membership is required to rent space. Boston Convention and Exhibition Center is a great place to host a large-scale meeting or trade show. With 2.1 million square feet of space, the building’s modern glass-lined interior has many options for meeting planners, including a 40,000-sq.-ft. grand ballroom, 516,000 square feet of exhibit space and 82 meeting rooms. Lookout Rooftop and Bar at The Envoy Hotel holds 275 guests. Open for the summer season May through October, the bar serves fresh-ingredient-driven cocktails like Mulled Toddies and Caribbean Ciders, local beers and elevated wines. During the winter months, the rooftop becomes a winter wonderland with heated igloos that can accommodate up to 10 guests each.

What to Eat

Be sure to sample the many flavors of Boston’s eclectic dining scene in one district. Whether you fancy fine dining or casual cuisine, you will find a variety of options in the Seaport neighborhood.   Tuscan Kitchen Elevated Italian cuisine 64 Seaport Blvd.   Committee Ouzeri & Bar Inventive Mediterranean menu 50 Northern Ave.   Empire Asian Restaurant & Lounge Authentic Asian dishes 1 Marina Park Drive   Mastro’s Ocean Club Seafood and steak 25 Fan Pier Blvd.   Luke’s Lobster Lobster rolls and more 53 Northern Ave.  

Gimme A Break

Take a break and recharge over coffee or a quick grooming session.  

Caffe Nero

Cool coffees and delish pastries

55 Northern Ave.

 

Seaport Barbers

Gentleman grooming

51 Northern Ave. S.

Bluemercury

Beauty break

105 Seaport Blvd.