Real Estate | Public Art

Hines South Station Tower

Boston, Massachusetts

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Public art transforms South Station Tower with impact

Developed by Hines, Boston’s new South Station Tower is the host of an extraordinary piece of temporary public art — a 6,500-square-foot reproduction of Emerald Tree by Allen Chamberland. This large-scale installation, which engages over 75,000 daily passersby, is part of a groundbreaking collaboration between global real estate firm Hines and ArtLifting. 


The installation transforms a busy construction site into a vibrant art space, demonstrating how artwork can bring life to developing areas. By combining social value with aesthetic impact, the project exemplifies how art serves as a transformative force in cities and create lasting impacts. The original paperput artwork was also purchased by Hines and will be on display in the leasing office at South Station Tower.

"I am beyond excited to have my artwork, Emerald Tree, featured in such a prime location at the new South Station Tower!
This piece is a reflection of the inspiration I draw from Boston, the city where I live and whose beauty constantly fuels my creativity.”

- Allen Chamberland, ArtLifting artist

"We are proud to partner with ArtLifting to showcase the incredible work of Allen Chamberland at South Station Tower.
Our longstanding relationship with ArtLifting underscores our commitment to championing diverse and local artists.
This collaboration brings a unique, larger-than-life mural to the building, providing beautiful public art for everyone to enjoy.”

- Sean Sacks, Senior Managing Director, Hines

Allen Chamberland holding the original artwork, Emerald Tree, across the street from the large scale reproduction.

Beautifying a Developing Urban Area with Art


Boston’s historic South Station transit center is a hub of activity, surrounded by commuters, tourists, and residents. While most construction sites are hidden behind plain barriers, Hines and ArtLifting saw an opportunity to enhance the space and build interest for the towering new development.


The innovative installation transforms a the temporary construction scrim into a canvas for public art. What would typically be a construction zone is a vibrant display that adds beauty and inspiration to the streetscape.


The original artwork was created with black paper, but for the exterior application, Allen, ArtLifting, Hines, and Pelli Clarke & Partners decided to reflect the natural environment foreshadowing the landscaping. The installation was approved by the Boston Planning and Development Agency and aligns with Mayor Michelle Wu’s expansive public art initiative to support local artists.


The installation is strategically placed along Atlantic Avenue, just steps from the Rose Kennedy Greenway, ensuring that it captures the attention of the thousands of people who pass by daily. 

“This project shows how art can activate spaces even before a building is finished.”


-Liz Powers, CEO and co-founder, ArtLifting

This thoughtful integration of artwork into a busy urban environment creates a sense of place, making South Station not just a transit hub, but a destination where people can pause to appreciate art in one of America’s most historic city.


By showcasing this local artwork on such a grand scale, the project not only beautifies the area but also introduces people to the work and story of local artist Allen Chamberland.

“It's going to be amazing to see my artwork at a huge scale in a public space I frequent. It's an incredible honor to be selected for this project and I am thrilled to share my love for our city and its vibrant community through my art."


-Allen Chamberland, ArtLifting artist

The installation exemplifies how corporate public art partnerships can do more than beautify spaces — they can also serve as vehicles for social change. By elevating the work of local artists, particularly those with disabilities, the project creates economic opportunity and visibility for a local artist in a highly visible area.


The sale of his original artwork, coupled with the public display of his work on such a grand scale, created significant financial impacts for Allen. This collaboration doesn’t just showcase art; it actively helps to change lives, demonstrating the power of art for social change.

“Allen’s talent deserves to be celebrated in such a big way in his home city. Seeing Allen's art reach more people is a dream come true, and we are incredibly proud to partner with Hines and the City of Boston to create a meaningful visual and social impact at South Station Tower.”


-Liz Powers, CEO and co-founder, ArtLifting

A detail of the custom scrim wrapping around features of the building.

Innovative Use of Construction Materials to Showcase Public Art


The use of construction scrim as a medium for artwork is a creative solution that showcases how transformative art can be integrated into urban development.


Typically, scrim is used to obscure construction sites, but in this case, it becomes a backdrop for original artwork that tells a story. This project highlights the potential of public art to add visual interest to even the most functional, temporary structures, proving that quality artwork can transform any space.


The nearly 6,500-square-foot Emerald Tree scrim serves not only as a work of art but also as a dynamic piece of urban design inclusive of community interests. Its placement at South Station Tower turns an ordinary construction barrier into an extraordinary public gallery, offering an immersive experience for anyone who passes by.


By choosing to feature a local artist’s work in such a prominent way, Hines and ArtLifting show how thoughtful design and corporate artwork partnerships can breathe new life into urban environments.

Media

  • CNN | 11 architecture projects set to shape the world in 2025
  • Boston Magazine | Boston’s Swankiest New Address? The Ritz-Carlton Residences at South Station Tower
  • CBS Boston [Aired October 1, 2024]

Images

1 - Aerial view of Atlantic Avenue and South Station Tower with Emerald Tree on the building facade.

2 - Allen Chambeland holding up his original papercut artwork across the street from the largescale reproduction.

3 - Emerald Tree from a street view upwards with South Station Tower in the background.

4 - Sidewalk view on Atlantic Avenue of Emerald Tree and South Station Tower.

5 - Allen Chamberland and Liz Powers smiling in front of Emerald Tree.


Photographs © Andy Ryan Photography

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Artwork by Allen Chamberland as wallcoverings in a long hallway.

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Four people viewing a mural by artist Madison Elyse Rubenstein located at Harvard iLab in Boston.