How WS Development and ArtLifting Fostered Connection and Impact at 400 Summer Street

On a bright and sunny day in May 2024, WS Development unveiled its latest property, the 400 Summer Street building in Boston’s Seaport District. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was filled with anticipation and pride, attended by a host of notable figures, including Lt. Governor of Massachusetts Kim Driscoll, Senior Vice President of WS Development Yanni Tsipsis, and co-founder and CEO of ArtLifting Liz Powers.

But the true stars of the event were the ArtLifting artists —Rudolph Jean-Louis, Christina Constantine, and Scott Benner—whose original artworks now grace the walls of this vibrant new community in Boston’s Seaport District.

For WS Development, this new development was more than a space for commercial tenants; it is an embodiment of their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The property was developed as a place where art and community could coexist and flourish.

Rudolph Jean-Luis (left), Christina Constantine (center), and Scott Benner (right), during the ribbon cutting event for 400 Summer St. Photography by Eric Levin. 

Art as a Catalyst for Connection

The collaboration between WS Development and ArtLifting was driven by a shared belief in the transformative power of art. Senior Vice President Yanni Tsipsis reflected on the partnership, noting, "Working with ArtLifting has been an incredible experience for us because it has enabled us to connect directly with many of these artists who might not have otherwise found their voice were it not for ArtLifting." The artworks chosen for 400 Summer St. were selected for their visual impact and their ability to complement the property’s modern design, creating warm and inviting public spaces.

From early stages in development, WS Development was clear about their goals: to create an environment where art would play a central role in fostering a sense of community and belonging. The combination of large-scale commissions and original works brought this vision to life, making the building a place where tenants and visitors can pause, reflect, and feel a deeper connection to their environment.

Stories Behind the Art: A Journey of Creativity and Growth

The artists featured in 400 Summer St. each bring their own unique vision to the project. 

Rudolph Jean-Louis, was overwhelmed with pride when he first saw his work, Doctrine of Obscurity, in space. Rudolph designed the concept for the piece and collaborated with fabricators to translate his vision into reality. The final 20’x20’ installation is the result of an inclusive collaboration between Rudolph, skilled fabricators, and local installers.

The colorful, geometric masterpiece captures the attention of everyone who enters the building's main lobby. “I’m honored to have my vision come to life in such a monumental way,” Rudolph shared, reflecting on the journey that led him to be part of a groundbreaking project.

Christina Constantine's series of commissioned watercolor paintings adds a burst of bold colors to the second-floor lobby. The deep magentas, yellows, greens, and blues provide a lively contrast to the sleek white design of the reception space.

For Christina, this project was a creative challenge that pushed her to explore new materials and techniques. “Thank you to WS Development for the challenge to create work for their specific space with materials new to me,” she said, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to grow as an artist.

For Boston-based artist Scott Benner, whose five original ink-on-paper works are displayed in the first-floor elevator lobby, this project was particularly meaningful. Having been with ArtLifting since its inception in 2014, Scott reflected on how far his artistic journey had taken him.

Scott was one of ArtLifting's first artists, who joined the program while he was living in a shelter in Boston. He has since found stable housing and earns a living through the sale of his artwork with ArtLifting. Today his talents shine brightly in dozens of properties across the US, including this new Seaport development.

His pieces, including Synapse and Unintentional Arrows, elevate the space with their thoughtful compositions, inviting viewers to pause and reflect as they move through the building.

400 Summer St. ribbon cutting cermony at the Seaport. Featuring Yanni Tsipsis (far left),  Lt. Governor of Massachusetts Kim Driscoll (fourth from left), and Liz Powers (far right). Photography by Eric Levin.

- Yanni Tsipsis, Senior Vice President at WS Development

Impact Beyond the Canvas

The collaboration between WS Development and ArtLifting extended far beyond the walls of 400 Summer St.

In total, WS Development’s investment in ArtLifting artists generated over $63,000 in direct impact. This investment not only supported the artists financially but also allowed them to reach new audiences and expand their creative horizons through site specific commissions. Ultimately, the partnership achieved its goal of integrating diverse, local artists into the fabric of the building, making art an essential part of the community’s daily experience. 

This project, anchored by Foundation Medicine, and developed in partnership with PSP Investments and KKR, showcases the transformative power of art. 

Images

1 - Banner Image. Rudolph Jean Louis’s 20’x20’ commissioned piece, Doctrine of Obscurity, installed in the main lobby of 400 Summer St. © Vaderwarker Photography.

2 - Christina Contantine (left) and Liz Powers (right) smile and pose in front of Christina’s original artwork. Photography by Eric Levin.

3 - Boston-based artist Scott Benner smiles and poses in front of his five original artworks, which hang in the first floor elevator lobby of 400 Summer St. Photography by Eric Levin.

4 - Artist Rudolph Jean-Louis stands in front of his commissioned artwork. Photography by Eric Levin

5 - Two of Christina Constantine’s original artwork hang in an elevator lobby on the second floor of 400 Summer St. © Vaderwarker Photography.

6 - Scott Benner (left), Liz Powers (center), and Yanni Tsipsis (right), pose and smile in front of Scott’s original artwork. Photography by Eric Levin.

7 - One of Christina Constantine’s original artwork hangs in an elevator lobby on the second floor of 400 Summer St. © Vaderwarker Photography.

8 - Yanni Tsipsis (left), Rudolph Jean-Louis (center), and Liz Powers (right) smile and pose in front of Rudolph’s commissioned artwork.  Photography by Eric Levin.

9 - Rudolph’s 20’x20’ commissioned piece, Doctrine of Obscurity, installed in 400 Summer St.’s lobby. Two people stand in the foreground. © Vaderwarker Photography.