Boston Hosts it's Third Annual Deployables Day

The deployable at Martin’s Park is the first component of a multi-site coastal defense system along the Fort Point Channel. Built directly into the landscape, its permanent features include two discreet concrete pillars and a base pad. During a flood event, emergency crews can use these features to easily install aluminum panels or "stop logs" into place across the walkway to create a continuous 4-ft-high protective barrier. 

Atlantic Wharf, a BXP property, is home to New England's first LEED Platinum high-rise and the first building in Boston to secure city approval for deployable flood barriers over 10 years ago. During extreme weather, this property uses an AquaFence barrier, a free-standing design made up of interlocking panels that use the weight of the water to anchor to the ground and strengthen the wall during a flooding event. Advanced stormwater management has also been incorporated into the design.

At this stop, participants also witnessed a technical rescue drill led by the Boston Fire Department, where trained personnel used a high-water vehicle and special equipment to rescue 10 victims over a flood barrier during a mock flood event. Running drills like this makes sure our rescue teams are trained to respond to any emergency during extreme weather.

The walking tour concluded at Harbor Towers, a residential property consisting of two 40-story buildings along the waterfront. After a 2018 flood nearly destroyed their lobby, condo owners voted on a $20 million resident-funded investment in resilient storm surge barriers and deployable flood walls to protect their homes from coastal flooding and sea level rise.

At this final stop, Mayor Michelle Wu hosted a ribbon-cutting to celebrate and recognize this project as Boston's largest private investment by a condo association in coastal resilience. With 11 other private properties now pursuing similar measures, Harbor Towers is setting a powerful example for waterfront owners across the city.