Mayor Thomas Menino, frustrated by the stalled One Franklin development in Downtown Crossing, questioned the developers’ lack of progress in recent months and even admitted the once highly-touted project could be on the outs.
Menino, speaking at a breakfast with business leaders, indicated it might be time to “reimagine” the future of the former Filene’s site. It was his first public appearance since winning re-election Nov. 3 and undergoing knee surgery days later.
“I’m all done talking about the Filene’s building,” Menino said. “What else can that be? Can it be financial services? Could it be health care? Could it be some other type of building? I’m not stuck on what we’ve talked about in the past.”
The One Franklin project — envisioned as an ambitious $700 million overhaul of the Filene’s site with a 39-story tower and residential, retail and office space — currently rests dormant. Menino also slammed Vornado Realty Trust, one of the project’s developers, for a lack of movement despite its stock rising in recent months. He said the Boston Redevelopment Authority will contact Vornado soon about their intentions.
Vornado did not return a request for comment.
