Procter & Gamble Plans Major South Boston Redevelopment at Gillette Headquarters Site
Procter & Gamble, the parent company of Gillette, has unveiled an ambitious development plan to transform its 31-acre campus in South Boston into a 5.7 million-square-foot mixed-use district. The proposal marks a pivotal moment in the city’s waterfront evolution, aiming to reimagine the historic site as a modern hub for innovation, living, and commerce while maintaining a connection to its legacy as a cornerstone of Boston’s manufacturing past.
Rendering Courtesy of CBT Architects
The proposed development will rise on Gillette’s longtime home near Fort Point Channel, a location known for its proximity to the Seaport District and downtown Boston. The plan includes a blend of commercial office space, residential units, retail, public parks, and hospitality offerings. Designed with walkability and community integration in mind, the project envisions a district that serves workers, residents, and visitors alike while energizing a site that has long been closed to the public.
According to P&G, this transformation will occur over multiple phases and is expected to span the next 10 to 15 years. One of the key goals is to preserve Boston’s industrial heritage while supporting its future as a tech-forward and livable city. The development will also prioritize sustainability, with plans for LEED-certified buildings, green infrastructure, and improved climate resiliency. This is has been a growing concern for waterfront developments in the region.
Although detailed renderings have yet to be released, early site concepts suggest the inclusion of several high-rise towers, an innovation corridor geared toward biotech and life sciences, and residential buildings that would bring hundreds of new housing units to a high-demand area. P&G has stated that Gillette will retain a presence on the site, likely in a scaled-down headquarters or research facility, preserving its ties to the neighborhood it helped shape for over a century.
Public access and connectivity are also major pillars of the proposal. The development would feature new pedestrian pathways, bikeways, and waterfront access, linking the Fort Point and Seaport neighborhoods with South Station and the rest of downtown. Open green spaces and public plazas are expected to serve as gathering spots for community events, outdoor dining, and recreation, helping to foster a sense of place in what has historically been an industrial zone.
City officials have responded positively to the announcement, noting that the project aligns with Boston’s broader goals of expanding mixed-use development and enhancing climate resiliency along the waterfront. While the project will undergo a rigorous public review and permitting process, it is being hailed as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to knit together key districts in the city’s urban core.
The timing of the proposal also reflects broader trends in urban planning and commercial real estate. As companies adapt to hybrid work models and cities focus more on livability, large-scale mixed-use developments are emerging as the future of post-industrial urban landscapes. P&G’s plan for South Boston echoes similar projects in cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, where former industrial land is being reborn as dynamic, 24/7 neighborhoods.
P&G’s vision for the Gillette campus represents more than just new buildings. It’s a transformative step toward reshaping the identity of that part of South Boston. With thoughtful design, historic preservation, and a focus on accessibility and innovation, the development is poised to become a landmark project for the city, blending legacy and progress in one of Boston’s most strategically located sites.