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The vibrant South Boston Seaport District is in the midst of a renaissance. Urban planners have realized the enormous attraction of South Boston's waterfront and its proximity to downtown Boston. More growth is happening in the Seaport District than in any other part of the city. MassPort and the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) have undertaken major planning efforts to facilitate the development of this mixed-use district. These plans have attracted new residents from Boston, who bring with them a taste for cutting-edge design and style.
Transportation
South Boston is located directly adjacent to Downtown Boston, just one or two stops from South Station and Downtown Crossing on the Red Line. A number of bus lines also service South Boston, and the MBTA has planned extensive transport enhancements to support the influx of new residents in South Boston. The Silver Line now provides direct service to Logan Airport, and the Transitway uses clean diesel buses to connect the South Boston piers with South Station. 
Neighborhood Services
The South Boston East and West Broadway Corridor possesses a multitude of neighborhood services, including numerous shops, restaurants, and local businesses that cater to residents. The South Boston Public Library has an active Friends of the Library membership who create an ongoing schedule of community programs. The Boston Design Center is a nexus for a wide variety of design-related businesses, from photography to chic restaurants. Several dance studios offer classes in modern, tap, and ballet. Historical preservation groups are actively involved in perserving South Boston's rich heritage. A number of athletic facilities grace the area, including the famous "L" Community Center, which offers yoga and pilates in addition to the standard exercise classes. South Boston also holds a Farmers' Market on West Broadway in the summer, and numerous food markets, florists, and cafes appeal to the growing number of young professionals moving into the neighborhood.
Recreation
South Boston's extensive beaches and surrounding parkland are renowned for their accessibility. There are a total of 18 dedicated open space areas in South Boston, with 207
acres
of protected parks, playgrounds, beaches, and squares. 557-559 is within easy
walking distance of one of Boston Harbor's major waterfront attractions: Pleasure
Bay. Bounded by Fort Independence Park and Castle Island at one end and Marine
Park at the other, Pleasure Bay and its acres of parks is one of the crowning
jewels of South Boston. The father of Boston's Emerald
Necklace, Frederick Law Olmsted, conceived of the open-space system of
parks, beaches, and promenandes that frame the southern shoreline of South
Boston. Some of the best views of the Boston Harbor are to be found along
the L Street Beach.
Cultural Attractions
In the summer, South Boston's many open spaces come alive as they host multiple ParkARTS Performing Arts events, including the Beantown Jazz Festival, Artist-in-Residence craft workshops, and live music performances at the O'Day Playground. South Boston has a long-standing tradition of Celtic music offerings throughout the year. With the growing diversity of new residents, a corresponding diversity of musical talent has emerged in the area's nightlife.
The
South Boston Art Association recently opened an attractive, eclectic gallery
on West Broadway that features local artists. Just down the street from
557-559, the renovated Distillery is home to the Second Gallery and the
Artists' Foundation Gallery. The Distillery offers both exhibition space
and live/work studio space for 14 artists. At nearby 100 West 2nd Street,
the Artists for Humanity EpiCenter offers a gallery and event space, as
well as youth arts classes and mentoring.
South Boston is home to two community theater groups: The Storystreet Players and the Actors' Players. The new wine bar South hosts jazz nights and poetry competitions. Popular jazz musicians dominate the scene at nearby The Wave and Lucky's Lounge.
New Developments
Two major projects
in South Boston—the new Federal Courthouse on Fan Pier and the Boston
Convention & Exhibition Center and adjacent hotel—prompted the Boston
Redevelopment Authority (BRA) to create a South Boston Waterfront District
master plan that accommodates new developments and open spaces. Plans are
currently underway for an additional two hotels, new waterfront parks and
trails, several shopping centers, and multiple housing developments.
Major new construction for the area includes the Artists for Humanity EpiCenter—which won awards for its sustainable building design—, the Institute of Contemporary Art at Fan Pier, and a number of housing projects, including the Court Press Building, the MacAllen Building, the Saint Peter and Paul's church and rectory, 371-401D Street, and the Midway Street Project.