South Station Tower & Transportation Hub

Project Scope

McDonald Electrical Corporation served as the sole electrical contractor for the landmark South Station Tower project—Boston’s largest transit-oriented development. The project transformed one of New England’s busiest transportation hubs through a major infrastructure modernization and the construction of a new 52-story mixed-use tower directly above active rail and bus terminals.

Our work included the complete relocation and rebuilding of critical MBTA electrical systems, new distribution for the tower and podium, and advanced technology upgrades that modernized how commuters and operators experience the station every day.

The McDonald Electrical team managed electrical construction, enabling, systems integration, and tele/data upgrades across every phase of the project, including:

• Full Electrical Infrastructure Relocation to enable tower construction while maintaining uninterrupted transit operations.
• Primary and Secondary Power Distribution Systems, including new electric rooms, utility vaults, and pathways supporting all building systems.
• Life Safety & Fire Alarm Systems integrated across rail, bus, and tower operations.
• Lighting and Controls throughout concourses, platforms, and the new terminal expansion.
• Tele-Data & Public Address Upgrades, featuring ADA-compliant digital signage, visual paging, and a fully modernized PA system meeting NFPA 130 life safety requirements.
• Prefabrication & 3D Modeling (BIM) for coordinated installation across tight, high-traffic work zones.

Special Challenges

As the sole electrical contractor, McDonald Electrical managed the seamless integration of legacy systems with new infrastructure. This high-profile, high-traffic job demanded precision, adaptability, and constant coordination across trades. Our electricians prioritized safety and quality, ensuring every aspect of the electrical scope was executed to the highest standard.

• Active Operations: Crews often worked overnight and weekends to minimize impact on commuters.
• Complex Phasing: The project unfolded in three major phases—Enabling, Podium, and Tower—each functioning like its own standalone project.
• Coordination Across Agencies: Collaboration with MBTA, Amtrak, Keolis, Hines, and Suffolk Construction ensured safety and schedule alignment.
• Structural & System Constraints: Innovative mounting designs and clash detection through BIM eliminated costly rework and preserved rail operations.

Through detailed preconstruction planning, real-time coordination, and field ingenuity, the McDonald team maintained safety, quality, and schedule in one of the most logistically challenging environments in the city.