Rendering by Stantec Architecture.

The Zoning Board of Appeal today approved a 318-unit apartment complex with a 16-story tower on Pratt Street, next to the former rail yard, in Allston.

The $215-million proposal, by Hines, based in Houston, and Calare Properties of Framingham, would replace a warehouse, a parking lot and a single-family home.

Some 17% of the apartments would be rented as affordable, to people making no more than 50% to 70% of the Boston area median income.

The Allston Civic Association enthusiastically supported the project, in large part because it would bring in large numbers of non-undergraduates to an area that has become noted as a BU student warren - the GAP, named for Gardner, Ashford and Pratt streets.

"Graduate students are fine, young professionals, seniors

See Full Page