As we draw closure to 2007, it’s time to take a look at some of the top available options for 2008 in Boston condo developments. It’s actually quite difficult to single out the cream of the crop in the downtown Boston market because there are so many options for Buyers currently as great product continues to hit the market, and let’s face it, different developments suit different needs and lifestyles. With there being truly a large number of gems in the core downtown market, we are unfortunately skipping over many top-notch properties. We’ll continue to cover the entire market with in depth features, but, here is our short all around list, with straight-forward honest talk, for 2008.
- Court Square Press – the Court Square Press building in northern South Boston has a good historical story, but it may be the recent completion of its sister property, the Macallen, that catapults Court Square Press itself to our list. With the completion of the Macallen, the concierge-served residents of Court Square Press now have access to an absolutely gorgeous 20,000 square foot plaza with grills and a lap pool, as well as a high-end screening room with kitchen and bathroom that can be reserved by residents for private parties. Many units in Court Square Press feature loft-style brick and beam living, and recent upgrades to the in-house fitness center are stellar. Some of the only drawbacks to Court Square Press are some units receive poor light, and some residents have voiced concern over noise cancellation, however, apparent concerns have decreased significantly in this area. In the past, location may have been called a drawback to this development, however, there are multiple condo developments that are popping up adjacent to Court Square Press, and this is driving commercial entry into the area, turning northern South Boston into one of the hottest areas of the city.
- Bryant on Columbus – we’re going out on a limb in placing the Bryant on the list, namely because it is not complete yet. Nevertheless, the Bryant will offer lauded three-bedroom floor-through units with soaring ceilings and high-end amenities. The location will put you on the border of the neighborhood feel of the South End, and the “city living” surrounding Copley Square. Good inventory remains in the building, so great choices are still available at the Bryant, with an anticipated completion date of August 2008. Potential owners still need to consider heavily the location of their unit, and the natural light that will be available – the units will have excellent southern exposure, but will be in close proximity to the large 131 Dartmouth building behind it. Outside of a lack of multiple exposure windows, the only remaining drawbacks to the Bryant could be a 5-day concierge (however, HOA fees are substantially lower than similar direct-elevator luxury buildings), and the lack of excellent city views.
- 44 Snow Hill – this was a five-unit high-end renovation of a classic North End property. The last of the units sold in late July 2007, and we’ll need to keep our ears to the ground for a resale opportunity at this boutique development. Superb craftsmanship and exquisite finishes highlight the property. With only a two minute walk to the Waterfront, high ceilings, modern kitchens, and superb baths, 44 Snow Hill will be a diamond in the rough for a long time to come. Perhaps the only drawbacks to these units would be the laundry being communal in the basement, rather than having in-unit facilities, and parking is available for rent across the street rather than direct access.
- Meads of Commonwealth – we’ve written a fair bit about the Meads of Commonwealth, and for good reason, it is one of the finest properties in west end of the Back Bay. The quality of these units are unparalleled, the fixtures and amenities are truly spectacular. The units at the Meads are flowing floor-throughs, many with superb entry ways, and all with direct elevator access. What’s missing, well, perhaps a concierge, which for a property of this caliber, has been overlooked. The location of this boutique high-end development could be looked at as a minus, with it being away from the hustle and bustle of Newbury Street shopping or the tranquility of the Public Garden.
No list is going to be perfect. Bottom line, the condo options available across the core of downtown Boston are stellar, all of them accommodating different needs and lifestyles through various amenity levels. For more information on the above-mentioned developments, or to discuss any of those we did not cover in this blog post, feel free to contact us.
Keith Munsell 
