The city has been a buzz with new developments, with living spaces being created, and/or renovated, making the excitement palpable as we enter the winter season, anticipating the completion, and commencement, of developments in 2008. But, is a “downgrade” coming?
Bryant on Columbus Completion Date
November 19, 2007 By
Multiple cranes are in the ground, and they are racing to pull what will be one of the premier properties along Columbus Avenue out of the three-level garage below. The Bryant on Columbus has communicated that they are officially moving their tentative completion date from April 2008 to August 2008.
More to come soon on what we think will be one of the best properties along the border of the South End and Back Bay.
The Modern South End Condos Open House
November 18, 2007 By
Developers are constantly trying to push through barriers, of all different kinds, and The Modern South End, a new 25-unit boutique development on the west side of the South End, has placed a high-end boutique development in an area that will definitely see further development in the future. Does this represent your chance to “get in early”? Perhaps it does.
Our Featured Open House this week will put on display the 13 remaining units at the Modern, priced from $449,000 up through $1,595,000, offering 1,004 to 2,592 square feet. New construction, with Dennis Duffy interiors, common roof deck, at quite reasonable prices (from $450 – $610 per square foot), is worth a look.
Parking is available in the building, however, it is not always included in the listing price (depending on the unit), and can be purchased for $29,000 to $49,000.
The Modern, at 255 Northampton Street, Open House will take place on Sunday, November 18, 2007, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. For further information on the development, feel free to use the Contact Us link at the top of this page.
45 Province Catches On
November 17, 2007 By
It’s been just over a month since we spoke about the ingenuity of live construction web cams at condo developments (see 1330 Boylston Mixed-Use Rental Development), or perhaps, their lack in the Boston market. One of the first mainstream developments to implement a live construction cams was Battery Wharf, when over a year ago, they implemented a mechanism where Buyers that had put a unit under reservation could keep tabs on how things where progressing at the job site.
Not only do Buyers who hold reservations at a new development want to see progress of their purchase, but potential Buyers and even those in the community tell us that a live construction cam overlooking the construction site is an innovative way to communicate with the Boston real estate market.
The development team at 45 Province must have heard the noise on the street, because they have installed a live construction cam recently (thank you to John Keith for bringing this to our attention). 45 Province is a development of The Abbey Group, and is being architected by Bruner/Cott & Associates.
So who is doing it? Unfortunately, only a handful of Boston condo developments have taken the leap:
- Battery Wharf – if you can wait through their rather slow flash-based website to load at , there will be a a link in the far left column of the landing page called “Click For Site Camera”. This link serves up 10 distinct views of the development site, all live, featuring the buildout of the Battery Wharf condo development, as well as the Regent Hotel.
- 1330 Boylston – the mixed-use rental developments seem to be quite popular in the Fenway as of late, and 1330 Boylston is no different. We reported almost a month ago that this development was hosting a new webcam, the camera being perched atop a neighboring high rise, providing an excellent vantage point on the development.
- FP3 Boston – the coveted anchor development in the Seaport District has implemented something similar to Battery Wharf in that they provide three separate shots of the development. The pictures are located by navigating to the developer’s website, clicking “Enter Site” on the lower left, hovering over the “Building” link title along the top of the screen, and then selecting the “Webcam” link. The FP3 Boston condo development is currently slated for a 2nd Quarter 2008 completion, and will add almost 100 high-end condos to the core of the Seaport, as well as an upscale restaurant.
- 45 Province – the long awaited 45 Province condo development, which bull-dozed the famous Littlest Bar of Boston is the most recent addition to the live construction cam club by hosting a single (rather tight) view of construction.
We hope to see this list grow considerably over the upcoming months. There are a number of new condo developments in various stages of build, and adding a webcam is a simple and effective way to allow an engaging relationship to flourish.
Boulder Colorado Peloton Condos Rival Big City Projects
November 15, 2007 By
Urban living and upscale condo projects have been a national trend for many years, and Boulder Colorado has finally hit it big with The Peloton Boulder (at 3601 Arapahoe Avenue). This project strives to accomplish on a grand scale what hasn’t been attempted for many years in Boulder: to provide the kind of broad-appeal to residents that share common aspirations and a passion for the challenge of outdoor activities, and the thrill of urban living.
The Peloton location offers something unique in Boulder condos: quick access to the University of Colorado (CU) campus, the Pearl Street Mall, the Boulder Creek Path, the Twenty-Ninth Street Retail District, the Foothills Parkway / Highway 36, and the projected Boulder Transit Center.
Owning a home in Boulder Colorado has often meant compromise – one that required choosing between affordability and luxury. What distinguishes The Peloton is a superb combination of attributes and appointments that you won’t find anywhere else in Boulder: Gated Subterranean Parking, Private Decks and Patios with Gas Hook-Ups for Grills, Mountain Views from Most Homes, Boulder’s only rooftop swimming pool (it’s open year-round and includes two hot tubs), a 6,000 square foot private fitness club, design by award-winning Colorado Architects, and a private movie theater with stadium seating.
Another unique fact about The Peloton is that it’s fully funded. This means that unlike many large development projects, they don’t need to sell more condos to fund the next round of construction progress. In fact, the Peloton’s fitness club is the first building to be completed, a rare turn of events in new construction.
The Peloton offers four configurations: Lofts, 1,2, and 3 bedroom floor plans. However, rather than forcing you into cookie cutter configurations, there are 20 different alternatives. Each footprint allows you to create an ideal living space. Even with the smaller residences, you’ll find flexible design, stainless steel appliances, and granite counters.
Built on the former site of the Exabyte computer storage manufacturer, The Peloton seems to be an excellent choice for the current Boulder condo buyer. Depending on unit configuration, the Peloton will consist of approximately 390 units ranging in price from $350,000 to $1,100,000. The $1,100,000 price tag is for southwest facing penthouse units (approximately $589 per square foot).
For a look at one of the most famous attractions in Colorado, check out the Boulder Pearl Street Mall.
Penmark South End Condo Prices
November 14, 2007 By
If you are looking for upscale living deep in the South End, you do have options. One of those options is the newly opened Penmark Condos at 21 Father Gilday Street, just south of Washington Street (SoWa). The Penmark is a 60-unit development with a boutique feel, high-end finishes, and underground garage parking.
Of the 60 units, the Boston MLS shows 11 for sale, offering various floor plans in the $600 per square foot (+/-) range. Available units are listed at $575,000 to $1,055,000, and offer 908 to 1,726 square feet with one to two deeded garage parking spaces included based on unit.
For more details on available units: Penmark South End Condo Prices (PDF)
Boston’s Ben Mezrich New Book Rigged Reveals Dubai Oil Secrets
November 13, 2007 By
Boston’s own Ben Mezrich was at the Boston University Barnes and Noble book store on Monday evening to speak about his new book, Rigged. The new novel, from the method writer that has become quite popular after the success of Bringing Down the House and Ugly Americans, follows the true story of a Harvard Business School MBA grad who changed the world of oil, from Wall Street to Dubai.
Ben spoke in a very humbled tone on Monday night, answering questions and discussing the various predicaments he, and more so his writing alter ego, has been through over the past 10 years since delving into non-fiction thrillers that oftentimes chronicle smart and savvy entrepreneurs at heart.
If you appreciate the entrepreneurism at the heart of many Mezrich protagonists (at least from his non-fiction work), Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook or Crush It! by Gary Vaynerchuk may also be titles you should consider reading.
Zero Marlborough Back Bay Condo Development
November 13, 2007 By
The Back Bay of Boston is no stranger to luxury real estate, from the time the tidal flats were filled in the late 1800’s, Back Bay quickly became one of the most elegant places to call home. And who would argue with that, especially with properties that are adjacent to the Public Garden, and only steps from Boston Common. One of the most peaceful and elegant streets in the city of Boston is Marlborough Street, and it is home to Zero Marlborough, a new 13-unit ultra-luxury condo development that is currently under construction.
The building renovation will be the work of architect Grassi Design Group, and the real estate developer that kicked this off is Sea-Dar Real Estate, both of which are out of Boston.
The nine remaining units are priced from $1,635,000 to $4,799,000 and offer 1,308 to 3,296 square feet (according to the Boston MLS). The penthouse sold some time ago (see Zero Marlborough Penthouse Sold), however, this full-service building still has plenty to offer the discerning buyer.
Want more information on Back Bay condos, use this Back Bay Condos Google Map.
New Clarendon Back Bay Construction Photos
November 12, 2007 By
Recent exclusive photos of the Clarendon Back Bay condo development construction site show significant progress in digging out the below grade components of the development. We are told pricing and floor plan information should be available in early 2008.
Lofts at 36 A South Boston Open House
November 11, 2007 By
Our Featured Open House of the week is taking place at the Lofts at 36 A, a 26-unit luxury loft new construction in northern South Boston. This condo development is nestled in probably the hottest few blocks of Boston real estate, among Court Square Press, the new Macallen, and the soon to be Allele Boston. We’ve called the Lofts at 36 A out as being part of the Three South Boston Amigos.
According to the Boston MLS, 3 units remain at the Lofts at 36 A listed at $659K, which are all considered two-bedroom, two-bathroom units with over 1,200 square feet of living space, and the most exquisite stained and scored concrete floors in the city. Most units come configurable with regard to the actual buildout of a second bedroom. Heated garage parking is included, and a common / private roof deck setup offer great views of the city.
Finishes in this development are top notch, and the bathrooms, you have to see them to believe them. The open house will take place at 36 A Street on Sunday, November 11, 2007 from Noon until 2pm. Please let Beth Dailey, the exclusive listing agent, know that you heard about this open house on the Boston Condo Blog.
Keith Munsell 
