Bryant on Columbus Turns the Heat On

At the beginning of December, we were the first to bring you the news of the Bryant on Columbus coming up out of the ground, above its multi-level underground garage (see Lift Off at Bryant on Columbus). Work continues to progress quickly at the Bryant as evidenced by the exclusive photos below – the photo immediately below on the left is the current construction site, while the developer’s mockup on the right shows what the Bryant will look like upon completion later this year.

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Bryant on Columbus Completion

At this point, it’s hard to say if the building will be move-in ready by its currently estimated August completion date. The developer pushed the date back once already, but with the quick movement that they have seen over the past several months, August, at this point, does not look like it is entirely out of the question. For comparison, the Mandarin Oriental, which is just a few blocks away, has its shell nearly complete, and they are targeting what appears to be a quite realistic July 2008 opening.

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Bryant on Columbus Pricing

The Bryant will boast three-bedroom floor through living spaces. Three-bedroom units start at approximately $1,550,000 for just over 2,000 square feet, and run up through $2,950,000 for 2,000+ square feet penthouses with private outdoor space. Price per square foot at the Bryant ranges from $750 to $1,400+. Direct elevator access, 5-day concierge, secure garage parking, and high-end finishes throughout these condos along Columbus Avenue (where the Back Bay meets the South End) will be an excellent addition to the neighborhood.

bryant-on-columbus-construction-2

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Resale Opportunity at 360 Newbury

With the final penthouse at 360 Newbury still languishing on the market (see One Condo Left at 360 Newbury…Still), a new resale opportunity has come along. Unit 405 at 360 Newbury is a 1,342 square foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit listed at $1,250,000 ($931 per square foot). For comparison, the remaining penthouse unit is priced at $870 per square foot.

360 Newbury is an iconic building built in 1918 and renovated in 2005 that sits at the southeast corner of Newbury Street and Massachusetts Avenue. Designed by Frank Gehry, the building houses luxury condominiums, a T stop, and a three floor commercial space (currently occupied by the Back Bay Best Buy).

Unit 405 was purchased just over a year ago for $1,005,000. 360 Newbury is one of the anchor condo developments in the Back Bay, however, the double digit appreciation that the Seller is striving for is bold. For more information on either of the available units at 360 Newbury, please contact us.

 

285 Columbus Lofts Buck Downtown Boston Trend

It was just over a week ago that we visited the 285 Columbus Lofts Broker Open House, at which time, there were 4 units Under Agreement at the luxury rehab of the former American Red Cross building at the corner of Clarendon Street and Columbus Avenue. According to Boston Homes, 12 are now Under Agreement slated for a June 2008 completion.

The absorption of 285 Columbus Lofts, now at approximately 20%, bucks trends elsewhere in the city for new downtown condo developments that have not yet opened. For instance, the neighboring Bryant on Columbus development is approximately 10% Under Agreement, while FP3 Boston in the Seaport District is approximately 20% sold, but has had a significant head start on 285 Columbus Lofts. As we detailed earlier this week (see What’s Happening at Penny Savings Bank?), Penny Savings Bank in the South End is approximately 30% sold, while the development has been open for several months, and had a significant runway of preconstruction showings.

Buyers are taking to the convenience of being next to a transit center – we’re seeing similar developments to 285 Columbus, such as the Carruth in Dorchester popping up adjacent to transit stations. You’ll be able to catch buses, the T, commuter rail, and even the Acela Express from 285 Columbus Lofts’ Back Bay transit station. The developer, Boston Residential Group LLC, at 285 Columbus Lofts did a good job insulating the walls and windows (triple pane) from the exterior noise.

For more information, or to setup a showing at 285 Columbus Lofts, contact us.

285 Columbus Lofts Broker Open House

The redevelopment of the American Red Cross building at the northwest corner of Columbus Avenue and Clarendon Street, known as 285 Columbus Lofts held a broker open house today. This was the first look that many agents across the city have had to look at this new loft-style development where average price per square foot is $850, and 4 of the 63 units are Under Agreement. The exclusive panoramic photo (click to enlarge) below is a shot of the multiple exposure model unit overlooking Clarendon on the left, and Columbus on the right. More details to come soon on this new Boston condo development at 285 Columbus Avenue.

285 Columbus Lofts Photos

Prices Announced at 285 Columbus Lofts

Several price points have been identified at the new 285 Columbus Lofts condo development at the corner of Columbus Avenue and Clarendon Street along the border of the Back Bay and the South End.

  • $575,000 – one-bedroom, one-bathroom, 873 square feet ($659 per square foot) on the 4th floor
  • $775,500 – two-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,121 square feet ($691 per square foot) on the 3rd floor
  • $1,060,500 – two-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,339 square feet ($792 per square foot) on the 4th floor
  • $1,545,500 – two-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,578 square feet ($979 per square foot) on the 8th (top) floor

Price per square foot at 285 Columbus Lofts is quite affordable on the lower floors (considering the anticipated quality of finishes and amenities, including concierge), but takes a significant jump when you get to the penthouse level – putting this in context, the recently finished D4 condos (a Philippe Starck design) are priced lower on a price per square foot basis.

Anticipated completion is currently scheduled for June 2008. A model unit is now open, to setup a showing, feel free to contact us.

285 Columbus Lofts Construction Photos

Zero Marlborough Back Bay Condo Development

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.

Zero Marlborough Condos

Zero Marlborough Condos

Zero Marlborough Condos

Zero Marlborough Condos

Zero Marlborough Condos

Zero Marlborough Condos

New Clarendon Back Bay Construction Photos

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.

Clarendon Back Bay

Clarendon Back Bay

Clarendon Back Bay

The Clarendon in the Back Bay

The public seems to be clamoring for information on the status of the Clarendon Back Bay condo development at the corner of Clarendon and Stuart Streets. As you are more than likely aware (and evidenced by the exclusive photos below), construction is moving along on the development.

It has been announced that there will be 107 condos for sale at the development. Prices, nor floor plans, have been finalized at this point. This information should all come together for the launch of the sales center, which is scheduled for January 2008.

The sales center staff is getting ramped up, finishing models and is working diligently to finalize a preconstruction sales process. As we move into the Holiday buying season, prepare yourself with looking into the benefits of a Buyer’s Agent.

More information on the Clarendon Back Bay to follow.

The Clarendon in the Back Bay

The Clarendon in the Back Bay

Boston Says No Thanks to $15 Million Price Tag

When the two penthouse units (1801 and 1802) at Trinity Place were combined into a single listing earlier this year, priced at $15 million, it was the highest priced condo to ever hit the Boston real estate market.

As we described in July (see Trinity Place Penthouse – $15 Million), the combined penthouse units boasted over 7,000 square feet of living space, 8 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, 2 fireplaces, and 4 valet-parking spaces, along with a $10K per month HOA fee.

After more than 200 days on the market, the $15 million listing has been withdrawn. According to Maryann Taylor, the exclusive listing agent, parties were “interested” in the mega-penthouse unit, but, nothing came to fruition. The Seller has decided to move forward with separating the units, and has now placed unit 1801 on the market for $7 million.

In addition to the $7 million listing, there are two other condos available at Trinity place (see Trinity Place Listing Details). For more information, use the ‘Contact Us’ link at the top of the page.

One Condo Left at 360 Newbury…Still

You have more than likely seen the advertisements, walked by and/or stopped into Tower Records Virgin Megastore Best Buy on the ground floor of this loft-style condo development, you guessed it, 360 Newbury, at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Newbury Street.

There is currently one unit remaining in this luxury development of 54 high-end condos with soaring ceilings, huge windows, high-end finishes, and a sophisticated loft feel. 360 Newbury, a Frank Gehry design, renovated in 2005, and the remaining unit, penthouse number 7, has been on the market for well over 200 days. It’s a 2,062 square foot, one-bedroom two-bathroom $1.795 million unit that does not come with parking, and has gone through a $200K price drop this year alone.

What’s keeping this unit from selling? The $870 price per square foot is somewhat typical of high-end concierge buildings in the Back Bay. The HOA fee of approximately $1,000 a month sounds relatively high, but 50 cents a square foot is a fair price given the amenities. The views, amenities, and craftsmanship are stellar in the unit. What’s missing? Parking – we hear repeatedly from buyers that they have no desire to drive around the neighborhood looking for a parking spot when they come home at night (especially if they are paying more than $1 million).

The Listing Brokerages, Otis & Ahearn, are currently offering the brokerage who represents the Buyer on the unit a $25K gift certificate to Best Buy. Boston Condo Guy would be committed to putting those funds towards the purchase or rental of a parking spot in the Back Bay area, please contact us more details about penthouse number 7, and the possibility of including parking in the purchase.

360 Newbury Condos

360 Newbury Condos

360 Newbury Condos