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.

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.

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.

We stopped by the 285 Columbus Lofts jobsite today to have lunch with the crew. Work is steadily progressing on the new 63-unit development at the corner of Columbus Avenue and Clarendon Street, steps from the Bryant on Columbus and the Clarendon Back Bay.

Planned for a Certificate of Occupancy date in June 2008, 285 Columbus Lofts is an exciting redevelopment of the former American Red Cross Building. Units will include high-end sophisticated finishes, hardwood floors, large windows, and high ceilings (9’6″).

For more information, please contact us. Check out the exclusive 285 Columbus condos construction photos below.