Top 10 Articles of 2008

In 2008, the Boston Condo Blog grew into one of the most popular real estate news sources in Boston.  Some innovative new ideas are planned for 2009, but it’s worthwhile to take a look back at the most popular articles that generated reader interest in 2008. Here are the top 10 most read articles from 2008 here at the Boston Condo Blog.

1. Boston W Hotel and Condos – we have put together some of the most exclusive photos and content surrounding the luxury Starwood brand hotel and resort that will launch in late 2009, going all the way back to the transition of the property from a parking lot to a large hole in the ground.
2. Boston Parking Spaces – our downtown Boston parking spots page has become a top destination for those who want to buy and/or sell a parking spot in Boston.
3. Banq Restaurant to Open at Penny Savings Bank – few restaurants in the city generated as much buzz as Banq did.  The historic Penny Savings Bank deep in the South End was completely renovated in 2007, and is now home to luxury condos, as well as commercial space, which includes a bank (how appropriate), and the new upscale Banq restaurant.
4. The 1850 New South End Condo Development – along the southern border of the South End, a new loft-style condo development called the 1850 launched, we were one of the first to bring you exclusive photos and a comprehensive overview of the property.
5. Broadluxe Condo Auction Results – we were the only news source that stayed with the Broadluxe condo development as it changed ownership hands through foreclosure, as well as pre and post auction.  With the last Purchase and Sale Agreement at Broadluxe was recently signed, (tentatively) marking the end of a successful, and rather short, sales cycle.
6. Prices at Macallen Building – being the first green condo development in Boston, the Macallen Building has received a lot of attention even before its opening in the summer of 2007.  Approximately 50 units in the building remain unsold, and pricing at the development is of interest to many who want to call the green building home.
7. 285 Columbus Lofts Buck Downtown Boston Trend – 285 Columbus Lofts, a new loft-style condo development at the northwest corner of Columbus Avenue and Clarendon Street surprised many with the sales velocity that the developer established in pre and post construction.  The development offers a combination of highly desirable amenities, in a superb location, and Buyers to notice.
8. $100K Price Changes at D4 Condos – one of two historical landmark buildings in the South End (and the city for that matter) that have been converted into luxury condo developments, the Philippe Starck designed D4 Condos are approaching sold out status, but only after undergoing several price reductions.
9. Nothing Standard About Standard Purchase and Sale Agreement – one of our guest bloggers, Rich Rosa, a real estate attorney in Massachusetts, put together an excellent article about one of the most important documents in the real estate transaction process, the Purchase and Sale Agreement.
10. Warm Welcome from the Clarendon Back Bay – the sales staff for the Clarendon Back Bay, one of the city’s latest ultra luxury condo developments, hosted us immediately following the opening of the official sales center on Newbury Street.  Despite a slowing luxury market, the combination of amenities and location at the Clarendon continue to drive Buyer interest.

We look forward to another exciting year in Boston real estate, and a whole new set of top 10 articles in 2009.  Happy New Year!