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For all of its success as a center of commerce, Kendall Square in Cambridge remains something of an urban desert, with unused spaces and buildings isolated by wide streets, exaggerating the sense of emptiness.

But that may soon change.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is preparing to spend $700 million to redevelop eight of its properties in Kendall Square, adding to the transformation of what is largely a commercial zone to a more pedestrian-friendly, lively neighborhood where people would live as well as work.

“MIT’s proposed new development has the potential to transform Kendall Square into a vibrant dynamic place where the activity at the ground is as cutting-edge as the science above,’’ said Cambridge’s city manager, Robert Healy.

Continue reading the story HERE

Photo credit www.web.mit.edu

"The National Trust for Historic Preservation has presented Boston with a preservation honor award in recognition of the restoration of the Theater District.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino accepted the award last month at the organization’s annual conference.

Co-recipients of the award are Emerson College and Suffolk University, Boston Parks and Recreation Department, the Boston Landmarks Commission, the Boston Redevelopment Authority and Elkus-Manfredi Architects.

The recognition is testament to the enduring dedication and steadfast determination of many like-minded individuals to revitalize a battered neighborhood along lower Washington Street known as the Combat Zone.

Three theaters – the Opera House, the Paramount and the Modern –had been shuttered for years and were in desperate need of repairs if they were to avoid the wrecking ball. Today they are open and boast the grandeur of old." Read More HERE

Picture & Story courtesy of wickedlocalbostonhomes.com

100 people attended Tuesday evening's Urban Apartment 2.0 panel presented by NAIOP Developing Leaders. Our own Chris Sower served as the moderator for the discussion that covered the current multifamily market and what is in store for the future.

Panelists included: Kevin Ahearn, President, Otis & Ahearn, Inc; Scott Dale, Vice President, Avalon Bay Communities, Inc.; and Patrick McMahon, Vice President Development, Northeast Region, Simpson Housing.

Exciting things are happening in Boston's multifamily market: over the next 24-48 months, an additional 4,500 apartment units are predicted, including Avalon Exeter and Atlantic Wharf. With demographics are trending toward the Gen Ys and empty nesters, smaller units are the norm to fit within a price point. Development amenities are incuding better space solutions, basketball courts, and outdoor space.

If you would like specifics about the apartment development climate, please email Chris Sower.

The Fenway, one of Boston's more notable areas, may soon be holding the title of the state's first Cultural District.

If given the support at today's November 14th, City council hearing, the Fenway Cultural Districy (FCD) will be able to apply for the designation; which is given to areas rich in cultural institutions.  The idea of Cultural districts were introduced during a state legislature vote last year as part of an economic development bill.  Due to the newness of the program, the Massachusetts Cultural Commission (MCC) has not deemed any other Boston areas as "Cultural Districts."

The hope is that marketing the Fenway neighborhood as a cultural district will bring about increased tourism, public improvement projects, and higher property values. Which in turn has promise to help boost the local economy by helping to keep businesses afloat and appearances up to par. 

Unfortunately, funds have not yet been set aside by the state to help this program get on its feet.  So for at least a year most of the funding will be done by local organizations and fundraising.  "It's in a dream phase...We'll hopefully see see a lot of concrete things come out of this (hearing)," said Kelly Brilliant, executive director of the Fenway Alliance. "We would really like to think of this as enhancing the entire neighborhood."

If supported by the local elected leaders, the application will hopefully be filed with the MCC by the end of the month, says Brilliant.

Click here to browse Fenway-area condos for sale.

According to the National Association of Realtors Q3 report, Boston metro showed improvement in median home prices while most others were down.

Condo median prices are up 1.9% and single families are up.3% over Q2. We say that means it's a good time to sell your home!

You can read more context in this article on Bloomberg.

As I am sure many of you have read, Boston is undergoing several transformations throughout several of its neighborhoods. Some are undergoing new additions, while others are getting renovated.

Here is an inside look with David Manfredi, principal of Elkus Manfredi Architects, whose firm happens to be one of which that is highly involved with several current/upcoming projects.

"Given all the development in places like Dudley Square, the Fenway, and the South Boston Waterfront, how do you expect the design and atmosphere of the city to change in coming years?

We’re very fortunate, planners and architects especially, to be in Boston. There is activity here, and there are large parts of the country where there’s not nearly as much activity. What’s exciting is that we have this incredible waterfront that sits right next to our downtown, and there is a lot of development there now. It’s not like we’re building at the edges; we’re building so close to the heart of everything." ...Read more HERE (photo credit boston.com) 

photo credit: Boston.com

Enhancing the Landscape: "For a casual passerby, it is easy to overlook the entrance of the Southwest Corridor Park, one of Boston’s largest and most prominent public spaces. It presents itself along Dartmouth Street like an alley between commercial buildings, offering little indication of what lies just a few feet away: a plush, linear park that stretches for 4.7 miles, running from the Back Bay to Jamaica Plain."...Read More

Downtown Crossing Luxury Apartment & Retail: "The 27-story glass-and-stone tower will rise on a vacant lot at LaGrange and Washington streets that once hosted the Gaiety Theater. Scheduled for completion in the summer of 2013, it will also include two or three small retail shops."...Read More

Changes for Fanueil Hall: "Ashkenazy Acquisition Corp., a New York real estate firm, said it has closed on the acquisition of a 63-year lease for Faneuil Hall Marketplace from General Growth Properties, a Chicago mall operator."..Read More

The Halloween Season: Two scary classic films for the price of one? Yes, please! Check out the schedule of double features over at the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square...Read More

photo credit: Boston.com

New Construction in Back Bay, Underway?: "AvalonBay Communities Inc. is expected to start construction today on a 28-story apartment building on Exeter Street in Boston’s Back Bay" Read More

Former Govenor's Cambridge Home up for Sale for 5.5 Million: "The 15-room, eight-bedroom, 4 1/2-bath “Arthur Astor Carey House” at 28 Fayerweather St. went on the market during the middle of last week. The seller is Susan Roosevelt Weld, the former governor’s ex-wife. She now lives in Washington." Read More

Amanada Knox is Headed Home to the USA a Free Lady: After being in an Italian prison for 4 years, "Knox sobbed at the news conference and held her mother's hand as her lawyer Theodore Simon said her acquittal "unmistakably announced to the world" that she was not responsible for the killing of Meredith Kercher." Read More

NEW TO THE MARKET!  SPACIOUS, IMMACULATE JAMAICA PLAIN LOFT FOR SALE!

Last week I got a call from a listing agent to preview a loft in the Boston Area about to hit the market, which is always a pleasure, as I'm eager to get a jump on what's coming up and always willing to give an opinion when asked. It's rare to find something I haven't seen before, but this one was in a complex that I had actually never visited in Jamaica Plain.

From the photo that was sent to me, I knew I was going to see something special, but I was truly delighted by what I saw when the door was opened. 
Every detail in this delightful modern / clean / bright / inspiring loft is about as perfectly thought-out as you can find. From enormous windows to giant canvas-ready walls, to the elegant and industrial style staircase anchoring the levels, to the airy & extremely functional kitchen and dining areas, to the hardwood floors (YES they are gleaming), to the lofted Master Suite (perfectly perched over the huge livingroom) with a spa-like bath, this is about as flawless as it gets with a loft.


Usually when I'm assisting a client in their search, about half of the loft spaces have a "flaw" – well, because lofts sometimes don't always give you much storage or closets, or there is something to be desired in the layout. I really can't find anything that I don't like about this loft! It has amazing storage space (even the well-place murphy bed minimizes the space taken up in the lower level is a thoughtful touch), tasteful lighting, well-designed baths / pantry / closets. The bonus is an easily accessible roof area that is ready to for a roof deck - Boston views included!


Oh, and ever so convenient is that it's steps to the Green Street T stop in Jamaica Plain, has parking included, and is on the bike path!



• 1900 Square Feet (although feels closer 25')
• 2 Bedrooms (including the amazing Master Suite)
• 1 Full Bath & 1 Half Bath
• Parking Included
• Great Jamaica Plain location
• Price: $519,000

On October 6th, 25 brand new lofts will be auctioned off. Minimum bids will start at $115,000! The average minimum bid is more than 50% off the last asking price - making these an unbelievable value.



These lofts boastopen floor plans, 10' - 16' ceilings, gorgeous kitchens w/ stainless steel appliances & granite countertops, private terraces & balconies available, exposed beams, spa-like baths, oversized factory-sized windows, with a mixture of hardwood and polished concrete floors.



DNA Lofts is located at the desirable northern tip of Dorchester, steps to the Redline T, where an influx of new restaurants and retail has created a "buzz" within the residential community.