Kendall Square, home to MIT, has long been known as the center of biotechnology and computers. There are more Nobel Prize winners living per square foot than any other area of the world. Kendall Square is the home to companies such as Genzyme, Microsoft and Google as well as many start-ups.
Centrally located between Harvard square and Beacon Hill Kendall Square is 5 minutes away from the best museums, restaurants, and nightlife Boston and Cambridge have to offer.
Seeing potential in Kendall Square’s location and industry developers, with the city’s encouragement, have began to build more residential projects in the area. Two notable projects I recently visited are Third Square and The Watermark. Both are brand new modern buildings offering luxurious finishes and amenities. Both feature a fitness center, 24 hour concierge and lounge but they come in very different packages.
The Watermark is a LEED Certified Green building. All the appliances are Energy Efficient. The paints and finishes used in the building emit dramatically fewer VOC’S (volatile organic compounds) than traditional finishes. The carpets are free from formaldehyde, a substance used to make most carpets stain resistant. These factors make for superior indoor air quality. The tower boasts amazing views of Boston’s skyline and the Charles River. From the sunny apartments one can see the sailboats and the esplanade. At night the buildings light up the skyline.
Third Square is designed in a courtyard formation. Two fitness centers and an indoor lap-pool overlook the sunny, beautifully landscaped courtyard. The building’s low-rise massing, and mixed-use of retail and residential create a really strong community. In the summer the residents enjoy barbecuing in the shade. The courtyard provides a little oasis from Kendall’s urban atmosphere.
If you are interested in taking a tour of these buildings or other full service listings please call or email me today.
The recently opened apartments at One Back Bay are amazing with the best building ameneties you can find in the city. Located on the corner of Clarendon and Stuart Street, One Back Bay sits on prime real estate. Steps to Newbury Street’s boutiques and a short walk to Tremont Street’s renown restaurants its location can’t be beat.
Aside from the location, One Back Bay boasts some of the finest finishes, fixtures and appliances. Top of the line fixtures went into these apartments including brands such Sub-Zero, Miele, and Wolf. No detail was left out, I was impressed by the woodwork and shelving in the closets providing ample storage. The master bathrooms are appointed with his and her vanities, glass standing shower and tub.
The most alluring aspect of this building would have to be the light and views. Being the tallest residential tower in Back Bay allows for some of the best views of Boston. Residents can also enjoy the view from the roof-top terrace from Spring to Late Fall.
If you would like to schedule a tour of One Back Bay or hear about some of our other listings please call or email me anytime.
As a real estate agent and a LEED Accredited Professional people often ask me “Why should I invest in a ‘Green’ Building?” Aside from the growing trend to go green there are many other reasons to invest in a LEED certified building. In order to achieve Water efficiency LEED credits builders install low-flow showers, toilets and sinks. They also use native plants in landscaping reducing the use of potable water in irrigation. As a condo owner much of the condo fees go to water usage. In the years to come you can expect your condo fees to remain lower than other non-green buildings.
The same principle of reduction applies to all of the energy usage of the building. This goes beyond energy efficient light bulbs. All of the heating, venting, air conditioning, and mechanical equipment are state of the art and designed to reduce energy use, noise and pollution.
The best way to reduce the energy from mechanical equipment is to reduce the need for mechanical ventilation. Green buildings are meticulously designed to allow natural light and natural ventilation, further reducing energy costs. These are things that cannot be put on a listing sheet it simply must be experienced. Special attention is paid to air quality in a LEED building. Everything from paint, to carpet, to the construction process has to meet the most stringent standards. With asthysma on the rise and stories of mold in new construction one cannot put a price on the piece of mind and security from a LEED Certification.
In the end the LEED certification process builds green buildings but also much higher quality product. The cost of construction for Green Buildings is much higher but in the end the cost of ownership will be much less.
In Boston we are fortunate to have two LEED Certified Buildings. The Clarendon and The Macallen Building. If you have any questions about LEED Certification or green buildings or if you are interested in buying Real Estate please don’t hesitate to contact me.
William Carr /Real Estate Agent/LEED Certified Specialist
Robert A.M. Stern became famous for his signature modern-traditionalist style. Stern was a pioneer in the post-modern movement. An architectural style and attitude which brought the warmth and charm of traditional architecture to modern construction technology.
Stern was the perfect choice to design Back Bay’s first luxury residential tower. The Clarendon sits on a previously underdeveloped parking lot diagonally across from The Prudential Tower. Stern uses the massing of the building and uses Back Bay’s traditional brick to stitch together the neighborhood. The magnitude of this 32-story tower is mitigated by Stern’s careful attention to scale, proportion and material. The massing of the building was also studied to help alleviate the wind tunnel effect from the neighboring Prudential. The ground floor houses a popular bar and a post office which helps to extend the neighborhood and nightlife of Back Bay.
The Clarendon is also one of very few ‘green’ residential towers in the nation. Deciding to go green can add significantly to the construction cost but the trade-off is a safer, better quality, longer lasting and more comfortable building. Building a green building means not only using recycled materials and using energy efficient appliances but also following stricter health and air-quality standards.
The building has both condominiums and rentals units available at One Back Bay. They are appointed finest finishes and appliances and boast luxurious amenities. There are many different floor plans to fit a variety of lifestyles. The location and height of the building grant it some of the best views of Boston and provide ample natural light. A world famous architect, prime location and green construction insure The Clarendon will remain one of Boston’s most desired addresses for decades to come.
Archstone Avenir is offering two months free on a 13 months lease. This adds up to some big savings. For example, a 1 bedroom which typically rents for $2,500 per month would now rent for $2,115. A savings of $5,000 over the term of a 13 month lease. Archstone is also paying the full broker’s fee, which is an additional month’s rent. Essentially, you are getting 3 months rent for free.
Archstone Avenir is offering renters some of the most aggressive incentives but many other properties are following their lead. Buildings, all over Boston, which historically had few available apartments are now offering one or two months free, reduced parking rates and waiving amenities fees.
The Boston waterfront rental market has some great deals for the fall. The Harborview Apartments at the Navy Yard in Charlestown. Studio and one bedrooms from $1800 includes one garage parking space heat hot water and all amenities and shuttle to financial district. Also Check out the deals at Mezzo Lofts and Navy Yard 33. We tour these No Fee rental buildings all the time let us know if you are interested in finding a new or loft style apartment with underground parking and water views. Just drop us an email and we will schedule a no broker fee tour for you free. Rikeman Real Estate Company call toll free at 877-580-5005 or contact@bostonerealty.comwww.rikemanre.comwww.luxreblog.com.
Yes, It’s true! How would you like to live in a full service luxury building with a roof-top pool, fitness center PLUS an included parking spot for under $2000
These apartments were all recently renovated and offer:
DENVER - (Business Wire) Archstone announced today that the leasing office for its newest Boston community, Archstone Avenir, has officially opened its doors and begun leasing elegant, serene flats and duplex lofts in a smoke-free environment.
As the leasing office is now officially open, Boston apartment seekers can get a first-hand look at the community’s thoughtful apartment features and convenient amenities. Leasing associates are now available to showcase apartment homes that are available for immediate occupancy Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. No broker or appointment is necessary.
“Archstone Avenir has one of the best locations just steps from the North End and the financial district, which is a perfect complement to its fantastic condo-level finishes in a loft-style community,” said Matt Smith, Archstone’s Executive Vice President of Operations for the East Region. “We see this as an important extension of our unparalleled group of luxury apartment communities in the Boston metro area.”
The community, which features 241 luxury apartment homes and 27,000 square feet of retail space, is the first large-scale, professionally managed apartment community to offer a smoke-free living environment in Boston. Smoking will be prohibited in interior common areas, inside apartment units, on balconies and the roof deck.
“Some communities only offer smoke-free public areas. Archstone Avenir, on the other hand, prohibits smoking almost everywhere in the community,” said Sally Matheu, Archstone’s Group Vice President of Operations. “What’s more, Archstone Avenir offers a number of healthy living amenities that we believe residents will thoroughly enjoy.”
Among those other healthy living amenities are a 24-hour Caliber Sports Club®, bike storage and close proximity to shopping, dining, entertainment and work venues that encourage walking and biking. Residents looking for outdoor activities will also find that Archstone Avenir provides easy access to the 23-mile Charles River Bike Path and the Rose Kennedy Greenway, which features nearly one mile of parks and green space.
Archstone Avenir is a key element to the revitalization efforts of Boston’s historic Bullfinch Triangle neighborhood, where a vital neighborhood has emerged. And the community, which is situated on top of the Green/Orange Line North Station Entrance, offers convenient access to public transportation that can take residents anywhere they need to go.
While at home, residents will find that the Boston apartments, featuring loft-style units and Bosch appliances, combine thoughtfully crafted spaces, a wide range of floor plans and striking interior design to offer a relaxing retreat and affordable luxury.
One Back Bay, located in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay at 135 Clarendon, has now begun accepting applications for it’s luxurious apartments. The Clarendon is offering 170 rental units, ranging in size from studios to 2 bedroom/2 bathroom units. One Back Bay is offering a restaurant, fitness center, clubroom, culture lounge, conference room, and a gourmet market. Units are also available for sale immediately.
Just two blocks from Newbury Street, and two blocks from Shawmut Avenue, One Back Bay is Boston’s most exciting and exquisite new luxury rental. Featuring an address of incomparable convenience, One Back Bay puts the best of Boston at your doorstep – restaurants, shopping, museums, galleries, cafes, parks – even the Back Bay train station! From dining in the South End to biking along the Charles River, from home games at Fenway to strolling in the Public Garden, The Clarendon is at the intersection of everything that makes Boston great.
The impeccable taste of Robert A.M. Stern’s design team can be seen in a level of finish ordinarily reserved for only the most expensive private residences. Every detail and appointment at The Clarendon–from the custom oak floors in living areas to the Botticino Marble in the baths–has been selected to meet the highest standards.
Call Rikeman Real Estate today at 617.236.5005 to schedule a viewing of these spectacular apartments.
