Archive for the ‘Luxury Boston’ Category

One Back Bay

Friday, April 16th, 2010


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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.

William Carr
Leasing Agent
williamc.@rikemanre.com
781-859-9805

Rikeman Real Estate Company

45 Newbury Street

Back Bay Boston

www.luxreblog.com

www.bostonerealty.com

Beacon Hill Single Family Home Auction March 3rd

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010


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The tough hi end boston luxury real estate market is turning to unconventional methods to sell some properties. Check out this Boston Globe article about the first luxury single family to hit the auction block on March 3 2010. Article courtesy of the “Boston Globe”

When developers Peter and Elizabeth Georgantas paid $2.25 million for a dilapidated 1860s Beacon Hill brownstone about four years ago, they saw the potential for a hefty profit. But in September 2008, just as the couple put the 5,700-square-foot building up for sale for $8.95 million, the luxury housing market froze like the Charles River in February. As the house sat vacant, the couple reduced the asking price to $7.95 million months later and then again, last year, to $7 million, with no serious offers. Hoping to motivate buyers, the Georgantas are now putting the townhouse up for auction with a minimum bid of nearly $5 million, a rare event in this historic and exclusive part of the city that will be closely watched by others in the real estate industry who are frustrated with the stalled high-end market. While there have been an increasing number of auctions of luxury condominiums in the Boston area, this is the first auction of a high-end single family in Beacon Hill in recent memory. The Georgantas purchased the Brimmer Street property and an adjacent building for $4.5 million with plans to return the 18 rental units back into two elegant single family homes. The March 3 auction will be done in tandem with a two-bedroom, 2,400-square-foot condominium on nearby Lime Street that was last listed for $1.8 million and will sell for a minimum bid of $1.2 million. Great Rock Auctions, a newly incorporated Boston-based auction firm that focuses on high-quality real estate, will hold the auction in the Brimmer Street home.

Jon Gollinger, chief executive of Accelerated Marketing Partners, the Boston firm that ran The Bryant Back Bay and Nouvelle at Natick auctions last year, said the Brimmer auction will likely be a “watershed event” for single family homes in downtown Boston.

If you are interested in luxury homes or condominiums at auction feel free to contact us at contact@rikemanre.com www.bostonerealty.com www.luxreblog.com 617-236-5005

Why You Should Invest in Boston ‘Green’ Buildings.

Friday, December 11th, 2009


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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
o.  617-236-5005
c.  781-859-9805

The Clarendon, Back Bay’s Newest Green Luxury Tower

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009


Aerial View, The Clarendon, One Back Bay

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.

If you are interested in any unit  for sale or lease please contact William Carr or Herb Rikeman buyer’s agents Direct- 617-236-5005 Cell-781-859-9805 Toll Free 877-580-5005 williamc@rikemanre.com contact@rikemanre.com  www.bostonerealty.com  www.luxreblog.com

Renter’s Market in Boston

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009


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Now is the time to rent in Boston.  With so many brand new building developments such as 1330 Boylston Harborview Charlestown; and Trilogy, recently completed there is a greater supply of luxury apartments than demand for them.  As a result, many buildings are offering very attractive incentives to renters.

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.

For the most up to date incentives on all of the luxury buildings in Boston please give me a call or email me Bill Carr 781-859-9805 williamc@rikemanre.com

W Boston - Grand Opening October 29, 2009

Friday, October 9th, 2009


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Get Ready the W Hotel will open its doors to guests in just a few short weeks. I think its and iconic brand and will be very sucessfull. I am hoping to book a room for the holidays just to check it out. It is so close to all the nightlife in the Theater District including shows at the Wang Center. Im sure the trendy lobby bar will be a future hot spot as well. Also the W Residences come online soon.  If you are at all interested in the condos for sale at the W Residences  I can send you  floor plans and marketing package if you need. Do not hestitate to call me Herb Rikeman 617-930-4800 or Toll Free 877-580-5005 or contact@rikemanre.com www.bostonerealty.com

Luxury 2 BD Parking $565K Cambridge Porter Square

Monday, September 14th, 2009


Luxury renovation to a turn of the century Grand Cambridge Colonial by local master craftsman. Unit on 2nd floor Features 2 Bedrooms/2 full Bathrooms all red oak hardwood floors, eat in kitchen with cherry cabinets, granite tops, and GE Profile SS gas appliances, Moen sinks and faucets. Marble master bath with Toto and Kohler fixtures w/ granite. Central Heat and A/C. Washer& dryer. Extra Storage. Private deck and deeded parking.

MLS# 70970823 Contact: Herb Rikeman 617-930-4800 for more info.85frnt11