In our last new construction feature we focused on one of the hottest and most lively residential and commercial development scenes impacting real estate in Boston - The Seaport. This week, we’re heading across the harbor to East Boston, another waterfront neighborhood experiencing an unprecedented flood of development.
There was a time, not long ago, when East Boston, home to Boston’s Logan Airport, was somewhat of a red-headed stepchild when compared to it’s sister neighborhoods. Known as a working-class neighborhood with a large number of foreign-born residents who have lived in the neighborhood for many years, Eastie was a small enclave of cheap and authentic ethnic cuisine, impressive views of the Boston skyline and most importantly to many - some of the most affordable real estate in Boston. But over the last several years, as the supply of homes for sale in downtown Boston dropped and the flow of new inventory slowed to a trickle, buyers were forced to expand their search to areas just outside of downtown, like East Boston, that still had a lot to offer. Developers, both residential and commercial identified the trend and the opportunity it presented, and so began Eastie’s transformation into one of the areas new “It” neighborhoods. With a striking number of new residential projects, many of them luxury condos, and an influx of chic new restaurants and stores, the neighborhood’s appeal, and it’s average home value, are on a serious trajectory. Here are 10 new construction projects that anyone interested in East Boston real estate should take note of:
1. Clippership Wharf
(Source: bldup.com)
Clippership Wharf is a mixed-use development project on 12 acres of the East Boston Waterfront. The phased project began with the erection of the first three buildings - two containing 284 apartments and the third consisting of 80 condominiums (dubbed Slip65). Phase two will include a fourth building with 114 apartments. Here are the specifics:
- A total of 478 residences with approximately 30,200 square feet of retail and community space, including a cafe and restaurant
- Over four acres of waterfront open space including a new Harborwalk
- 321 vehicle parking spaces on site, 300 of those in an underground parking garage
- Slip65 will include one and two-bedrooms with top-of-the-line finishes and waterfront views throughout
- Slip65 amenities include indoor and outdoor gathering areas, a fitness and social club and bike storage
- Slip65 condos are currently on sale, but are 95% sold
- Apartments at Clippership Wharf will be dubbed Dox, and leasing will begin in 2018
- Located steps from Maverick Square and MBTA Blue Line station, and is a three-minute train ride to Downtown Boston
2. Portside at East Pier Phase 2
(Source: bldup.com)
As the name suggests, Portside at East Pier is ideally located on over two acres of the East Boston Waterfront with views of the cityscape. Phase one of the project was completed in November of 2014 with the second, larger phase scheduled for completion in September of 2018. It will include:
- 296 residential units across two new five-story buildings
- 43 units will be designated affordable and eight will be extended-stay units. The remaining 245 units will be offered at market rates
- 11,000 square feet of amenities on the ground floor, including an indoor pool
- A one-level underground parking garage on site with 253 spaces
3. The Residences at 245 Sumner Street
(Source: bldup.com)
This new luxury residential apartment building is located in the waterfront Jeffries Point neighborhood of East Boston. Luxury rental buildings are popular in downtown Boston, but options for luxury rentals in East Boston are far more scarce. The Residences at 245 Sumner Street will offer a great opportunity for those looking for a luxury rental in Boston without the price tag commonly attached to luxury rentals in Back Bay, The South End and The Seaport. Here are more details:
- 34 luxury units including 2 and 3-bedrooms with open floor plans, natural lighting, private decks and 9-foot ceilings
- Finishes include bamboo hard wood floors, high-efficiency LED lighting, brushed nickel door hardware and faucets, stainless steel appliances and granite counters
- 2,257 square feet of ground-floor retail
- Market-rate rents start at $2,400 / month for 2-bed / 2 bath, and $3,100 for a 3-bed / 2 bath apartment
- 34 vehicle parking spaces are located in an underground garage, with bicycle storage as well
4. Coppersmith Village
(Source: bldup.com)
This mixed-use development is currently under construction along Border and Liverpool streets and will offer both rentals and ownership condominiums. Here are the specifics:
- 71 residential units and approximately 3,000 square feet of ground-floor retail
- Two multifamily buildings will feature 56 1, 2 and 3-bedroom rentals as well as ground floor retail
- One building will include 15 condominiums for sale
- 37 vehicle parking spaces under the two rental buildings, which will be connected by a ground-floor lobby
- Each condo will include a one-car garage
5. 70 Bremen Street
(Source: bldup.com)
Mixed-use buildings seem to make up a large percentage of new construction projects in Boston. Buildings with retail space are particularly attractive to residents because they offer conveniences and an energy that other, strictly residential, buildings don’t often have. Here are the details of 70 Bremen Street, a mixed-use building just steps from the East Boston Waterfront:
- 32 residences with 1,028 square feet of ground-floor retail space
- Four studios, 16 1-bedrooms and 12 two-bedrooms
- A 30 vehicle at-grade parking garage
- Located near the MBTA Blue Line, Maverick Square and the East Boston Greenway
6. 320 Maverick Street
(Source: bldup.com)
Located a short walk from the MBTA Blue Line in Maverick Square, Piers park and the East Boston Waterfront, 320 Maverick Street will feature residential condominiums expected to be completed in early 2018. The buildings will feature:
- 33 new residential condominiums
- 4 condominiums will be designated affordable
- 32 garage parking spaces will be located on site
7. The Faretra
(Source: bldup.com)
For buyers looking for luxury condos in East Boston, The Faretra is a great option. The building is “Boston’s newest boutique residential development,” and is located just steps from the Boston Harbor and the MBTA Blue Line. The specifics include:
- 9 condominiums, all with 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms
- Luxury finishes include solid oak hardwood flooring and recessed LED lighting, custom kitchens and with white shaker style cabinets, white Caesarstone countertops, white marble backsplash and top-of-the-line appliances
- Some residences include private balconies
- The penthouse residences feature private roof decks with Downtown Boston skyline views
- Garage parking is located on site
8. Seville Boston Harbor
(Source: bldup.com)
Those looking for luxury, waterfront condos in East Boston with all of the high-end finishings, views and local conveniences a Bostonian could dream of should check out Seville Boston Harbor. The window to own an affordable luxury condo with such proximity to downtown and the thriving pockets of this burgeoning neighborhood will close quickly as East Boston continues to flourish, making these condos a timely investment for savvy buyers. Here are the details:
- 66 luxury residential condominiums
- Ground-floor retail space situated on the East Boston waterfront with views of the Boston skyline
- One and two-bedroom configurations
- Amenities include garage parking, a fitness center and an expansive roof deck
- Convenient to MBTA Blue Line rapid transit with direct service to Downtown
9. The Eddy
(Source: bldup.com)
If you’re not totally sold on East Boston, and you want to “try before you buy,” The Eddy could be a great place to start. Not only is it perfectly located on the East Boston Waterfront overlooking the Boston skyline, but it’s packed full of cool amenities you won’t find in many other rental buildings, including music practice space and a dog wash. Other features include:
- 258 studio, 1 and 2-bedroom residences now leasing
- Amenities include a top-floor roof deck with sweeping views, a second-floor pool deck with a fire pit and barbecues, a fitness center, on site parking, music practice rooms, conference rooms, communal lounge space and a dog wash
- Monthly rents start at $1,800 for studios, $2,050 for 1-bedrooms and $3,200 for 2-bedrooms
- A waterfront restaurant will be located on the buildings ground floor
- 3/4 of an acre of outdoor public open space including an extension of the East Boston Harborwalk
10. Boston East
(Source: bldup.com)
Boston East is another rental option on the East Boston Waterfront. Scheduled to open this Fall, the building will have:
- 200 residential apartments and public waterfront amenities including a Harborwalk, art galleries, historic interpretive exhibits and a boat launch.
- Six artist live-work units
- 26 apartments that are designated affordable
- Decks and a large indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge are listed as amenities, as well as underground parking with 120 vehicle parking spaces
With stunning Harbor and city views, excellent proximity to downtown, a lively atmosphere and considerably lower home prices than most other Boston neighborhoods, it’s not surprising that the East Boston Waterfront is one of the fastest growing areas in the city. The sub-$500,000 condo market in Boston is diminishing, but even luxury condos in East Boston are in a price range you wouldn’t expect to see just miles from downtown. For savvy buyers looking to maximize the return on their investment, East Boston real estate is ripe with opportunity.
The Charles Realty has had its finger on the pulse of Boston real estate for 34 years. Our agents have unparalleled knowledge of the city and it’s neighborhoods, and oftentimes have access to information not yet made public. For any questions about listings in the aforementioned buildings, other new projects in Boston, the status of projects, availability of new construction homes, or anything pertaining to Boston real estate, please contact us.
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