Boston Real Estate Blog » Luxury Developments

Contemporary Loft – 2 Bedroom/ 2 Bath- Now Available

Andrea McDonough — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:31:38 +0000

Loft with 180-degree views of the Boston City Skyline

Bushari Group Real Estate is pleased to present 141 Dorchester Ave Unit 101, in the McCallen Building, in South Boston for purchase. This property offers a chic contemporary loft-like feel with two generous sized bedrooms. The open kitchen/dining/living layout, sleek cabinetry and high-end stainless steel appliances bring out a modern sophistication; one that you’d be likely to see in LA or NYC, but a true rarity in Boston.

The living space has wall-to-wall windows with views of the the Downtown Boston skyline. Just outside your door is a huge private patio with a 4-person jacuzzi. The master bedroom offers an ensuite bath and a generous dressing room, just off the main room. The second bedroom also offers a large closet system and an oversized window that brings in an abundance of morning light. The home comes with one deeded garage parking space.

The McCallen building is a full service luxury building with many common amenities such as a common heated lap pool, Movie screening room with a full kitchen attached for entertaining, a common yard and grills for your Summer enjoyment, gym and 24-hour concierge services.

The McCallen Building in South Boston is in a prime location. It’s just across the street from the Red line Broadway T Station (just one stop from South Station to connect to silver line for the air port). There are bus lines that go direct into the city in with varying drop-off spots- from Back Bay to Financial District. The property is within a 10-15 minute walk to South End, Financial District and the heart of the Seaport District.

The location offers many entrainment choices from casual local pubs to fine dining. Here are just a couple to check out:

Local 149- Upscale Comfort Food, lounge-like feel (but your favorite sports games will still be on).

Amrheins- Best known for their amazing brunch has been rated “Best of Boston” in 2006 and 2009. For Dinner enjoy scrumptious steaks, seafood and overstuffed sandwiches.

Stats- This bar is packed on game nights. Come with your jersey on and be prepared to eat, drink and cheer.

American Provisions- This is a local, organic, gourmet grocery store. The store has a varietal of cheeses and cured meats. There is always fresh fish on Fridays (the owner head’s to the Cape that morning). You never know what it’s going to be, but you know that it will always fresh!

There is so much more to South Boston from the parks, the beaches, the harbor, Castle Island and all the other wonderful local establishments that make this neighborhood one of the best (yet underrated) neighborhood’s in all of Boston. I can talk about this area for days; perhaps because I live here, but also because their is so much to do and see!

If you want to learn more about South Boston, or would like to set up a showing for this listing, or others in the neighborhood, do not hesitate to contact me.

Andrea McDonough
Bushari Group RE
Email: andrea@bushari.com
Cell: 617-733-1238

Boston Luxury Apartment Deals at HarborView

Mara Tamaroff — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 19:51:52 +0000

One of the first shipyards in the United States, the Charlestown Navy Yard is now one of Boston’s premier neighborhoods. The HarborView is its prime address, offering waterfront living in historic surroundings, only minutes from downtown Boston via car, bus, the T or water taxi. Watch the harbor come to life with the morning sun. Relax as picture-postcard sunsets turn the Boston skyline golden. Delight in a dazzling display of the city by night. Life at HarborView will give you an entirely new perspective on Boston waterfront living.

The HarborView Luxury Apartments in the Charlestown Navy Yard is offering some excellent deals!

Studio 560 SF $2,020/mo 6/7/11
1 Bed 734 SF $2,720/mo 3/10/11
1 Bed 885 SF $2,855/mo 4/26/11
1+ Bed 947 SF $2,945/mo 4/12/11
2 Bed 1133 SF $3,200/mo NOW
2+ Bed 1573 SF $4,825/mo 3/1/11
2+ Bed 1287 SF $4,025/mo 3/22/11
2+ Bed 1281 SF $3,812/mo 4/11/11
3 Bed 2252 SF $6,360/mo 3/11/11

Call Elad Bushari at 617-529-7079 today for more information or to schedule a preview.

This new construction project offers comfortable studios to sprawling penthouse duplexes, HarborView has something for every city lifestyle. Featuring luxurious concierge services, a shared rooftop terrace, underground parking and a stop-and-go dock, HarborView truly has it all. Homes offer stainless steel appliances, marble baths and walls of windows. Some units feature large walk-in closets and private outdoor space.

The neighborhood has is brimming with first-class restaurants and friendly coffee shops, banks and dry cleaners, wine bistros and waterfront taverns. HarborView is the perfect waterfront retreat in a neighborhood full of all the treats of modern life.

HarborView Apartments feature clean and classic space. Hardwood floors, granite counters and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances. Marble baths with large, glass-stall showers. And, of course, walls of windows. Because at HarborView, the good life comes with great views. Amenities include:

Concierge services
Community room
Fitness Center
Individual storage units
Rooftop terrace
Underground self-park garage
Private Shuttle to Government Center
Waterfront park
HarborWalk
Stop-and-go dock
Water taxi available
Ground-floor retail
Pet-friendly community

Search Boston Luxury Apartments, Boston Luxury Condos, Boston Real Estate Market Reports and information about Boston Neighborhoods on our new Boston Real Estate portal.

New Price on Boston Luxury Apartment with Views

Mara Tamaroff — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 21:12:31 +0000

151 Tremont St #12E in Midtown Boston is now offered at a reduced rental price of $3,999/mo. The price was just slashed $500/mo so get it before it flies off the market! Overlooking spectacular views of the Boston Common, this Boston luxury apartment features two spacious balconies, two bedrooms, two renovated baths, an open floor plan and an unbeatable location. Amenities at 151 Tremont Street include a fitness center, sauna, steam rooms, pool, party room, laundry facilities and concierge. Garage parking is available for lease.

151 Tremont Street, Unit 12E

2 beds, 2 baths

1,300 square feet

$3,999/mo

For more information call or email Andrea McDonough at 617-733-01238, andrea@bushari.com

Search Boston Luxury Apartments, Boston Luxury Condos, Boston Real Estate Careers, Boston Real Estate Market Reports and Boston Neighborhood information on our new Boston Real Estate portal.

Bryant Back Bay is on the Auction Block… Again!

Elad Bushari — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 11:47:11 +0000

The Bryant Back Bay, a luxury real estate development in on Columbus St, between the Back Bay and the South End is auctioning off it’s remainder properties on Sunday, November 7th 2010.

Bryant Back Bay is home to one of the most unique features found in Boston; luxury private elevators that whisk residents directly into their homes. The digitally secured private elevators that can be accessed from the garage or one of the three elegantly appointed ground floor lobbies allow residents the convenience to stroll right into the homes.

Indoors, deeded self-parking enables residents to drive in and out of the building without the hassle of waiting with valet parking in other buildings.

Amenities include:

State of the Art Fitness Facility (coming in Dec. 2010)
Private elevator access directly to residences from parking and lobby
Secured, deeded self parking
Klaus Fuchs designed lobby
Private storage units
Lobby attendant for personal errands
Barkan management services
Low common charges
Pet friendly building

Ultra-modern 2 bed, 2 bath at an amazing price

Mara Tamaroff — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 19:58:41 +0000

Bushari Group Real Estate is proud to introduce this spectacular condo on the 21st floor features the ultimate in modern luxury. The expansive kitchen offers high-end, stainless steel appliances, custom lighting and a sparkling Silestone 3-seat breakfast bar. The home also features tiger wood floors throughout, a custom walk-in closet, floor-to-ceiling windows, a private terrace, unmatched privacy, surround sound and garage parking. Building amenities include 24-hr concierge, pool, gym, club room, business center and movie theater. Across from the new North Point Park and easily accessible from the Green, Red and Orange Line T. Pets welcome.

2 beds, 2 baths

986 SF

1 Garage space

Private terrace

10 Museum Way #2125 at the Regatta Riverview Residences in East Cambridge is available for $565,000. Call Elad Bushari at 617-529-7079 for more information.

Exhale Spa is Openinig at Battery Wharf

Elad Bushari — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 20:55:38 +0000

The renowned mind body spa, exhale, will be opening a flagship location at Battery Wharf. The 12,000 square foot venue will open in January and be located next to the Fairmont Battery Wharf and the Residences at Battery Wharf. This will be the third Boston location for exhale which has been named the city’s best spa several years in a row.

“Exhale will integrate a collection of spa, fitness, healing, and relaxation programs throughout Battery Wharf to create a signature retreat on Boston’s urban waterfront, inspiring transformation and renewal in everyday life,” said Annbeth Eschbach, CEO and President of exhale.

The Residences at Battery Wharf have been described as sophisticated, elegant and wonderfully European. They form a surprisingly private enclave in a resort-like setting on the edge of the North End waterfront.

Ranging from one bedroom + study to four bedrooms, these homes are well designed, well executed, and offer magnificent city and harbor views. All of the features one would expect in such a home are here: top-of-the-line finishes, private decks on most units, garage parking, and private storage, plus proximity and access to the Fairmont Battery Wharf hotel and Sensing Restaurant.

W Residences’s developer files for bankrupsy

Elad Bushari — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:40:27 +0000

Just months after opening a 28-story tower in downtown Boston, the owner of the upscale W Boston Hotel and Residences filed for bankruptcy protection yesterday, a stunning financial breakdown for a developer that labored for more than a decade, only to open as the hotel market plummeted and condo sales still had not picked up.

Documents filed in US Bankruptcy Court in Boston by SW Boston Hotel Venture LLC, a subsidiary of Sawyer Enterprises, list liabilities of $100 million to $500 million.

Several months ago, the City of Boston provided a $10.5 million loan the developer said it needed to finish building the $234 million project.

The complex’s troubles began even before its October opening, with Sawyer struggling to pay for furnishings and high-end finishes that guests and condominium buyers expect from the W brand, which emphasizes luxury amenities and aims to cater to trendsetters.

The W’s cash flow troubles grew early this year with slow sales of its high-priced condos. Typically, large hotel complexes rely on quick sales of the condos to allow the expensive hotel operations to establish a foothold in the market.

So far, 12 of the 122 condominiums, or about 10 percent, have been sold, according to Listing Information Network, which tracks downtown Boston sales. Sawyer said more units are under agreement, but with the housing market still unsettled, closing deals for luxury condos remains difficult. The W units have sold for as much as $1.9 million for a three-bedroom and $345,000 for a studio.

In Boston’s Theatre District at the corner of Stuart and Tremont streets, the W is a striking building with a sheer glass face, accented by fluorescent backlighting. It has 235 hotel rooms on its first 15 floors and 122 luxury residences on the top 13. Rooms can cost more than $300 a night.

In a statement yesterday, Sawyer said the condo and hotel operations will not be affected by the bankruptcy filing.

SW Boston developed and owns the complex, but the hotel is operated by a separate company, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.

“Sawyer Enterprises’ goal is to restructure its existing debt and pay its creditors in full, and to continue to operate this project for the long-term,’’ the company said. “Chapter 11 provides the breathing room to do so.’’

Sawyer Enterprises is run by Carol Sawyer Parks, daughter of taxi magnate Frank Sawyer, former owner of Checker Taxi Co. of Boston.

Sawyer had been trying to develop a hotel complex on the property since the 1990s, and was close to launching one with Loews Hotels in 2001 when the 9/11 attacks sent the economy, and the travel and hospitality industries in particular, into a deep funk.

The city, while long supporting a hotel for the Park Square property, was cautious about backing Sawyer. Last summer, Sawyer executives said they needed the city funding or the complex would not open on time. When it did loan the $10.5 million, Boston required Sawyer to put up several additional properties as collateral, in case of trouble with the W complex.

“We are committed to continuing to work with the W Hotel and other creditors to achieve a speedy resolution to this matter,’’ the Menino administration said in a statement.

Real estate and hotel specialists said the W opened at precisely the wrong time, with the hotel market tanking and the luxury condo market yet to fully rebound from one of the worst downturns in decades. Overall, rates for hotel rooms are down 12 to 15 percent in the Boston area since 2007. Condo sales began to rebound at the beginning of this year, but the W found itself in competition with several other new luxury complexes, including the Clarendon in the Back Bay and 45 Province downtown.

“The business model on which their financing was approved does not work in today’s falling-rate environment,’’ said Pat Moscaritolo, chief executive of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This is not an uncommon event right now.’’

Despite the broader economic turmoil, the W bankruptcy filing was remarkably sudden.

The hotel opened with fanfare last fall. Employees arrived for a 10-day training in trolleys that blared disco music. Stepping onto a purple carpet, the employees were met by a throng of faux paparazzi and a Joan Rivers impersonator. Inside, a tattooed DJ with a braided beard was spinning “Let the Sunshine In.’’

In explaining the touches the W uses to cultivate its air of exclusivity and hipness, such as labeling its housekeepers “stylists,’’ Roger Paull, senior director of brand management, told employees that day: “We’re not really a cult, but by using these words, we give [guests] something that is a little cult-like.’’

Seaport District Loft Is A Great Deal

Elad Bushari — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:14:37 +0000

Penthouse 202 at 25 Channel Center Street offers soaring ceilings and walls of glass from all rooms with panoramic city and water views. This loft has an open floor plan, large kitchen with Viking & Sub Zero appliances, fireplace and a large balcony. The large master bedroom has soaking tub and a separate shower. 2 garage parking spaces are included with this spectacular seaport district loft.

So, why is it such a great deal? Asking price is only $899,000. This is a short sale, which means that the asking price is LESS than what is owed to the bank. At $588 per square foot, this loft can be a very affordable option to many buyers.

25 Channel Center Street is a full service building with 24-hours concierge, it was built from the ground up in 2005 and offers some of the most unique lofts available in the Boston.

More information about 25 Channel Center

More information about penthouse 202

Want a better deal? This is a lease expansive loft in the building: 25 Channel Center Unit 209

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Unit for Sale at 15 N. Beacon

Andrea McDonough — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:44:17 +0000

Indulge yourself in the urban luxury lifestyle. At 15 N Beacon Street you’ll enjoy a rooftop pool, fitness center, 24 hr. concierge, and elevators. Tastefully designed and professionally managed, you will feel like your living in a resort. The unit features a modern, open layout with a kitchen that opens up to the living space. The unit is southward facing, receiving an abundance of light all day long. The living space opens up to a balcony, overlooking the courtyard and the city. Huge bedroom with ample closet space. Direct access garage parking deeded to the unit. Don’t miss out on this Boston condo opportunity.

The property is on the market for $299,000.

If you would like to tour this unit, please feel free to call or email me.

Andrea McDonough

andrea@bushari.com

617-733-1238

No RESPA Violation for Closing Discount

Elad Bushari — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:47:04 +0000

A federal appellate court has considered whether a developer violated the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (“RESPA”) when it offered a buyer a discount on closing costs if the buyer used an affiliate of the developer.

John and Eleanor Yeatman (The Buyers) agreed to purchase a home from D.R. Horton, Inc. (The Developer). The Buyers financed their purchase through an affiliate of the Developer, DHI Mortgage Co., Ltd. (The Lender). The purchase agreement stated that the Developer would pay some of the Buyers closing costs if the Buyers chose the Lender to finance the purchase.

The Buyers filed a lawsuit seeking class action status, claiming that the Developer had violated RESPA. The Developer and the Lender filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the Buyers were not required to use the Lender to finance the purchase and the purchase agreement only gave the Buyers the option to choose to use the Lender’s services. The trial court agreed, and dismissed the lawsuit. The Buyers appealed.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit affirmed the trial court. Congress intended RESPA to provide consumers with improved disclosures of settlement costs and to reduce the costs of closing through the elimination of referral fees and kickback. The Buyers argued that “tying” the discount to use of the Lender essentially required the Buyers to use the Lender’s services.

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) has stated that RESPA is only violated if a purchaser is required to use a service provider; HUD allows the use of discounts by settlement providers to encourage use by consumers of affiliated settlement service providers. The only practice HUD prohibits is the required use of a service provider or if the purchase price is set artificially high so that the offered “discounts” simply lower the price to the actual value.

The court found that the purchase agreement gave the Buyers the option of using the Lender; it did not require that they use the Lender. Therefore, the court affirmed the trial court’s ruling in favor of the Developer and the Lender.

Many Boston Developments, such as The W, The Clarendon and Battery Wharf have their own preferred lenders, mostly to assure financing of a new construction development with less than 50% sold or under agreement condos. The buyer always get to choose who the lender will be and the developer may ask, just in case that the buyer’s lender cannot obtain the loan, to apply with the developer’s preferred lender. In my opinion, it is a win-win situation for both the buyer and the developer; the buyer gets the unit he wants (and sometime a discount) and the developer gets a peace of mind knowing that financing will go through with no problems.