Throughout the home, there are ceilings with exposed wood beams, Portuguese-tile murals, painted-pattern floors, built-ins, and barn-siding interior walls.
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BOSTON–The MassDevelopment Board of Directors has voted to approve Lauren Liss for the position of President and CEO.
“Our administration is committed to promoting economic development, job growth, and housing production throughout the Commonwealth, and looks forward to working with Lauren Liss in her new role at MassDevelopment to advance those goals,” said Governor Charlie Baker.
Lauren Liss
As MassDEP Commissioner beginning in 1999, Liss oversaw the development, implementation, and enforcement of air, water, waste, and site cleanup policy for the Commonwealth. At DEP, she managed a $110 million annual budget and a staff of 1,100. Prior to MassDEP, Liss had worked for the Commonwealth at the Executive Office of Transportation and Construction from 1997 to 1999. Most recently, at Rubin and Rudman, which she joined as a partner in 2003, Liss represented clients including large public corporations, higher-education institutions, and developers. Her areas of expertise include land use, transportation, and administrative law.
“Lauren’s background in both the private and public sectors make her well-suited to lead MassDevelopment,” said EOHED Secretary and MassDevelopment Board Chair Jay Ash. “Her management and policy expertise will help her oversee MassDevelopment in its efforts to grow the Commonwealth’s economy. I look forward to working with her.”
Liss, a Gloucester resident, will begin work at MassDevelopment September 5.
“Thanks to Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito, Secretary Ash, and the MassDevelopment Board of Directors for their support,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO-designee Lauren Liss. “I welcome the new challenges that this exciting position will entail, and look forward to working with our partners in state government and in industry to make Massachusetts an even better place in which to do business.”
MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2016, MassDevelopment financed or managed 352 projects generating investment of more than $4 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are projected to create about 8,200 jobs and build or rehabilitate about 4,200 residential units.
BEDFORD– Nordblom Company has completed a 43,535-aquare-f0ot lease with The MITRE Corp. at 201 Burlington Road in Bedford, MA. The firm is expanding from its current campus headquarters located across the street from the new location.
201 Burlington Road consists of two connected office buildings totaling 135,000 square feet. Nordblom purchased these two connected office buildings on 9.3 acres of land in 2013. Nordblom implemented a comprehensive program of renovations and innovations including a new metal façade, window system, and HVAC. Design Architect for the project is Spagnolo, Gisness & Associates.
Nordblom Company is a real estate company with a 90-year history of investing, managing and developing properties throughout the New England region and select markets across the country. The company currently owns office, commercial and multi-family properties in the New England and Carolina markets.
The MITRE Corp. is a not-for-profit organization that operates research and development centers sponsored by the federal government.
Boston – CBRE/New England’s Capital Markets team announced the leasehold interest sale of Boston’s Old City Hall, a distinctive 83,700 SF mixed-used building located in the heart of downtown Boston at 45 School Street, for $30.1 million.
Designed by Gridley J. F. Bryant & Arthur Gilman and constructed between 1862-1865, Boston’s Old City Hall had been vacated by the City of Boston in the mid-1960s and was then spared demolition and completely renovated in 1970 by the seller. It remains an architectural masterpiece situated along Boston’s Freedom Trail. The property has more than 500,000 annual visitors and the location itself has a notable history.
CBRE/NE’s Capital Markets experts Dave Pergola and Brian Doherty represented the seller, Architectural Heritage Foundation, and procured the buyer, Synergy Investments.
“Synergy Investments is pleased and proud to add one of the finest and most historically significant assets in the City of Boston to our portfolio,” noted Dave Greaney, President of Synergy Investments. “We appreciate the importance of the property to the residents of the City of Boston, and look forward to enhancing both our tenants’ and the public’s experience.”
Synergy Investments is a full service real estate investment and operating company primarily focused on the Boston market. They are one of the largest and most active landlords in the city and have grown their portfolio to approximately 4 million square feet providing space to more than 400 businesses and organizations.
Architectural Heritage Foundation(AHF) is a 501c-3 not-for-profit organization whose mission is to preserve historic buildings and landscapes. Founded in 1966, AHF has been blending the fields of historic preservation and real estate development, asset management, and property management ever since.
BOSTON – Cresa Boston, a part of the world’s largest tenant-only commercial real estate firm, announced the lease of 8,239 SF of additional space at 200 Brickstone Square in Andover, Massachusetts for ALKU, a recruitment agency providing highly skilled SAP, PeopleSoft, Workday, and Epic resources for the most difficult to fill roles throughout the U.S.
This brings ALKU’s total space in Brickstone Square to 24,489 SF.
Cresa Boston advised ALKU on its previous expansion at the Brickstone Square complex in 2015, now known as Andover Landing at Brickstone, when the budding company needed to double its space to 16,250 SF space. With the planned addition of 30 to 40 employees in the near term, ALKU’s growth trajectory demands even more space and since the company’s previous 8,239 SF space was still available, Cresa Boston was once again called upon to advise on the negotiations.
“We have relied on Cresa Boston to advise us on our lease negotiations at Andover Landing at Brickstone and always trust they will get us the best possible terms,” said Mark Eldridge, CEO and founder of ALKU. “The fact that they are focused solely on negotiating on our behalf as the tenant, and that they are so knowledgeable about this particular building was important to us. It is comforting to know that we are able to stay in this strategic location as we expand our operations.”
Andover Landing at Brickstone is a landmark three-building campus in Andover offering more than one million SF of total space. With easy access on and off Interstates 95 and 93, the center boasts more than 3,000 parking spaces. While the complex is in close proximity to numerous restaurants, hotels and retail stores, the amenities in the building itself are best-in-class. They include a full-service cafeteria complete with private meeting spaces, a convenience store, an exercise facility with shower and locker facilities, a day care center, outdoor seating, and on-site management.
Cresa Boston negotiated a seven-year lease on the new space for ALKU, together with a five-year extension on its current obligation, locking in current rates as well as additional tenant improvements, and also securing rights to expand even further.
Joe Doyle and Dan Sullivan of Cresa Boston negotiated the lease for ALKU, and Kerry Olson Hawkins and Jason Levendusky from CBRE represented KS Partners and Oaktree Capital Management, owners of Andover Landing at Brickstone.
BOSTON – Building on Boston’s commitment to make City services more accessible, welcoming and efficient, Mayor Martin J. Walsh unveiled the completed renovation of City Hall’s third floor lobby.
The lobby, which is the main public entrance to City Hall, underwent extensive renovations that include a welcome desk; new security enhancements; a coffee shop; an accessible and interactive self-service information kiosk capable of multiple language translations; new art installations throughout the building; new millwork and seating; and replacement of interior lighting with energy-efficient LED lights that complement the recently-installed exterior lighting.
“We’re dedicated to making Boston City Hall a positive, welcoming experience for all residents, and this renovation is another leap forward,” said Mayor Walsh. “City Hall is a historic building that belongs to everyone, and I’m pleased that our renovations improve experiences for all visitors. The operational and architectural enhancements make the building easier to navigate and and will improve service for all of Boston’s residents.”
“Through this renovation, we have improved and enlivened Boston City Hall and City Hall Plaza,” said Chief of Operations Patrick Brophy. “Our strategic investment in all public buildings and open space throughout Boston is designed to improve government efficiency and the public’s experience with its valuable infrastructure and resources.”
Updates to the lobby include:
“The Boston Preservation Alliance is encouraged and enthusiastic about the investment and new perspective Mayor Walsh and his team have brought to Boston’s remarkable City Hall,” said Greg Galer, Executive Director of the Boston Preservation Alliance. “Thanks to work already done, Bostonians are gaining a new appreciation for this important piece of architecture, and we see a growing recognition for the great potential this building holds. Functional and aesthetic enhancements to the building’s unique design are happening piece by piece, and this new work on the lobby is a critical step to reintroducing Boston to our award-winning and nationally significant City Hall.”
“Upon entry, visitors and staff at City Hall will encounter a light filled lobby with a new information desk, signage and building directory,” said Josiah Stevenson FAIA, 2017 Boston Society of Architects President. “These changes, together with the introduction of an innovative, energy efficient system of LED lighting that connects the building’s interior and exterior, create a welcoming experience at a pleasing human scale.”
The City Hall renovations began in January of 2017. The project cost an estimated $2.1 million. Last month, the City welcomed a local, minority woman-owned Recreo Coffee and Roasterie to Boston City Hall, as the first stage of the new lobby design. In October 2016, Mayor Walsh unveiled Boston City Hall’s architectural exterior lighting installation, a permanent fixture to highlight and enhance the building’s original design while livening up City Hall Plaza and increasing public safety.
Lobby renovations are part of the City’s plan to make City Hall Plaza a more activated, inclusive space for all. Additional projects include “Boston Seasons” which features a summer picnic area on City Hall Plaza and established Boston Winter, a family-friendly winter holiday market and skating path, on City Hall Plaza last winter.
BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) released the state-by-state Outdoor Recreation Economy Report, which demonstrates the powerful impact that outdoor recreation has on Massachusetts’ economy.
The report shows that the outdoor recreation economy in Massachusetts directly contributes 120,000 jobs and annually generates $16.2 billion in consumer spending and $911 million in state and local tax revenue.
OIA’s report also highlights that 59 percent of Massachusetts’ 6.8 million residents participate in outdoor recreation each year.
“The outdoor recreation economy is a powerful economic engine across our country,” said Amy Roberts, OIA executive director. “Today’s report reminds us all that no matter where we come from or our political affiliation, we all thrive outside. We see that in every state, the outdoor recreation economy is contributing to healthier economies and healthier communities, and we’re calling on our elected officials to continue supporting and advocating for policies that invest in outdoor recreation.”
As demonstrated by the state data report, the outdoor recreation economy of Massachusetts is thriving and playing a major part in the state’s overall economy. To ensure this continued growth and success, Outdoor Industry Association urges state policymakers to do the following:
• Adequately fund state and local parks and trails to make them attractive and accessible to families and friends seeking to get outside.
• Take steps to raise awareness of the importance of the outdoor recreation economy.
• Develop and plan urban areas in a way that means every citizen can get outside and recreate within 30 minutes of their home.
• Support policies that encourage outdoor innovators to start businesses in Massachusetts.
The state-by-state report comes after OIA issued its 2017 Outdoor Recreation Economy national report earlier this year, which found that the outdoor recreation economy generates $887 billion in consumer spending annually and sustains 7.6 million American jobs. To review all state-by-state reports, visit the OIA Advocacy Center.
Outdoor Industry Association issued the first Outdoor Recreation Economy state-level report in 2012 and has made significant improvements to the report since then. This second edition of the state report takes a broader view of the growing industry and its shifting demographics. The sample that was drawn for this study was designed to represent the U.S. population on the basis of gender, age, education and race.
Respondents were solicited through Survey Sampling International (SSI), a longtime leader in survey research. The report was made possible through the generous support of REI, Patagonia, The North Face, W.L. Gore, People for Bikes, The Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) and The Outdoor Foundation.
About Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. Outdoor Industry Association unites and serves over 1,200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation.
BOSTON– Colliers International’s Investment Sales team, made up of executive vice presidents Scott Dragos and Doug Jacoby, vice president Tony Hayes, assistant vice president Tim Mulhall, and associate Dan Hines, announced the recent $52.8 million sale of Brookwood’s Beverly/Danvers seven-building flex/industrial portfolio in Cherry Hill Park.
Comprising over a half-million square feet between 24-42, 33, 35, 37, 54, 71 and 72 Cherry Hill Drive, the park attracted a large buyer pool due to its institutional quality, reputable tenant make-up with the likes of Osram Sylvania, Medtronic, etc., and overall critical mass in what is recognized as a desirable flex/industrial market. After a competitive process among several very qualified groups, Brookwood and Colliers selected R.J. Kelly Co., Inc. as the buyer, and the closing took place on July 25, 2017.
“In comparison to other suburban markets and product types, we saw an impressive amount of interest in this portfolio,” noted Jacoby. “Beyond market conditions alone, Brookwood deserves recognition for its success in tenanting the project, which played a major role in the outcome of the sale.”
Colliers International’s north suburban leasing team of Greg Klemmer, Tim Brodigan and Dan Driscoll have worked on leasing the portfolio for the last 18 months in preparation for a sale.
BURLINGTON, MA–Nordblom Company announced that Archer Hotel and Life Time will be opening at Northwest Park in Burlington, MA, in early 2018, adding to the diverse mix of current amenities including 3rd Ave which features a Wegmans, five independent restaurants, six distinctive home stores, and many other unique shops.
Archer Hotel Burlington, a luxe boutique hotel, is coming to 3rd Ave in early 2018. Archer Hotel will welcome guests with curated luxuries like Frette robes, a Nespresso coffee experience, turndown treats and whimsical slippers. Expect a variety of design palettes for the 147 guest rooms, a fitness studio, bar and patio – and sincere service always. In addition, the hotel will have more than 4,000 sf of meeting and event space. Your room will be ready early 2018.
“Norblom’s Northwest Park with its unique 3rd Ave setting is ideal for Archer’s adventure-seeking guests,” explains Mike Daood, president of LodgeWorks. “The ability to walk to terrific dining, distinctive shops and amenities like Life Time, is what the modern traveler appreciates. Archer is thrilled to call the neighborhood home.”
Healthy living, healthy aging and healthy entertainment lifestyle company, Life Time, operates a portfolio of 123 resort-like health and fitness destinations in 26 states and 35 major markets in North America and Canada. Opening early 2018, the Northwest Park development will represent Life Time’s fourth healthy way of life destination in the greater Boston market. The more than 130,000 square foot club will feature a broad array of resort-like, healthy lifestyle programs and services, including hundreds of pieces of state-of-the-art cardiovascular, resistance training and strength equipment, dedicated group fitness, cycle, yoga and pilates studios, featuring Life Time’s signature programs, basketball and squash courts, a Life Time Kids Academy, large indoor and outdoor pools, a full service LifeSpa, LifeCafe and bistro, lounge areas and much more, all supported by more than 300 certified Life Time performers.
Home to leaders in the medical, healthcare, communications, science, and technology fields, Northwest Park is comprised of dynamic flexible spaces, innovative floor plans, and convenient access to major highways and public transportation. Boasting unmatched amenities, Northwest Park connects business with lifestyle offering a thriving amenity base including restaurants, shops, hotels, and fitness centers.
FOXBOROUGH, MA– NAI Hunneman recently completed two lease transactions for 8,705 SF of office space at 10 Lincoln Road in Foxboro, MA.
ConnectPay, a payroll company is relocating from 132 Central Street in Foxboro into 6,322-square-feet of office space on the first floor; while Performance Environmental Services LLC – a privately-owned building services company based out of New Haven, CT is moving into 2,383 SF, also on the first floor.
Cathy Minnerly (Photo: NAI Hunneman website)
NAI Hunneman Executive Vice President Cathy Minnerly, Vice President Ovar Osvold and Associate Sean Hannigan represented the landlord R & R Realty in both transactions, along with procuring tenant Performance Environmental Services. Connect Pay was represented by Patrick Joyce of CBRE.
“10 Lincoln Road provided both tenants with first-class office space to expand operations and offer employees a great location to access a wealth of area amenities,” said Minnerly.
Located directly off Route 1 and just three miles from I-95, 10 Lincoln Road is a ± 48,095 square-foot Class-A office building just south of Gillette Stadium and Patriots Place, which features 1.3 million square feet of shopping, dining, and hotels.
Performance Environmental Services is a privately-owned building services company that has been providing cleaning, maintenance, and related facility services since 1990. Originally founded in Connecticut, its subsequent expansion into new markets has made it one of the east coast’s leading, non-franchised building service providers.
Founded in 2009, ConnectPay has steadily built a reputation as a flexible and responsive resource for all of its clients with a complete suite of solutions that make growing a business easier. Today, thousands of small and mid-sized businesses use ConnectPay to process payroll, automate taxes, and integrate data.
A sampling of the housing market here includes an antique with five fireplaces and a town house with a private courtyard.
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Bill and Joanne Flanagan raised four children in this South Shore town.
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This was my invitation to do-it-yourselfness, something I would be wrestling with for the next few years.
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The easy application allowed people who were often shut out of the traditional mortgage market — like women, immigrants, and people of color — to buy a home.
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Boston – CBRE/New England announced that Matt Curtin has joined the company as Senior Vice President/Partner with the company’s Retail Advisory & Transactions Services team in Boston.
In this role, Curtin will oversee and manage the retail leasing team, collaborating with other service lines while focusing on urban retail and tenant representation. “Matt brings deep knowledge of the New England retail market and an eye for strategic repositioning to our team,” said CBRE/NE President/Co-Managing Partner Andrew Hoar. “He intuitively understands each client’s specific needs within the market, and his track record with both national retailers and boutique fitness brands that neighborhoods crave speaks for itself.”
Matt Curtin
With 14 years of experience in the retail real estate industry, Curtin has been involved in a wide range of projects across all aspects of the business. He spent his first 10 years at The Dartmouth Company, where he worked on suburban ground-up development and shopping center leasing, urban and street-front retail and restaurant leasing, and strategic roll-out of tenants including Cold Stone Creamery, Massage Envy and Ulta Beauty throughout New England.
Curtin joined Apple as a Senior Real Estate Manager in 2013, where he handled new site selection, lease negotiations, repositioning and expansions of existing stores for the United States and Australia. He later rejoined The Dartmouth Company as Managing Director and head of its urban leasing team, working on projects like Ink Block in the South End and The Viridian in The Fenway, in addition to the strategic roll out for Sweetgreen in Boston and relocation of Apple’s store in North Shore Mall to MarketStreet in Lynnfield. Other clients Curtin represents include CorePower Yoga, Flywheel, The North Face, Oath Pizza and Vans.
NEW YORK–Nuveen, a TIAA company and leading global investment manager, has opened a Hong Kong office and expanded its distribution capabilities to better serve clients across the Asia-Pacific region and broaden access to the firm’s platform of specialized investment expertise.
The Hong Kong office is led by Simon England-Brammer, Senior Managing Director and Head of Asia-Pacific, who reports to John Panagakis, Nuveen’s Head of International Advisory Services. England-Brammer was previously the Head of Institutional Business at Invesco, covering South East Asia, Hong Kong and Korea.
Simon England-Brammer
The new office and team members build on capabilities Nuveen already has in the Asia Pacific region. In 2015 the firm opened an office in Sydney. The Australia office is led by Andrew Kleinig, who will also report to England-Brammer.
“Asian investors, like investors across the globe, are seeking portfolio diversification, uncorrelated returns and income,” said Panagakis. “With Simon’s leadership, our Asia-Pacific team will work with institutions to find the right solutions to those challenges, providing insights and access to the broadest range of outcome-oriented strategies, including customized approaches.”
Nuveen’s Advisory Services brings together the firm’s product, distribution and marketing teams in solutions-focused platform that works to understand client needs and provide investments, insights and best-in-class service.
Reporting to England-Brammer are Kelvin Cheung, Ying Li Tan and Jae Ho Chang. Cheung and Tan were previously with Invesco, while Chang joins from Nuveen’s TH Real Estate affiliate. The expanded Asia-Pacific team will focus on institutional sales, business development and strategies throughout the Asia-Pacific region. They join a dedicated global distribution platform with deep experience in delivering investment solutions for institutional clients across real assets, real estate, alternatives, yield-oriented and environmental, social and governance strategies, and multi-asset solutions.
Nuveen offers a comprehensive range of outcome-focused investment solutions designed to secure the long-term financial goals of institutional and individual investors. As the asset management business of TIAA, Nuveen has more than $900 billion in assets under management as of 6/30/17 and operations in 16 countries. Its affiliates offer deep expertise across a comprehensive range of traditional and alternative investments through a wide array of vehicles and customized strategies.
MALDEN, MA– Housing Families Inc (HFI), a Malden-based non-profit organization with a mission of ending family homelessness, recently held a Field Day event, hosted by the HFI Young Professional Advisory Council (YPAC), to benefit homeless families in the greater Boston area.
The event was held at Lincoln Commons in Malden, MA, featuring activities including corn hole, sack races, face painting, a bouncy house and raffle giveaways.
Special appearances were made by Malden’s Mayor Gary Christenson, School Committee member Catherine Bordonaro and the Malden Fire Department who stopped by with their firetruck offering a fun interactive experience for children. With countless community members participating and generous donations this event exceeded expectations.
“Housing Families is overwhelmed by the support and kindness offered by the Malden community and all of our volunteers, as a result of these efforts HFI will continue supporting families in need throughout greater Boston,” said Ed Cameron, CEO of Housing Families Inc.
HFI is proud to recognize BOND , the northeast’s premier full-service construction management and general contracting company, and Nickerson, a full-service marketing and communications agency specializing in real estate, as Home Sweet Home Sponsors, as well as Income Tax Plus, a Massachusetts based financial service company, for supporting the anticipated event.
Active in the area for 30 years, HFI has established several initiatives to combat homelessness and disenfranchisement by providing temporary shelter and affordable housing options to over 3,600 homeless and at-risk families in the greater Boston area.
BOSTON – Cresa Boston, a part of the world’s largest tenant-only commercial real estate firm, announced the lease of 8,239 SF of additional space at 200 Brickstone Square in Andover, Massachusetts for ALKU, a recruitment agency providing highly skilled SAP, PeopleSoft, Workday, and Epic resources for the most difficult to fill roles throughout the U.S.
This brings ALKU’s total space in Brickstone Square to 24,489 SF.
Cresa Boston advised ALKU on its previous expansion at the Brickstone Square complex in 2015, now known as Andover Landing at Brickstone, when the budding company needed to double its space to 16,250 SF space. With the planned addition of 30 to 40 employees in the near term, ALKU’s growth trajectory demands even more space and since the company’s previous 8,239 SF space was still available, Cresa Boston was once again called upon to advise on the negotiations.
“We have relied on Cresa Boston to advise us on our lease negotiations at Andover Landing at Brickstone and always trust they will get us the best possible terms,” said Mark Eldridge, CEO and founder of ALKU. “The fact that they are focused solely on negotiating on our behalf as the tenant, and that they are so knowledgeable about this particular building was important to us. It is comforting to know that we are able to stay in this strategic location as we expand our operations.”
Andover Landing at Brickstone is a landmark three-building campus in Andover offering more than one million SF of total space. With easy access on and off Interstates 95 and 93, the center boasts more than 3,000 parking spaces. While the complex is in close proximity to numerous restaurants, hotels and retail stores, the amenities in the building itself are best-in-class. They include a full-service cafeteria complete with private meeting spaces, a convenience store, an exercise facility with shower and locker facilities, a day care center, outdoor seating, and on-site management.
Cresa Boston negotiated a seven-year lease on the new space for ALKU, together with a five-year extension on its current obligation, locking in current rates as well as additional tenant improvements, and also securing rights to expand even further.
Joe Doyle and Dan Sullivan of Cresa Boston negotiated the lease for ALKU, and Kerry Olson Hawkins and Jason Levendusky from CBRE represented KS Partners and Oaktree Capital Management, owners of Andover Landing at Brickstone.
A Tudor in Newton and a four-level single-family overlooking Hingham Harbor also topped our list.
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BOSTON – Building on Boston’s commitment to make City services more accessible, welcoming and efficient, Mayor Martin J. Walsh unveiled the completed renovation of City Hall’s third floor lobby.
The lobby, which is the main public entrance to City Hall, underwent extensive renovations that include a welcome desk; new security enhancements; a coffee shop; an accessible and interactive self-service information kiosk capable of multiple language translations; new art installations throughout the building; new millwork and seating; and replacement of interior lighting with energy-efficient LED lights that complement the recently-installed exterior lighting.
“We’re dedicated to making Boston City Hall a positive, welcoming experience for all residents, and this renovation is another leap forward,” said Mayor Walsh. “City Hall is a historic building that belongs to everyone, and I’m pleased that our renovations improve experiences for all visitors. The operational and architectural enhancements make the building easier to navigate and and will improve service for all of Boston’s residents.”
“Through this renovation, we have improved and enlivened Boston City Hall and City Hall Plaza,” said Chief of Operations Patrick Brophy. “Our strategic investment in all public buildings and open space throughout Boston is designed to improve government efficiency and the public’s experience with its valuable infrastructure and resources.”
Updates to the lobby include:
“The Boston Preservation Alliance is encouraged and enthusiastic about the investment and new perspective Mayor Walsh and his team have brought to Boston’s remarkable City Hall,” said Greg Galer, Executive Director of the Boston Preservation Alliance. “Thanks to work already done, Bostonians are gaining a new appreciation for this important piece of architecture, and we see a growing recognition for the great potential this building holds. Functional and aesthetic enhancements to the building’s unique design are happening piece by piece, and this new work on the lobby is a critical step to reintroducing Boston to our award-winning and nationally significant City Hall.”
“Upon entry, visitors and staff at City Hall will encounter a light filled lobby with a new information desk, signage and building directory,” said Josiah Stevenson FAIA, 2017 Boston Society of Architects President. “These changes, together with the introduction of an innovative, energy efficient system of LED lighting that connects the building’s interior and exterior, create a welcoming experience at a pleasing human scale.”
The City Hall renovations began in January of 2017. The project cost an estimated $2.1 million. Last month, the City welcomed a local, minority woman-owned Recreo Coffee and Roasterie to Boston City Hall, as the first stage of the new lobby design. In October 2016, Mayor Walsh unveiled Boston City Hall’s architectural exterior lighting installation, a permanent fixture to highlight and enhance the building’s original design while livening up City Hall Plaza and increasing public safety.
Lobby renovations are part of the City’s plan to make City Hall Plaza a more activated, inclusive space for all. Additional projects include “Boston Seasons” which features a summer picnic area on City Hall Plaza and established Boston Winter, a family-friendly winter holiday market and skating path, on City Hall Plaza last winter.
BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) released the state-by-state Outdoor Recreation Economy Report, which demonstrates the powerful impact that outdoor recreation has on Massachusetts’ economy.
The report shows that the outdoor recreation economy in Massachusetts directly contributes 120,000 jobs and annually generates $16.2 billion in consumer spending and $911 million in state and local tax revenue.
OIA’s report also highlights that 59 percent of Massachusetts’ 6.8 million residents participate in outdoor recreation each year.
“The outdoor recreation economy is a powerful economic engine across our country,” said Amy Roberts, OIA executive director. “Today’s report reminds us all that no matter where we come from or our political affiliation, we all thrive outside. We see that in every state, the outdoor recreation economy is contributing to healthier economies and healthier communities, and we’re calling on our elected officials to continue supporting and advocating for policies that invest in outdoor recreation.”
As demonstrated by the state data report, the outdoor recreation economy of Massachusetts is thriving and playing a major part in the state’s overall economy. To ensure this continued growth and success, Outdoor Industry Association urges state policymakers to do the following:
• Adequately fund state and local parks and trails to make them attractive and accessible to families and friends seeking to get outside.
• Take steps to raise awareness of the importance of the outdoor recreation economy.
• Develop and plan urban areas in a way that means every citizen can get outside and recreate within 30 minutes of their home.
• Support policies that encourage outdoor innovators to start businesses in Massachusetts.
The state-by-state report comes after OIA issued its 2017 Outdoor Recreation Economy national report earlier this year, which found that the outdoor recreation economy generates $887 billion in consumer spending annually and sustains 7.6 million American jobs. To review all state-by-state reports, visit the OIA Advocacy Center.
Outdoor Industry Association issued the first Outdoor Recreation Economy state-level report in 2012 and has made significant improvements to the report since then. This second edition of the state report takes a broader view of the growing industry and its shifting demographics. The sample that was drawn for this study was designed to represent the U.S. population on the basis of gender, age, education and race.
Respondents were solicited through Survey Sampling International (SSI), a longtime leader in survey research. The report was made possible through the generous support of REI, Patagonia, The North Face, W.L. Gore, People for Bikes, The Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) and The Outdoor Foundation.
About Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. Outdoor Industry Association unites and serves over 1,200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation.
Dorchester, MA– Lee Kennedy Co. recently broke ground and construction is now underway for the residential portion of real estate developer EDENS’ 700,000 SF mixed-use South Bay Center in Dorchester.
These buildings are being constructed for Pritzker Realty Group, a private developer who acquired the residential development rights in March, 2017, from EDENS. The majority of the retail and the public parking garage are simultaneously under construction, having broken ground in January, 2017.
“In place of the underutilized former industrial sites, the South Bay Center by EDENS will create a vibrant live, work, and play neighborhood, while helping the City of Boston to achieve its market-rate and workforce housing goals,” said Lee Michael Kennedy, President & CEO of Lee Kennedy Co.
The residences will be conveniently located within walking distance of two MBTA stops with easy access to I-93 as well. The development will offer a combination of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with sixty-two of the units designated as affordable housing. Tenants will have access to amenities including roof decks, a pool with cabanas, grilling areas, as well as fitness facilities.
The project also includes 160,000 SF of retail, consisting of a mix of restaurants and shops including a flagship Wahlburgers restaurant, a 12-screen luxury AMC Theatre with IMAX, and 1,094 structured and surface lot parking spaces. South Bay Center will also incorporate 113,000 SF of thoughtfully designed, usable open space and plaza infrastructure. The intent is to improve aesthetics and provide a welcoming pedestrian neighborhood for residents, workers and visitors.
The base buildings for the 160,000 SF retail portion of the project are currently being completed by Lee Kennedy Co. The 604 space parking garage is expected to open in the fall, and construction of the cinema is proceeding at an accelerated pace in anticipation of a fall 2017 opening. On the residential sites, the foundation is being installed for the larger of the two buildings. This building is scheduled for delivery in the fall of 2018. The second building is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2019. The last site on the parcel is designated for a 130-key hotel. Design is anticipated to begin this summer and construction will follow in the spring of 2018.
South Bay Residences (Rendering courtesy: EDENS)
EDENS develops, owns and operates community shopping centers in primary markets across the country. Focusing on innovative development and redevelopment together with key acquisitions in urban areas, the company has built an institutional-quality portfolio of more than 130 retail centers. EDENS has regional headquarters in Boston, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, Houston and Columbia, SC.
WALTHAM, MA. – Vantage Builders, Inc., a general contracting and construction firm based in Waltham, MA, today that it completed the build-out of Café 9, a new, 50-seat eatery located in the Westboro Executive Park at 112 Turnpike Road in Westborough, Mass.
Park ownership, Albany Road Real Estate Partners, made the decision to add an onsite café to satisfy existing tenants and attract new ones. The café, which is open from 7am to 2pm, serves breakfast, lunch and snacks, and provides tenants with a fast and convenient alternative to driving to nearby restaurants. It is operated by NexDine.
“Tenant satisfaction is always one of a landlord’s primary concerns, right up there with safety,” said Ryan LaVangie, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Vantage Builders. “A top-tier café provides tenants with another option for dining, as well as an informal place to socialize. By adding Café 9, Albany Road Real Estate Partners has helped Westboro Executive Park stand out in the region’s very competitive office market.”
The café includes a kitchen area, serving space and a section for customers to sit down to enjoy their meals or discuss business, with seating near the gas fireplace being the most sought-after. Café 9 features a sleek, contemporary style with a new glass-door entryway, custom millwork and quartz counters. New state-of-the-art lighting creates a bright atmosphere and also helps display a photography exhibit from Delilah Knisley, a recent graduate of the Rivers School in Weston.
Vantage Builders made space for the 5,000-square-foot café by renovating two empty office suites. Two new HVAC systems were installed, to enable separate temperature controls for varied requirements of the dining section and the much warmer kitchen. A new, 2,000-gallon grease trap was installed outside the building and underground plumbing connects a new, dedicated sanitary line to the park’s existing system. Fire protection sprinkler heads were reconfigured to support the new café layout.
The architect was Walsh/Cochis Associates, Inc. The project team also included Engineered Systems, Inc. and Dankers Structural Consulting, LLC.
LEXINGTON, MA– Developer Len Bierbrier has carved out a very special niche in today’s fast-changing retail real estate market. In an exclusive video interview with Boston Real Estate Times, Bierbrier talks about latest retail trends and real estate.
The interview was conducted late last year, but what Bierbrier said then is so relevant today—even in the rapidly changing retail landscape. To view the interview, click here or on the image below:
Bierbrier is President of Lexington, MA-based Bierbrier Development, Inc., founded in 1974. He is actively involved in all facets of Bierbrier Development’s shopping center portfolio.
Bierbrier is a member of the New England chapter of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), Real Estate Finance Association (REFA) of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, and the Urban Land Institute.
Additionally, Bierbrier has been an instructor of Real Estate Development at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University. He holds a B.A. and law degree from McGill University and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Harvard Business School.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) announced that Raytheon has been awarded a 2017 Toll Excellence Award for Private Sector Innovation. The 2017 IBTTA Toll Excellence Award Winners are revolutionizing mobility for drivers around the globe by implementing cutting-edge solutions to 21st century transportation challenges.
The annual awards presented by IBTTA, recognize innovative strategies to help ease traffic flow, relieve congestion and increase safety for the global driving public. The awards are presented in the following categories: Administration and Finance; Customer Service and Marketing; Social Responsibility; Technology; Toll Operations, Engineering and Maintenance; and Private Sector Innovation.
Emanuela Stocchi
“Whether you are driving in Massachusetts or Dubai, the goals of providing customers with greater mobility and safety remain the same,” said Emanuela Stocchi, President, IBTTA. “Raytheon, and the other award winners are implementing solutions to complex, global transportation challenges.”
Recipients of the 2017 IBTTA International Toll Excellence Awards are:
The awards will be presented during IBTTA’s 85th Annual Meeting and Exhibition, September 10-12 in Atlanta, Georgia and one recipient will be honored with the prestigious President’s Award for excellence.
MEDFORD: 15 Amaranth Ave., #2 Condominium , built in, 0 square feet, 0 rooms, 0 bedrooms, 0 baths, on 0-square-foot lot. $515,000
The post Recent home sales north of Boston (July 27) appeared first on Boston.com Real Estate.
LEXINGTON: 663 Lowell St. #22, Condominium Condo/Apt, built in 1995, 1,192 square feet, 5 rooms, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, on 436-square-foot lot. $558,300
The post Recent home sales west of Boston (July 27) appeared first on Boston.com Real Estate.
MILTON: 70 Meadowview Road, One-family Split Entry, built in 1959, 2,344 square feet, 6 rooms, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, on 30,091-square-foot lot. $457,502
The post Recent home sales south of Boston (July 27) appeared first on Boston.com Real Estate.
FENWAY: 464 Commonwealth Ave. #63 Condominium Mid-Rise, built in 1910, 937 square feet, 4 rooms, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, on 937-square-foot lot. $830,000
The post Recent home sales in Boston and Cambridge (July 27) appeared first on Boston.com Real Estate.
Award-winning garden writer Carol Stocker also talks about those moths you see fluttering about and viruses that can affect your garden.
The post Ask the Gardener: Dealing with weeds, moths, and plant viruses appeared first on Boston.com Real Estate.
