BRAINTREE: One-family Cape Cod, built in 1950, 1,176 square feet, 6 rooms, 3 bedrooms, 1 baths, on 7,610-square-foot lot. $393,500
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The unit also comes with one garage parking space, Sonos speakers, and three wall-mounted televisions.
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This oceanfront unit boasts two bedrooms, two baths, 1,255 square feet of living space.
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Sun pours into the foyer, which has a 27-foot ceiling.
The post This 5-acre-plus Plymouth estate offers solar panels, patios, and custom details appeared first on Boston.com Real Estate.
CHELSEA, MA — Burgess Properties Inc., a suburban commercial brokerage firm, announced that it has brokered the $3,675,000.00 sale of 200 Second Street, Chelsea, MA with David Corkery and Bruce Lusa of CBRE New England.
200 Second Street is a 25,500-square-foot industrial building on 1.05 AC of land located directly across Second Street from Chelsea’s Mystic Mall. The existing building will be demolished to make way for the construction of a 106 room Hampton Inn by Hilton.
The buyer, Baywood Hotels Inc., is one of the nation’s fastest growing and privately- owned hotel management companies. They are also one of largest privately owned developers in the country for Hilton, and several of their Hampton Inns have received achievement awards and national recognition.
Steve Nohrden of Burgess Properties, Inc. represented the buyer, Baywood Hotels, Inc., and David Corkery of CBRE New England represented the Seller, 200 Second Street Trust.
BEACON HILL: Condominium Row-Middle, built in 1899, 1,001 square feet, 4 rooms, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, on 1,001-square-foot lot. $1,252,000
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BOLTON: One-family Colonial, built in 2000, 6,257 square feet, 10 rooms, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, on 65,340 square-foot lot. $1,100,000
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GEORGETOWN: One-family Colonial, built in 1996, 2,560 square feet, 8 rooms, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, on 42,614 square-foot lot. $590,000
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BRAINTREE: One-family Cape Cod, built in 1950, 1,176 square feet, 6 rooms, 3 bedrooms, 1 baths, on 7,610-square-foot lot. $393,500
The post Recent home sales south of Boston (Aug. 31) appeared first on Boston.com Real Estate.
The unit also comes with one garage parking space, Sonos speakers, and three wall-mounted televisions.
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BOSTON–Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has issued an official Proclamation declaring today, August 30th, to be Norman B. Leventhal Day, on what would have been the late Boston real estate developer and philanthropist’s 100th birthday.
You might walk through Norman B. Leventhal Park in Post Office Square every day and not know anything about the man it was named for, or run across South Station to catch a train without pausing to consider who built it and when. Although Leventhal passed away in 2015, he is remembered by the lasting impact he had on the City of Boston.
Leventhal, a graduate of Boston Latin and MIT, changed Boston’s skyline during his career and brought us some of our most valued landmarks including Post Office Square, South Station, Rowes Wharf and Center Plaza, through the company he co-founded with his brother, Beacon Companies.
9-22-2008 Boston, Mass. Developer Norman Lenenthal on Long Wharf.
In addition to developing some of the most prominent buildings in Boston, Leventhal’s legacy lives on through his collection of 200,000 maps housed in the Norman B. Leventhal Map Center at the Boston Public Library, which he endowed with $10 million gift in 2004.
An avid walker and history lover, he brought his passions together and also created the Norman B. Leventhal Walk to the Sea, a free, historical walking tour starting at Beacon Hill and ending at Long Wharf. The walk features panels with maps from his collection to educate tourists and Bostonians alike about the changes the city has undergone, and was dedicated in his name by former Mayor Menino in 2008.
Leventhal’s efforts reshaping the city were just a fraction of his contributions as he was an advocate for many local organizations supporting causes like education, health care, the arts and the Jewish community, including founding the Jewish Community Home for the Elderly and the Jewish Community Center in Newton.
This oceanfront unit boasts two bedrooms, two baths, 1,255 square feet of living space.
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BOSTON – Colliers International’s Investment Sales team announced that it has brought to market 1515 Commonwealth Avenue in Brighton, a 2.12-acre redevelopment opportunity with immediate access to downtown Boston via the MBTA Green Line – B branch.
Formerly operating as a 59-bed, long-term acute care hospital, the 58,000-square-foot, four-story building plus basement has been renovated over time and includes dining facilities, common area amenities as well as a large parking lot. It provides additional FAR for redevelopment opportunities and will be delivered vacant at the time of sale.
Proximity to New Balance’s nearby new development, Boston Landing, as well as walking distance to well-established amenities of Coolidge Corner, Brighton Center and Allston, makes the site an incredibly appealing location to meet demand now being driven by Brighton’s multifamily boom.
“Density precedents set by nearby development projects for New Balance, Saint Elizabeth’s, and Harvard University will inevitably benefit the buyer of 1515 Commonwealth Ave,” noted senior vice president Christopher Sower. “There should be a high level of confidence from the investor side that a site in this location will be poised to benefit from continued market growth,” added executive vice president Scott Dragos.
The Colliers’ Investment Sales team includes Scott Dragos, Doug Jacoby, Chris Sower, and Jeff Black.
BOSTON – LBC Boston, a diverse group of companies managing real estate and business ventures, announced the grand opening of its first residential project in Boston.
Located at 1505 Commonwealth Avenue in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston, Nova Residences is a six-story, 68,000 SF building that offers 80 residential units, with ten of the units designated as affordable. U.S. Congressman Michael Capuano, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, August 28th to mark the grand opening of the $25 million residential complex.
“We need projects like this. We need a mix of housing for the poor, the wealthy, and the in-between,” said U.S. Congressman Michael Capuano, representative for the 7th Congressional District of Massachusetts. “It is critically important to honor every rung on the ladder. This building helps fulfill that mission.”
Developed, owned and operated by LBC Boston, Nova Residences is the embodiment of luxury with energy efficient stainless-steel appliances, modern cabinetry, and laundry appliances in each unit. Built on the highest point in Brighton, many apartments offer spectacular views of the Boston skyline. Designed to achieve LEED certification, building features include a fitness center, community/game room, dog grooming station, and on-site management office with package receiving service. Community space extends outdoors with landscaped patios, an 80-car parking lot, and on-site bike storage.
“We’re committed to working with local, community, and private partners to make investments that promote local growth, development, and housing across Massachusetts,” said Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker. “1505 Commonwealth Avenue was the location of my former campaign headquarters, and the transformation of this building by LBC Boston is just amazing.”
LBC Boston Celebrates Ribbon Cutting at Nova Residences at 1505 Commonwealth Avenue in Brighton. (L-R) State Representative Kevin Honan, Belmont Bank Senior Vice-President Keith Andre, US Congressman Michael Capuano, Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, Allston/Brighton City Councilor Mark Ciommo, At-Large City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George, Andrian Shapiro, Serge Bologov, Paul Rayev
The three-year project led by LBC Boston is part of “Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030,” the City of Boston’s housing plan, which aims to create housing across demographics and neighborhoods, outlines the City’s strategies for housing an expected 91,000 new Bostonians by the year 2030, and calls for the creation of 53,000 new units of housing at a variety of income levels across the City. At the grand opening of 1505 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said, “thank you for the great work here. This adds to the local economy and to the community. It is exciting to see the growth and amenities that come with housing.”
Located in what has been deemed “Boston’s next ‘IT’ neighborhood” and anchored by St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, residents will enjoy a wide array of local amenities and conveniences within walking distance, including shopping and dining establishments, cultural and sporting events at nearby Boston College and Boston University, and easy access to the MBTA Green Line, Mass Pike, and Routes 9 and 20.
With 100 percent occupancy upon opening, the Nova Residences feature spacious studios, lofts, and a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, with rents ranging from $1,850 to $3,250 per month.
Project Team
LBC Boston is a diverse group of companies successfully managing both real estate and business ventures, including community development, healthcare, non-profit, venture capital, and hospitality. LBC Boston has developed over 1,000,000 SF in the Greater Boston area since 2003.
BOSTON – BOND, a building, civil, utility and energy construction firm, announced the completion of 20,000 SF of the newly renovated expansion space at Lynn Community Health Center (LCHC) located at 269 Union Street in Lynn.
Lynn Community Health Center is the medical care home to more than 40,000 patients and for over 40 percent of the population who live in the city. This project is part of the LCHC’s Stephen D. Hayes Building that BOND completed construction of in 2012.
“BOND is proud to play a pivotal role in the expansion and transformation of the Lynn Community Health Center,” said Michael Walsh, BOND’s Vice President of Healthcare and Life Sciences. “It is an honor to serve such a valued client and to help them accomplish their mission to meet affordable, community-based, urgent healthcare needs.”
Pictured, L-R: Mike Walsh, Ben Hoffman, Oliver Sullivan, Wayne Arruda, all of BOND
The construction of the newly renovated space will better provide patients with healthcare by increasing access to primary care, urgent care, health promotion and prevention services for the community. The renovated space on the 2nd and 3rd floor houses Pediatrics, Primary Care, Behavioral Health, Immigration/Refugee Services, Employee Health, TB/HIV, Podiatry and outreach for community health workers.
A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and tours of the newly renovated space were held to mark this celebrated event. Bill Mantzoukas, Founder and Board Member for the Health Center was presented with the John S. Moran Award for Community Service. He also received legislative citations by a representative from U.S. Representative Seth Moulton’s office and Massachusetts State Senator Thomas McGee. The celebration and unveiling came during National Health Center Week 2017, surrounding the theme “Celebrating America’s Health Centers: The Key to Healthier Communities.”
NORWOOD, MA — On behalf of CMI Property Inc., Elliot & Co. LLC, a leading commercial real estate brokerage firm, today announced that it has brokered two leases totaling 13,000 square feet of office space at 128 Carnegie Row in Norwood, MA.
Goldfish Swim School, a swimming school for kids, has leased 10,000 square feet of space on the ground floor where it will have an indoor swimming pool, office and classrooms. Since opening its first franchise in 2009 in Farmington Hills, Michigan, Goldfish Swim School currently has over 65 schools open or in development in more than 17 states. Goldfish teaches more than 50,000 students per week to swim and be safer in and around the water.
Joseph B. Cohan & Associates, a full-service accounting firm, has leased 3,000 square feet of office space.
Elliot Ravech, president and principal of Norwood-based Elliot & Co., represented CMI Property Inc. in both transactions. Goldfish Swim School was represented by George O’Connor of Cushman & Wakefield of Massachusetts. Paul J. DePrisco of Joseph B. Cohan & Associates represented the tenant.
“We are pleased to welcome Goldfish and Joseph B. Cohan as our newest tenant at the building,” said Mr. Ravech. “CMI Property provided a custom-built space for them. In addition, it is a great location, with area amenities including hotels, restaurants, retail centers, banking, the Norwood Municipal Airport, urgent care facilities, daycare providers and fitness centers.”
The 87,000-square-foot commercial building located at 128 Carnegie Row currently has 6,000 square feet of space available for lease. Located off the Route-1 Automile, the property has 13-foot ceiling clearance and is sub-dividable to 5,000 square feet for office and R&D use. The building has immediate access to Interstates 93 and 95, Route 128, and is a short distance from Boston and Providence, RI.
Sun pours into the foyer, which has a 27-foot ceiling.
The post This 5-acre-plus Plymouth estate offers solar panels, patios, and custom details appeared first on Boston.com Real Estate.
There was quite a range of big home sales this week
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Williamstown boasts a few things that set it apart from the other hamlets in this leaf peeper’s paradise.
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A sampling of homes in this Berkshire County community include a Victoria with a detached garage and an architect-designed contemporary.
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If the lawyer is representing the lender, he or she is responsible for paying off the old loan with a part of the proceeds from the new one.
The post Ask the Lawyer: Refinancing? Make sure your old mortgage gets closed appeared first on Boston.com Real Estate.
Ask the Carpenter’s Rob Robillard also tackles a question on shower leaks and hears a reader’s suggestion for used paint.
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Upendra Mishra
By Upendra Mishra
WALTHAM, MA—Before you head out for Labor Day Weekend, you may want to check your marketing and business development to-do list. Here is a quick list of the things to do in order to accomplish your marketing goals.
Make sure your website is ready, up-to-date and fully compatible with all mobile devices. This is very important, when you consider the fact that 34 percent of people only use mobile devices to read their emails, and 80 percent of internet users own a smartphone.
Another item to consider is your company newsfeed. Companies often ignore the news section on their website, and often you find the last time their news section was updated was a few years ago. If I am a potential customer visits your site, I would wonder, “What did this company do in the last two years?” Either keep your news feed updated (highly recommended) or use undated materials.
Make sure all the links you have provided work, and remove any dead links.
You can learn a lot from data tracking on your website. Make sure you are using Google Analytics to find out what is happening with your website: who is visiting? Which sections they are spending the most time on? Which pages are not visited at all, and what you can do with them?
Do you have a PR and branding strategy? How are you dealing with social media? Do you know which medium and media channel has been the most effective for your business’s development and bringing in new customers? Both traditional and digital media strategies should be fully integrated into your strategy.
We marketers say the database is the mother of all marketing. Your database should be a living document, constantly updated and properly organized so that you can target the exact audience with customized message. It is now more important in this digital age than it has been the past.
Don’t forget your past clients while you’re out chasing leads. Have a solid plan to connect with them and tell them all the new services and products your firm is offering. Remember this is a low-hanging fruit and often ignored by many.
The short answer is: spend as much as you can afford, but do spend and never spend less than what you did the previous year. The U.S. Small Business Administration recommends spending 7 to 8 percent of gross revenue if your revenue is less than $5 million per year, while other sources suggest spending up to 13 percent.
Well, a lot has changed in the marketing in recent years. It is no longer just doing PR, getting an article published in trade publications or direct marketing. Now there are so many marketing channels and you want to be everywhere, integrated with the same message. You need a 360-degree view of marketing, including digital, social media, PR, direct and content marketing, web analytics, print or online advertising. If you are unfamiliar with any of these areas, the best thing will be to bring an outside consultant who can audit everything you are doing and make some recommendations. Later, you can decide whether you have the required talent pool to execute those recommendations or if you will need to bring in an outside firm.
CONTENT MARKETING: Content marketing is the king of online marketing. According to the Content Marketing Institute, 88 percent of B2B and 76 percent of Business-to-Consumer (B2C) organizations are using content marketing as an integral part of their overall strategy. But what is content marketing? “Content marketing is a strategic marketing approach focused on creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly-defined audience — and, ultimately, to drive profitable customer action,” says Content Marketing Institute. “Instead of pitching your products or services, you are providing truly relevant and useful content to your prospects and customers to help them solve their issues.”
EMAIL MARKETING: Do not underestimate the power of email marketing. Despite powerful spam filters, unsubscribe options and people getting annoyed by too many emails, email marketing is effective. In fact, email marketing holds the second place after search marketing & SEO in value. According to an article in Forbes magazine, email marketing is responsible for 16 percent of customers acquired, compared with the less than 1 percent acquisition rate from Facebook.
SEARCH ENGINE MARKETING & OPTIMIZATION: Search engine optimization, popularly known as SEO, is one of the most effective marketing tools for increasing online visibility. Yet, 50 percent of businesses doing digital marketing had no form of digital marketing plan or strategy, according to a 2015 study by Smart Insights. In a recent survey by Fleishman-Hillard and Harris Interactive, 89 percent of consumers reported using search engines to inform their purchase decisions, according to Search Engine Land.
VIDEO MARKETING: As the watching habits of people (especially the younger generation) shift from television to computer screens and mobile devices, you should not ignore video marketing. By video marketing, I mean both video advertisements and producing your own video content, which you can host on your website and social media channels, as well as email to your target audience.
Marketing pundits are predicting that video will account for 69 percent of consumer internet traffic soon; 7 in 10 people view brands more positively after watching their video content; and 64 percent of marketers expect video to dominate their strategies, according to Audience Bloom.
In conclusion, identify your marketing deficiencies and market your competitive advantage. “Marketing is too important to be left to the marketing department.” –David Packard
(Mr. Mishra is founder and president of the Waltham, MA-based The Mishra Group, an integrated full-service marketing and public relations firm. Since 1997, the Mishra Group has provided comprehensive, results-oriented solutions for the fast-paced new age of online and traditional marketing through the area’s best writers and editors and most talented graphic and Web designers and digital media strategists. For more information, visit: www.MishraGroup.com.)
WATERTOWN, MA–Eighteen companies from across the state have been selected as finalists for the 2017 Team Massachusetts Economic Impact Awards, awarded annually by MassEcon for their outstanding contributions to the Massachusetts economy.
The finalist companies, from Greater Boston to Western Massachusetts, range in size and are drawn from different sectors including manufacturing, distribution, biotechnology, food, medical devices, and technology.
MassEcon selected the finalists based on their job growth, facility expansion, and investment since January 1, 2016, as well as other criteria including community involvement. The finalists collectively have added nearly 1,500 jobs to the Commonwealth, invested over $350 million, and expanded their facilities by more than 2 million square feet since January 2016.
Finalists will present one-minute elevator pitches describing their growth in the Bay State to a panel of judges and business leaders on September 13 at Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP in Boston. Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, Jay Ash, will be the featured guest at the event.
MassEcon Executive Director Susan Houston with Lieutenant Governor Karyne Polito at Summer Reception (Photo: Flickr)
“We are pleased to recognize Massachusetts companies that contribute so much to the Commonwealth’s success,” said Susan Houston, Executive Director of MassEcon. “The diversity of industries throughout the entire state demonstrates that Massachusetts is an outstanding location for businesses to expand and call home.”
Finalists compete on a regional basis, defined as West, Central, Southeast, Northeast, and Greater Boston. From the pool of finalists, a gold, silver, and bronze winner will be selected from each region. The winners from each of the five regions will be announced in October and recognized at an awards luncheon on November 21st in Boston.
“Citizens Bank is committed to strengthening the places where we live and work, and creating more opportunities for our neighbors and neighborhoods,” said Jerry Sargent, President, Citizens Bank, Massachusetts. “We are proud to partner with MassEcon to celebrate these successful companies that have invested in Massachusetts and created jobs for its citizens.”
The companies chosen as finalists for the 14th ANNUAL TEAM MASSACHUSETTS ECONOMIC IMPACT AWARDS are listed below.
GREATER BOSTON:
Brammer Bio – Cambridge: Cell and gene therapy biologics contract development and manufacturing organization.
Clarks Americas – Waltham: World’s largest family-owned “brown shoe” company.
Eataly – Boston: World’s largest Italian food marketplace.
SharkNinja – Needham: Leading small appliance designer and manufacturer.
Thermo Fisher Scientific – Waltham: Biotechnology product development and scientific instrument company.
CENTRAL:
Cumberland Farms – Westborough: HQ and distribution center for fuel and convenience store retailer.
Instrumentation Laboratory – Devens: Developer and manufacturer of medical instruments for hospitals and laboratories.
Nitto Denko Avecia – Milford: Specializes in oligonucleotide production (short DNA or RNA molecules) and assists clients with pharmaceutical drug development.
SMC Ltd. – Devens: Leading contract manufacturer of various medical devices and medical equipment.
NORTHEAST:
Abiomed – Danvers: Leading manufacturer of medical devices that provide circulatory support.
EMD Serono – Billerica: Specializes in developing therapies needed by patients with difficult to treat diseases.
Kronos – Lowell: Delivers human capital management and workforce management solutions in the cloud to help organizations attract, retain, and develop engaged employees.
WEST:
Avista Pharma Solutions, Inc. – Agawam: Leading U.S.-based contract testing, development, and manufacturing organization for the pharmaceutical industry.
Interprint USA, Inc. – Pittsfield: Global company and a leading designer and décor printer for the laminate industry.
Tsubaki – Chicopee: Leading manufacturer and supplier of automotive parts and designer of driving systems.
SOUTHEAST:
Cold Chain Technologies – Franklin: Thermal packaging solutions designer, manufacturer, and distributor of temperature sensitive products for various companies in the life sciences field.
Metropolitan Cabinets and Countertops – Norwood: Manufacturer and distributor of a wide variety of kitchen cabinets and countertops.
New England Ice Cream Corporation – Norton: Regional leader in production, sales and distribution of frozen dessert products.
Citizens Bank is the Presenting Sponsor of the Fourteenth Annual Team Massachusetts Economic Impact Awards. Shire, WPI, and Transwestern are the Gold Sponsors.
MassEcon champions Massachusetts as the best place to start, grow, or locate a business. Bringing the public and private sectors together, we work to create a supportive culture for business, enhance job growth, promote investment in communities, and spread prosperity throughout the state.
EDINA, Minn.– Marketplace Home Mortgage, is expanding its services to Massachusetts, the company announced.
Marketplace’s team of highly qualified loan officers is already helping area real estate agents and home buyers meet their goals of achieving home ownership. The company has tapped industry pro Rick Schlager to head its efforts in the Bay State.
“I joined Marketplace because no other company offers New England the technological edge we can,” Schlager said. “As a service-oriented loan originator, I know that kind of convenience is going to thrill the Massachusetts market by combining the great tools Marketplace utilizes with the focus of producing outstanding customer service.”
Rick Schlager
Minnesota-based Marketplace is undergoing tremendous growth as consumers flock to its easy-to-use systems, like the mobile app that lets users engage their smart phones and tables to simplify the mortgage process and receive real-time updates on their loan application. Presently, Marketplace has offices in Bedford, New Hampshire and has its sights set on opening a second New Hampshire location in Portsmouth in the fourth quarter.
“We see New England as a major growth focus for the Marketplace team,” said Eastern Division Manager Michael Wesson. “With the overwhelming response our efforts have received, we plan to hire more than a dozen new loan officers and support staff within the next year.”
The New England team will continue building its reputation for quick, dependable mortgage service in the coming months, Wesson said. In addition, we will build the infrastructure – like fully local underwriting and processing – to ensure the company can continue to provide outstanding service and results to consumers and referral partners.
“It’s no surprise that Rick has laser focus of achieving high levels of customer service,” said Marketplace CEO Keith White. “That sincere, tangible connection to home buyers and Realtors is what makes our company stand out.”
BOSTON – Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh today joined the Vietnamese American Initiative for Development (VietAID), Trinity Management, the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, local and state officials, and Upper Washington residents and commercial tenants to celebrate the grand opening for 35 new apartments, and 3,400 square-feet of retail space on Washington Street in Four Corners.
The more than $15 million project, developed by the VietAID, created 35 affordable new units of rental housing for families earning 60 percent or less of Area Median Income. The construction project also generated more than 180 construction jobs.
“I am proud that the City of Boston’s commitment to this project helped create 35 new homes — homes that will help ensure that the people who help make this neighborhood the thriving, vibrant place it is will be able to stay in their community,” said Mayor Walsh. “Boston is lucky to have this exemplary team of builders, designers, and partners who worked so closely together to create more affordable housing for working people in Dorchester.”
Located in the Four Corners on the site of an abandoned auto-body shop that is within a quarter mile of the new Four Corners/Geneva stop on the Fairmount Line and multiple bus lines, Upper Washington includes two buildings, of three and four stories, on opposite sides of the 322 – 338 block of Washington Street. Both buildings have first floor commercial and community space, with affordable rental units on the upper floors. The project includes five one-bedroom, 21 two-bedroom, and 9 three-bedroom units, all geared toward those earning no more than 60 percent of the area’s median income, with some reserved for families earning or less of AMI.
Event marked opening of 35 new units of affordable rental housing and retail space in Dorchester
The project has provided a new home for nine previously homeless families. It also contains over 3,400 square feet of commercial space, and houses the offices of the Four Corners Main Streets organization and a brand new yoga studio, Four Corners Yoga & Wellness. Surface parking is located in the back and underneath the buildings.
“Today, VietAID is pleased to announce the opening of its fifth affordable housing project in Dorchester,” said VietAID Board President Kim T. Thai. “The Four Corners project is a mixed used development with 35 affordable housing units including two vibrant community based commercial spaces. We look forward to delivering benefits to the larger Dorchester community and to create more successful affordable housing developments. We thank our supporters, funders, city, state, and federal agencies in helping us realize our goals.”
Funding for the more than $15 million rental housing development was made possible through a variety of funding sources, including more than $2 million from the City of Boston’s Department of Neighborhood Development and the Neighborhood Housing Trust Fund. Additionally, the project received Federal and State Tax Credits, and Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development contributed more than $2 million in funding.
In accordance with the City of Boston’s Green Affordable Housing Program, the building utilized several green building design techniques, earning it the distinction of being LEED-Homes Silver certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.
“I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to move into my beautiful, brand new apartment with my baby,” said Upper Washington resident Dione Teixeira, who also spoke at the event. “My mother and I applied for these apartments, and were both fortunate enough to receive them, so now we are able to live in the same building, making it very easy to support one another. I was also very pleased with the friendliness and professionalism of the staff at Trinity Management who helped us with the application process.”
The Vietnamese American Initiative for Development (VietAID) was founded in 1994 by members of the Vietnamese American community in Dorchester, to provide comprehensive economic development programs and services to alleviate poverty and advance civic participation in their neighborhood. Since then, VietAID’s mission and goals have broadened to focus on building strong and vibrant neighborhoods throughout Dorchester by promoting civic engagement and community building; developing affordable housing and commercial space; providing small business technical assistance and micro-enterprise development; offering high quality child care services and after school programs; and developing community youth leadership.
Chicago will always be President Obama’s hometown — that’s where the Obama Presidential Center is being built — but it looks like he may be spending a lot more time on Martha’s Vineyard in the future.
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The family room in the attic offers a wet bar.
The post Home of the Week: Saugus Colonial offers custom closets, entertainment centers, and finished attic appeared first on Boston.com Real Estate.
Choices range from a three-bedroom condo in Brookline to a mid-century modern home in Carlisle.
The post Our picks: What $750,000 will buy you right now in Greater Boston appeared first on Boston.com Real Estate.
RE/MAX Co-CEOs, Dave Liniger and Adam Contos , revealed a refreshed family of RE/MAX brands, including the world famous balloon logo and wordmark, to hundreds of franchise owners at the annual RE/MAX Broker Owner Conference in San Francisco .
The iconic red, white and blue hot air balloon has been updated to be brighter, more modern and more appealing to the home buyers and sellers of today – while being instantly recognizable as RE/MAX. The logo refreshed after 44 years.
“Great brands evolve and RE/MAX is no different,” said Christopher Alexander , Regional Director, RE/MAX INTEGRA, Ontario -Atlantic. “We believe the updated balloon, wordmark and family of brands will help our agents grow their business and give them an even bigger competitive advantage in digital, social media and mobile marketing. It’s a fresh, forward-looking design for a fresh, forward-looking organization.”
According to Elaine Langhout , Regional Advertising Director at RE/MAX of Western Canada , the responses of more than 20,000 consumers factored into the decision to embark on a brand refresh which is the first in the 44 year history of the real estate franchisor.
“It’s a brand evolution, not a brand revolution,” said Langhout. “The subtle adjustments to the most powerful image in real estate was a natural next step across our residential, luxury and commercial brands.”
The brand refresh continues to grow alongside current real estate trends. A recent survey conducted by Leger on RE/MAX’s behalf found that millennials are more likely to plan to buy a home in the next 5-10 years compared to Canadians aged 35 and older.
“Over three-quarters of Canadians between the ages of 18-34 indicated they are planning to buy a home in the next 5-10 years, highlighting the key role they are likely to play in the Canadian market in the years to come,” said Elton Ash , Regional Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada . “At the same time, real estate tools and technologies have drastically changed the way we help people buy and sell houses. The refreshed brand is in line with these demographic shifts and industry advancements and underscores our continued dedication to position RE/MAX agents as industry leaders for the home buyers and sellers of today and tomorrow.”
In the coming months, consumers will begin to see the new logo on yard signs, office fronts and digital and out of home advertising. In addition, the network of 115,000 agents in more than 100 countries and territories will celebrate the refreshed look with local events on a global day of celebration on September 20 , including at RE/MAX headquarters in Denver . The crisp, contemporary twist on the iconic brand will also be seen on remax.ca and in RE/MAX advertising starting this fall.
BOSTON–The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) and the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development (OWD) have announced the release of three applications for community benefits in Allston-Brighton, Longwood Medical Area/Mission Hill, and South Boston.
Each of the community benefits grants is associated with a BPDA-approved project located in the neighborhoods eligible for said grants.
All applicants are required to submit a detailed budget and comprehensive plan to the BPDA, describing their objectives and the goals they hope to achieve if they receive funding. To learn more about application requirements and timelines by neighborhood, see below.
Allston-Brighton
As part of the approval of the WGBH facility at 1 Guest Street, WGBH contributed funds to be used by organizations providing services to residents in the Allston-Brighton community. In this round of funding, up to $60,000 will be available to eligible organizations interested in applying. The applicants’ services must benefit the Allston-Brighton neighborhood and/or community.
The application deadline for Allston-Brighton Community Benefits is September 12, 2017 by 5 p.m. The full application can be found here.
Dana Farber is located in Longwood Medical Area (Photo courtesy: WorldCare International website.)
Longwood Medical Area and Mission Hill
On April 29, 2008, the then Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) approved the Longwood Center Project in the Longwood Medical and Academic Area. As part of this approval, the developer contributed funds to the BPDA to be used by organizations providing services in Longwood Medical Area and/or neighborhoods adjacent to the project. In this round of funding, up to $75,000 will be available to eligible organizations interested in applying. The applicants’ services must benefit the Longwood Medical Area, Mission Hill, and/or adjacent neighborhoods and communities.
The application deadline for Longwood Community Benefits is September 13, 2017 by 5 p.m. The full application can be found here.
South Boston
On August 12, 2010, the then BRA approved the Waterside Place project in South Boston. As part of this approval, the developer contributed funds to the BPDA to be used towards services for residents in the South Boston area. In this round of funding, up to $75,000 will be available to eligible organizations interested in applying. The applicants’ services must benefit the South Boston neighborhood or community.
The application deadline for South Boston Community Benefits is September 14, 2017 by 5 p.m. The full application can be found here.
CHICAGO—Waterton, a U.S. real estate investor and operator, announced the acquisition of a 404-unit rental community in Arlington, Va., approximately 3 miles southwest of the Pentagon.
Built in 1992 and formerly known as Windsor at Shirlington Village, the property at 3000 S. Randolph St. is being rebranded as The Citizen at Shirlington Village following Waterton’s acquisition.
Offering a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans – 132 units in an eight-story tower and 272 in a low-rise component – the community is located within The Village at Shirlington, a small transit-oriented neighborhood with a host of shopping, dining and entertainment options.
“The Citizen offers the walkable, urban-inspired lifestyle many renters seek in an accessible location close to the Pentagon and jobs throughout the D.C. metro,” said Matthew Masinter, senior vice president of acquisitions at Waterton. “Because the property was developed 25 years ago, it also presented us with an opportunity to add value through strategic improvements that will enhance the marketability of the community.”
On-site amenities at The Citizen include an outdoor pool, grilling stations and five courtyard areas, as well as a resident clubhouse, reservable community room, 7,000-square-foot fitness center and racquetball court.
As part of a capital improvement program, Waterton plans to upgrade the unit interiors, including installing a smart-home system in a portion of the community’s units. In addition, Waterton plans to renovate the fitness center and community room and enhance the outdoor amenity space. Waterton will also introduce an electronic package concierge system that will notify residents when deliveries arrive and facilitate 24-hour pickup in a secure, video‐monitored location.
“When Waterton renovates a property, we strongly consider convenience and strive to go above and beyond cosmetic improvements,” said Masinter. “Today’s renters want homes that are seamlessly integrated with their lives. Technology is one way to achieve that, starting with the moment they open their front door.”
In addition to offering proximity to Interstate 395 and other nearby expressways, The Citizen is adjacent to Shirlington Station, a transfer point for Metrobus and ART bus service. Routes include weekday express service to the Pentagon Metro station, which connects to the Yellow and Blue rail lines.
Also nearby is a dog park and children’s playground, as well as Four Mile Run, a 9.4-mile stream bordered by parklands and a pair of recreational trails: the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Trail and the Four Mile Run Trail.
SEATTLE — For every dollar of home equity single men earned over five years, single women earned just 92 cents, according to a new report by Redfin, a real estate brokerage.
Redfin looked at 199,387 homes sold in 18 of the largest metros in 2012, of which 39.9 percent were purchased by single women. On those home purchases, women earned a median $171,313 of home equity over five years compared to $186,403 of equity earned by men—a difference of $15,090 or 8.1 percent.
To calculate home equity, Redfin added the initial equity from the down payment and the principal paid on the mortgage to the appreciation of the home since purchase date. Appreciation was determined by subtracting the original purchase price of the home from the current Redfin Estimate.
(Photo courtesy: Redfin website)
New Orleans, LA was the only metro where women actually earned more home equity than men. Over the five-year period, single women there earned $8,784 or 8 percent more home equity than single men. Omaha, NE was the next best with women earning 0.5 percent less equity than men. Portland, OR (0.8% less); Denver, CO (2.0% less); and Oakland, CA (2.0% less) rounded out the top five best places for single female home equity.
| Rank | Metro |
% Difference |
Median |
Median |
Median |
Median % |
||||||
| #1 | New Orleans, LA | 8.0% | $118,995 | $110,211 | $14,250 | 29.7% | ||||||
| #2 | Omaha, NE | (0.5%) | $65,839 | $66,194 | $0 | 9.8% | ||||||
| #3 | Portland, OR | (0.8%) | $215,675 | $217,354 | ($12,000) | 20.0% | ||||||
| #4 | Denver, CO | (2.0%) | $206,147 | $210,352 | ($12,500) | 20.0% | ||||||
| #5 | Oakland, CA | (2.0%) | $397,656 | $405,913 | ($2,000) | 25.0% | ||||||
| #6 | Atlanta, GA | (3.2%) | $114,630 | $118,457 | $2,000 | 20.0% | ||||||
| #7 | Orange County, CA | (4.0%) | $350,804 | $365,281 | ($35,000) | 30.0% | ||||||
| #8 | Los Angeles, CA | (4.6%) | $285,457 | $299,195 | ($15,000) | 20.0% | ||||||
| #9 | Miami, FL | (4.8%) | $178,153 | $187,204 | ($15,000) | 100% | ||||||
Of all the metros Redfin looked at, the gender equity gap was largest in Seattle, WA, where women earned 6.3 percent or $20,983 less equity over the five-year period. Columbus, OH (6.2% less); Baltimore, MD (6.2% less); San Francisco (6.0% less); and San Diego (5.8% less) topped the list of metros where single women fare worse compared to single men.
| Rank | Metro |
% |
Median |
Median |
Median |
Median % |
||||||
| #1 | Seattle, WA | (6.3%) | $310,868 | $331,851 | ($35,350) | 20.0% | ||||||
| #2 | Columbus, OH | (6.2%) | $76,312 | $81,370 | $3,000 | 11.1% | ||||||
| #3 | Baltimore, MD | (6.2%) | $77,729 | $82,843 | ($15,000) | 5.7% | ||||||
| #4 | San Francisco, CA | (6.0%) | $722,879 | $768,864 | ($52,250) | 30.0% | ||||||
| #5 | San Diego, CA | (5.8%) | $275,661 | $292,572 | ($21,000) | 25.0% | ||||||
| #6 | Washington, D.C. | (5.5%) | $128,499 | $136,030 | ($30,000) | 10.0% | ||||||
| #7 | Phoenix, AZ | (5.2%) | $129,663 | $136,729 | ($5,000) | 20.0% | ||||||
| #8 | Boston, MA | (4.9%) | $240,182 | $252,619 | ($50,900) | 21.9% | ||||||
| #9 | Chicago, IL | (4.9%) | $97,607 | $102,632 | ($9,000) | 20.0% | ||||||
Founded by software engineers, Redfin has the country’s #1 brokerage website and offers a host of online tools to consumers, including the Redfin Estimate, the automated home-value estimate with the industry’s lowest published error rate for listed homes. The company has closed more than $50 billion in home sales.
