The Boston area and surrounding cities have been starved for new residential developments over the past few years.
Several smaller-scale projects in areas known for single-family homes are focusing on how to make neighborhoods more walkable, sustainable and livable. These new real estate options are attracting home buyers thanks to their affordability and proximity to shopping, restaurants and parks.
Located at 900 VFW Parkway, Gordon’s Woods offers 42 units built in two stages with phase one of the development just complete and already 50 percent sold. The units consist of one- and two-bedroom condominiums with cathedral ceilings, balconies or patios, private storage, outdoor parking and prices from $269,000 to $419,000. Karen Hickman of Will Raveis Real Estate is marketing the project and said it has already received Energy STAR certification and is trying to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.
“West Roxbury is one of Boston’s most desirable neighborhoods,” said Hickman. “The lower prices for homeowners and the easy access to downtown make buying here an attractive option for people who want to take advantage of living in the city.”
This brand-new development at 157 Beale St. offers six loft-style condominiums located in a former church.
Fred Alibrandi of Otis and Ahearn is marketing the units, which are priced from the high $300,000s to mid $500,000s. The homes range in size from 1,600 to 2,400 square feet and all have cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors, architectural details including arched window and exposed original beams. The former church was completely developed with a conscious attention to detail with regards to energy efficiency, with top of the line HVAC systems and heated garage parking. Five of the homes are two bedrooms plus study and one is a three bedroom and all have either one or two parking spaces deeded storage and separate entrances.
“This development is part of the urban emerging market with close proximity to restaurants, parks, shops and public transportation,” said Alibrandi.
At 9 Pitman St. in Somerville, this recently completed five-unit project ranges in price from $599,000 to $649,000, with each of the units offering four bedrooms, two-and-half bathrooms and two-car garage parking. Strong emphasis was placed on energy efficiency and interior design.
“The exterior incorporates the traditional strategy of completing the block, creating human-scale rhythms from various bays and entries — however, the detailing and the open flow of interior spaces perfectly complements a contemporary urban lifestyle,” said Kathy Halley of Hammond Residential Real Estate, who marketed the project. “While we were marketing the townhouses during construction, once we opened up the units to show them to prospective buyers, all five units were under contract within about two weeks.”
