In March 2008, we ran a story about the Clarendon (see Clarendon Back Bay Condos Looking Up), out of which came a conversation thread about whether the 33 story tower would block views of the Hancock Tower from the adjacent luxury Albert A Pope Building once the new ultra luxury Clarendon was complete.

It was somewhat speculation in March what the situation would entail, but it is apparent now that the Clarendon Back Bay will indeed block views of the Hancock Tower from the Pope condo development.  Inside sources connected to the Clarendon are stating that the building should top off in approximately 6 weeks time, and the 33 stories will definitely block views of at least the lower portion of the Hancock Tower.

There were two units available for sale at the Pope building earlier this year, both have since closed for $1 million+ each, with price per square foot averaging a little over $600.  Sales at the Clarendon appear to be strong, at a different price point ($1,100+ per square foot) entirely.  Regardless of a direct view of the Hancock Tower, the 24-unit boutique Albert A Pope Building that sits above the Mistral restaurant will remain one of the premier condo developments along the Back Bay and South End border.

You may have this question as well, as we have fielded multiple questions over the past several weeks as to what exactly the plywood siding on the soon-to-be luxury condo development, the Clarendon Back Bay, is all about.

If you haven’t noticed, things are moving quickly at the Clarendon, with construction crews pouring a floor approximately every four days, along with multiple dump trucks hauling excavated dirt from underneath the development for the parking garage. This speed is due in part to one of PERI Formwork Systems products, that is, the plywood casing around the building. PERI is the biggest provider and manufacturer of formwork and scaffolding systems in the world, and have participated in several projects in Boston, including the Regatta Riverview Residences in Cambridge.

The plywood formwork system that is climbing up the sides of the Clarendon serves multiple purposes. It provides safety for construction workers, while at the same time, increases their productivity (you feel more comfortable working at 20 stories off the ground if there is a plywood room surrounding you and preventing a fall). It also shields the property from the elements during its formative stages.

Given the pace at which the Clarendon is being constructed, the scheduled late 2009 completion date actually looks realistic, a change from other downtown Boston condo projects that have been bogged down by, sometimes multiple, construction delays, which push off completion and occupancy.

For more information about the Clarendon, please contact us using the link at the top of this page.

Much has been happening this week, the activity levels on multiple fronts (announcements, under agreement properties, website traffic, auctions, etc.) is truly starting to create a buzz around town. Here is some of the latest.

Auctions - yes, that’s plural, it looks like downtown Boston residents will see at least two auctions in the near future, both at the Modern South End and the Broadluxe. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available (i.e. auction dates, etc.). Update: see Modern South End Boston Condo Auction.

285 Columbus Lofts - construction is flying along, as well as under agreement units. Occupancy is currently being targeted for mid May (this would be the first on time or ahead of schedule development in quite some time) and they are approximately 60% sold out at 285 Columbus Lofts - congratulations to Pat Cutter and the rest of the team there, fabulous property.

Parking Spaces - we just included a new Back Bay parking space for sale on our Boston Parking Spaces page - $90K for an inside tandem spot is pushing the envelope.

Macallen Building Video - the green Macallen condo development in what we call, northern South Boston, is getting some serious exposure from the Sundance Channel in a new feature film on the “greening of Southie”. Kudos to Pappas Properties for establishing green building as the new benchmark in Boston condos.

The Clarendon Back Bay - the ultra luxury Clarendon Back Bay began to install a huge plywood enclosure system from PERI Formwork Systems on the development. Soon the entire property will be covered in plywood so construction can continue behind it. Rumor is that large Boston Condo Guy ads will be displayed on the exterior of the plywood.

1330 Boylston Now Leasing - The new Fenway development is now leasing for August 1st occupancy. Contact the leasing team at 617 267 1330 for more information (look at that, catchy phone number, eh?).

Boston Marathon - not Robert Cheruiyot, but, John Keith. Congratulations go out to John for knocking out the tough course in a strong 3:45:29 finishing time, and for raising thousands of dollars for Community Servings in the process.

Some definite water cooler tidbits from the Boston Condo Blog. For more details, or for assistance in buying or selling a downtown Boston condo, please contact us.

The all new under construction ultra luxury Clarendon Back Bay condo development released its first units to the Boston MLS today. We’ve been receiving many inquiries on pricing at this property, and have toured the sales center with several Buyers that we are providing Buyer representation to (see Boston Buyer Agent).

Included in the mix of units that hit the Boston MLS today are the following:

• 589 square foot studio on the 18th floor - $695,000 ($1,179 per square foot)
• 765 square foot 1 bedroom 1 bathroom on the 15th floor - $775,000 ($1,013 per square foot)
• 1,229 square foot 2 bedroom 2 bathroom on the 15th floor (1 deeded parking space) - $1,575,000 ($1,281 per square foot)
• 1,371 square foot 2 bedroom 2 bathroom on the 20th floor (1 deeded parking space) - $1,635,000 ($1,192 per square foot)
• 1,878 square foot 3 bedroom 3.5 bathroom on the 20th floor (1 deeded parking space) - $2,500,000 ($1,878 per square foot)
• 2,495 square foot 3 bedroom 3.5 bathroom on the 25th floor (2 deeded parking spaces) - $3,950,000 ($1,583 per square foot)

Luxury condos will start on the 15th floor of this 33 story tower across the street from the Hancock Tower. HOA fees have not yet been announced. The Clarendon sales team will host a Broker Open on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at their 14 Newbury Street showroom. This will give real estate agents a chance to see what this amazing property will have to offer - the only true high rise condo development in the Back Bay.

For more information about the Clarendon, including exclusive Buyer representation, please contact us.

With the Bryant on Columbus steaming towards completion several blocks away (see Bryant on Columbus Now a High Flyer), the Clarendon Back Bay was feeling left out. Not to worry, as construction at the Clarendon job site seems to be speeding forward, as evidenced by the exclusive construction photos below.

The Clarendon Back Bay is currently aiming for a late 2009 opening. The 33 story tower will leverage a unique construction method whereby crews will be building up at the same time crews dig the garage out below (a construction method called “top down”) - in essence, traveling twice as fast as what we have seen with other condo construction sites lately, where a significant amount of time is spent on the garage dig before the condo development can actually come out of the ground and head upwards.

For more information on the Clarendon Back Bay, including Buyer Agent representation, contact us here at the Boston Condo Blog, where we bring you exclusive news and content covering the Boston real estate market.

We received a warm welcome yesterday from the sales staff at the Clarendon Back Bay, the latest soon-to-be ultra luxury property to hit Boston. There’s no doubt that the bar has been raised in downtown Boston real estate, amidst the high and low rises, quality craftsmanship, luxurious amenities, and great locations, the Clarendon does not disappoint.

As you may already know, the Clarendon will be a for-sale condo and rental mix. Much like other developments having such a mix, the condos will be completely separate from the rentals (separate entrances, terraces, and amenities). Luxury runs deep through the Clarendon with an all valet garage, the Related’s (developer) idea of a dual concierge system, culture lounge and conference room, private clubroom, Equinox fitness center (Related acquired Equinox in 2006), private and common terrace, gourmet market with prepared foods, a high end bistro restaurant (Ken Himmel), and tasteful and clean architecture (Robert Stern). Perhaps the baseline of luxury that has already been established in Boston you might say? Let’s see how the Clarendon separates itself.

The Clarendon Back Bay will be the only high rise residential condo development in Back Bay, period. Condos start on the 15th floor of the development, producing some great views for the 11 units per floor, and starting on floor 19 up through 33 (deemed “The Tower”), the 5 units per floor, will again, enjoy commanding views. Being steps from Copley Place (Clarendon and Stuart), and a 2-4 minute walk into the South End, situates the building in an ideal location on the edge of the “city” and that neighborhood feel several short blocks away. And frankly, the combination of amenities that they are putting together is actually quite rare - you’ll be hard pressed to consistently find Boston condo developments cover the gamut of services and amenities that the Clarendon will pony up for its condo residents (save, a pool, and a viewing room).

Units span well laid out studios with sleeping alcoves, 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms, with talk of combining some floor plans to create mega units. White oak is throughout. A nice touch in all kitchens will be a sub zero wine cooler, while a Miele washer and dryer will be included in each unit, and garbage chute on each floor (convenience is splendid). Only two units in the entire development will come with private outdoor space, a coveted unit on the 19th floor, and another on the 29th floor. If your unit does not come with a parking space in the all valet garage, one can be rented for $400+ per month, or purchased at $150K each.

For those interested, please contact us to setup an appointment to visit the sales center, where you can touch and feel amenities (including a kitchen and bathroom buildout), and get a feel for different floor plans and their positioning within the building. Interest has been strong for the Clarendon thus far (even with its delivery date scheduled for late 2009 / 2010), and it’s obvious why, it will be a stellar addition to the city, raising the bar of Boston real estate even further.

The much anticipated Clarendon Back Bay condo development appears to have started its upward rise over the past several weeks as the below exclusive pictures and video demonstrate.

The top three photos were taken on February 16th, while the bottom two were taking on March 9th - you can see the start of a structure in the former, and the actual structure beginning in the latter. For exclusive Buyer Agency representation on the advance reservation of a unit at the Clarendon, please contact us.

The city has been a buzz with new developments, with living spaces being created, and/or renovated, making the excitement palpable as we enter the winter season, anticipating the completion, and commencement, of developments in 2008. But, is a “downgrade” coming?

Read the full story

Recent exclusive photos of the Clarendon Back Bay condo development construction site show significant progress in digging out the below grade components of the development. We are told pricing and floor plan information should be available in early 2008.