Commercial Real Estate News
Site Sought for Modular Answer to Missing Middle Shortage
The leader of a Boston-based nonprofit envisions modular-built projects as a potential solution to the missing middle housing shortage, but there’s a catch: it will require a local landowner to provide a half-acre site at low cost to make the numbers work.
MBTA Communities Act Spurs 520-Unit Red Line Project
The next suburban office to residential redevelopment could create 520 housing units near North Quincy station on the MBTA Red Line.
Your New Condos Aren’t ‘Luxury.’ Calling Them That Causes Bigger Problems
If every new development is advertised as “luxury housing,” is it any wonder many people believe that new development is only catering to the wealthy?
Flood Defense Options Ready for Close-Up
The federal government’s long-awaited plan to protect Boston from rising seas may leave some landmark waterfront properties at the mercy of the ocean.
Focusing on Income Inequality Misses the Forest for the Trees
It’s a cost-of-everything crisis, and it has put large swaths of the middle class under financial siege, especially here in Massachusetts.
Connections Open Doors to Development Deals
A troubled renovation project prompted Josué Velney to learn construction management skills. But it was making connections with major industry players that sent his development career into a higher gear.
Hot Property: La CASA
The South End commemorated the grand opening of a community development group’s new offices and cultural hub with a weekend of live performances and an open house last month.
Trustee Says Developer Hid Assets in Bankruptcy Case
Developer Charles “Chip” Norton concealed assets and transferred millions of dollars to family members over a 2-year period, a trustee advising the U.S. Bankruptcy Court stated in a court filing.
Housing Developers Sought for Hurley-Lindemann Complex
Redevelopment of the state-owned Hurley-Lindemann complex in Boston’s West End was envisioned as a new, billion-dollar life science cluster before economic headwinds throttled down demand for lab space. Now, the Healey administration is relaunching its efforts to find a private developer for the 6.5 acre property, with a goal of creating “hundreds of housing units” including a potential office-to-residential conversion.
Newton Centre Retail Block Hits Market
A mixed-use portfolio in Newton Centre is hitting the market for the first time in decades, offering an opportunity to acquire nearly 190,000 square feet of retail and office space in the heart of the busy village center.
Downtown Office Trades for 71 Percent Discount
The 12-story office building at 18 Tremont St. was acquired by Boston-based Kendall Capital. Newburyport-based Institution for Savings provided the loan.
Eastern Bank Finances $39M Bridge Loan For Worcester Senior Housing
Eastern Bank is financing a $39 million bridge loan for a recently constructed Worcester multifamily development.
Wellesley Sues to Block Housing on MassBay Parking Lot
Wellesley officials filed a lawsuit in Norfolk Superior Court seeking to block the sale of a MassBay Community College parking lot for a 180-unit housing development.
Leading Indicators Point to Leasing Surge
An uptick in VC funding is building anticipation for Greater Boston’s tough-tech and beaten-down life science markets, JLL research says.
Research: Starter Homes Ballot Question Would Unlock Hundreds of Houses Per Year
New research from Tufts University found that a proposed ballot question would have “a real but limited impact” on Massachusetts’ housing problems.
Robot-Built Housing Proposed for Long-Vacant Roxbury Parcel
Developers are partnering with modular housing specialist Reframe Systems on plans to develop 24 condominiums at a Roxbury site previously envisioned for commercial space.
Developers Sue, Saying Eastern Bank Disclosed Personal Financial Info
City Realty’s co-founders claim Eastern Bank posted their personal financial information to a loan-sales portal without their permission.
Is BERDO a Bellwether of the Boston Office Market?
New brokerage research uses a non-traditional yardstick to track office usage in Boston: power and water consumption disclosures under a city ordinance designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Can Modular Have a Moment in Mass.?
After decades of optimistic talk that modular construction will be a piece of the puzzle addressing the housing crisis, tangible examples are starting to fit together.
Rent Control ‘Deal’ Is Just a Negotiated Surrender
The much-touted agreement between rent control advocates and a handful of developers is no compromise. And it will do nothing to lower housing costs.
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