News
WOW
April 26, 2010
| The new W Boston condos are helping to stir the once slumbering downtown luxury market. While the ?W? means everything?s possible ?Whatever/Whenever,? the 28-story complex wants to be known for its wow factor. |
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| We snapped Otis & Ahearn?s Barbara Mihalko and Lara Rosnburgh sprucing up one of 123 condos priced from $400k to $4M. This year, they've sold about 3 units/month vs. 2/month before construction was completed in December. In total, 32 have closed or are under agreement, approx. $37M of activity, says O&A's Kevin Ahearn. He says seven in-building models slated to open in May should further motivate buyers. With Q1 sales in Boston's upscale downtown condo market up 60%, Kevin thinks W will stand out. He says the tower developed by Sawyer Enterprises is distinguished by the sleek architecture of William Rawn, 360 degree views from the Charles to the South Shore, and the Market restaurant. Plus its glass curtain wall faade and amenities from adjoining hotel to in-residence chef and pet grooming. |
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| Market?s Marcus Palmer greets guests interested in the spring menu that previewed last week at one of Jean-Georges Vongerichten?s latest eateries. The Michelin-rated chef, who opened his first restaurant just blocks away at the Lafayette Swisshotel years ago, now owns 28 venues from Dubai to Paris and NYC where his Jean-Georges won a four star rating from the NYT. With most ingredients coming from local farmers and fishermen, Marcus recommends the salmon with truffle vinaigrette and suggests planning ahead. ?We're booked 3 to 4 weeks in advance.? |
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| If $300/night sounds good, W?s Bill Bunce will find you a place in the 235-room hotel located in the Theater District, which this and other developments have helped transform from derelict to vibrant in recent years. We snapped Bill in the pre-function area with Rapunzel by Jennifer Steinkemp hanging over the stairwell. Lobby lighting and sounds change three times a day and another change coming will be Bliss Spa and Descent, a lounge with DJ booth. Bill says so far this year, hotel occupancy has been running about 68% a night. |
