Boston Seaport's Pier 4

The Boston Redevelopment Authority recently gave the green light to New England Development’s plans to erect a new building comprised of residential and retail space on the Pier 4 wharf in Boston’s Seaport district. Plans for redeveloping the pier have been in the works for over thirteen years now, and originally the focus was on commercial space. As overall interest in office space in the area has gone down and South Boston apartments have been in high demand, the focus has shifted to a Phase One plan comprised of nearly 380 units plus three stories of parking for over 250 cars. The footprint of the building has been reduced to account for common space, and retail shops will find a home on the ground level. Architects ADD, Inc. penned the design.

Phase two will add a hotel in a second building, and phase three will bring a condominium building offering over 100 units. The entire development will house over 1200 parking spaces in total, and phase three will also include the extension of the existing Harbor Walk with the addition of a one acre park at the terminus. City planners welcomed the new ideas, with the plans for the space fitting nicely into Mayor Thomas Menino’s goal to make the now-vibrant Seaport neighborhood a true “24-hour neighborhood”.

New England Development projects construction time for phase one at 18 months. Phase two is being held until a hotel signs off on the project – given the desirable location and the popularity of South Boston real estate, the wait may not be too long. For now, those looking to relocate to the Seaport have myriad other options – contact Warren Residential Group today to learn more!

Atlantic Fish Co.
761 Boylston Street
617-267-4000

Known as a landmark for seafood in Boston, Atlantic Fish Co. has been open since 1978. It prints a new menu daily, which showcases the freshest and highest quality seafood that is available that day. Specialties include their New England clam chowder, Maine lobster pot pie and a swordfish chop. The restaurant, designed to mirror a cruising vessel and show appreciation to the sea, also has an outdoor patio for diners as well.

Neptune Oyster
63 Salem Street
617-742-3474

For an experience totally unique to Boston, Neptune Oyster is the seafood restaurant to try. This tiny restaurant is made up of an 18-seat raw oyster bar and 26-seat dining room. It features a variety of oysters and wines designed to go perfectly with this seafood delight. In addition, it features other items on the menu including swordfish, sturgeon and scallops. It is sure to delight the palate of any seafood lover who lives in a Boston loft.

B&G Oysters
550 Tremont Street
617-423-0550

B&G Oysters is another unique oyster bar in Boston with a uniquely neighborhood feel. The restaurant describes itself as a “modern yet classic take” on the oyster bar. It specializes in seafood dishes that are paired expertly with the best wines, giving its diners a well-rounded restaurant experience. B&G Oysters is located in the city’s South End, and features a cozy dining room as well as an outdoor patio that is open during the summer months. It has been praised in a variety of publications, including Boston Magazine, Food & Wine and The Boston Globe.

Grill 23 and Bar
161 Berkeley Street
617-542-2255

With more than 20 years in business, Grill 23 and Bar has become known for its fine dining and elegant restaurant. Known as one of the best steakhouse and seafood grills in Boston, it prides itself on the creative yet delicious presentation of seafood dishes. Signature dishes include the Shetland Island Salmon which combines a delicious cut of salmon with noodletown marinade, toy sim greens, shady oaks oyster mushrooms and a miso mustard. In addition, diners can delight in the freshest catch of the day with the Dayboat Catch. Beyond its excellent selection of seafood dishes, Grill 23 and Bar has a wine list that cannot be topped.

Union Oyster House
41 Union Street
617-723-7940

If you want to dine at a truly New England restaurant, the Union Oyster House is the perfect choice. Known as the oldest restaurant in America and designated as a National Historic Landmark, this restaurant offers guests a variety of oyster creations. Guests can dine on unique oyster stews and chowders, or just eat the oysters out of the half shell. If oyster’s aren’t your thing, the restaurant also highlights a variety of seafood dishes that include lobster, scallops and halibut. It’s an easy choice when it comes to famed Boston dining.

Whether you are already living in a Boston waterfront condo, or are just looking into Boston luxury real estate, you are sure to find plenty of delicious seafood restaurants in the Boston area. These are some of the best the city has to offer, you won’t go wrong if you dine at one of these Boston restaurants

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We often forget that there is tourism right here in our own town; and sometimes it’s fun to be a tourist at home! Below are four ideas for summer activities that do not require a vacation but do involve fun for the whole family:

Boston Museum of Science

With over 700 interactive, hands-on exhibits as well as a beautiful planetarium and OMNI MAX Theater (Better than IMAX) with shows running all day, the Museum of Science makes for many hours of educational fun.  While much of the museum is kid-centric, there is certainly plenty to keep adults entertained and engaged as well.  The museum is located on an easily accessible plot of land spanning the Charles River between Cambridge and Downtown Boston, and has plenty of parking.

Fenway Park Tour

Tour the historic ballpark with the whole family!  Learn about the history of Fenway Park, the Red Sox, and Boston in a behind the scenes tour of the stadium.  Make sure not to wear Yankees gear if you have any, because you’ll be the butt of every joke on the whole tour.  If you didn’t already know where it is, the park is located in the Fenway/Kenmore area.   Any Bostonian will happily give you directions.

High-Speed Catamaran Whale Watch

Hop aboard a fun and fast catamaran and get to the whales quickly.  It’s always nice to spend a day on the water, and adding family and whale-watching makes it even better.  The boats feature three decks so everyone on board gets the best view possible.  There is also a spacious, indoor, climate-controlled cabin with cushioned seats, tables, and available snacks and drinks.  Take the Blue Line “T” to the Aquarium stop.  Tickets for whale-watching are available at Long Wharf in Boston’s hip Seaport District.

The Franklin Park Zoo

Take the family to see some exotic animals up close.  The Franklin Park Zoo features the most intimate gorilla exhibit in the whole world where you can see the famous baby gorilla Kambiri!  Zoo guests also love the Lion exhibit and the recreated savannah with giraffes and zebras.  Located in Franklin Park next to Dorchester, the zoo is easy to get to by car or mass transit.

So enjoy your summer with the whole family!  Does your family need a bigger place or are you interested in buying or selling a home? Contact Warren Residential today!

But don’t let this news get you down.  Here are six rules of thumb that will help you maximize your return on your home improvement investment.

Rule #1: Biggest returns come from repairs

The smartest way to put your money to work is to put it into maintenance. People may appreciate awesome upgrades like infinity pools or top of the line appliances, but let’s be realistic; they want a solid home where everything works and doesn’t leak.

Try not covering up any of the problems either.  It will cost you more in the long run if they are discovered during a home inspection.  Too often, buyers will request the seller make the repairs, negotiate a much lower price, or pay out a compensation to have the work done.

Rule #2: Choose Remodeling over Add-ons

Large additions don’t pay off either. You’re much better off redesigning and reconfiguring the existing square footage you have with a floor plan that is functional, modern and more desirable at a reasonable expense rather than taking on the costly addition projects to your home.  You’d be surprised a wall removed from the kitchen to the dinning room, or living room, can really open up a home’s space.

Rule #3: Going green saves money

There are a few eco-friendly improvements that’ll pay for them selves way before you start selling your home. Have the home well insulated is a good start.  There’s also a tons of EnergyStar appliances out there on the market that’ll help reduce your energy consumption.

And did I mention tax breaks?!  The federal government offers credit of up to $1,500.  Who’d a thought, saving the environment can save money too.

Rule  #4: Technology infrastructure, not gadgets

Technology and gadgets can get expensive and are usually out dated quickly.  It’s not worth your time and money to invest into something that will be cheap and old by the time you’re ready to sell your home.

However, having an infrastructure that’s relevant to the information age that we live in with cabling and Ethernet ports installed throughout the house will go a long way and can be a low-cost upgrade.

Rule #5: Monkey See, Monkey Do

Now we all hate having to keep up with the Joneses, but keeping your home amenities in line with the rest of the neighborhood will be in your best interest.

You’ll want to pay attention to any trends that occur with the rest of the houses on the block.  Last thing you want is to be that one house that’s out-dated and an eye sore.  Also keep in mind modern architecture, neutral-design, and traditional fixtures that could reach the broadest group of people when you decide to sell.

Rule #6: The new payback time is five years

If you’re just purchasing a home, plan to stay for at least five years if you want to see a return on your investment. If not, don’t take on any big projects. It’s too risky to put all that money into a home and take the chance of it all being lost in a tough housing market.

Right now, Home improvements are a bargain.  According to Bernie Markstein, senior economist with the National Association of Home Builders, “Contractors are bidding 10 percent, 20 percent, even 40 percent lower for the same work just a year or two ago.”  So while the price is low, you will want to make your move

If you want help finding the perfect Boston Real Estate or Brookline Real Estate, please contact Warren Residential today. We would love to help you find your new home, and our knowledgeable agents are equipped with helping you sell your Boston home as well!

Sidewalk Café

If you’re in the mood for great food and even better coffee, stop by the Sidewalk Café at 764 E 4^th Street or call for delivery. With a large and very reasonably priced menu (entrees are under $10) that ranges from coffee and breakfast sandwiches to brick oven style pizza and pasta, residents in South Boston real estate will be able to find something to satisfy their every craving.

Flour Bakery & Café

Are sweets more your style? Look for the cute logo of an egg cracking in Flour Bakery, located at 1595 Washington Street. The bakery offers a great variety of desserts with lots of cookies, tarts, and cakes for those with a sweet tooth to choose from. In addition to their selection of delicacies, Flour Bakery offers a number of delicious sandwiches for those who are stopping by for lunch.

Teriyaki House

If Asian fare is your favorite, try Teriyaki House at 32 West Broadway. Offering high-quality Japanese and Chinese signature dishes in addition to fresh Sushi and the delicious and healthy Bubble Tea, step out of your South Boston apartment and head to the Teriyaki House whenever you’re in the mood for good value and excellent service.

Sportello

Founded by famous chef, Barbara Lynch, Sportello is an Italian interpretation of a classic diner that serves lunch, dinner, and brunch along with a bakery counter that offers pre-prepared meals for those on the go. Located at 348 Congress Street, Sportello is a little more expensive, with entrée prices ranging from $15-$25, but the extensive menu of trattoria-inspired Italian dishes and artisanal wine list make this Italian diner a must-try.

Barking Crab

If you’re a fan of seafood, try the Barking Crab at 88 Sleeper Street. Diners have the option of eating on the deck overlooking Boston Harbor or in the equally casual indoor dining room where live bands play daily. If you’re heading there for dinner, call ahead to make a reservation; it can get pretty crowded!

Salsa’s Mexican Grill

Can’t get enough of authentic Mexican cuisine? Salsa’s Mexican Grill offers great food from Chile en Nogada (fresh peppers stuffed with ground beef, almonds, raisings, apples and honey, and topped with a creamy walnut salsa) and Albondigas (Mexican-style meatloaf of ground beef, ham and garlic, topped with orange-chipotle salsa) to simple quesadillas and enchiladas all at totally reasonable prices. Next time you’re sitting in your South Boston condo, thinking about how you have nothing for dinner, head over to 118 Dorchester Street to try this Mexican grill.

Lucky’s Lounge

Head over to 355 Congress Street if you’re in the mood for upscale pub fare and an extensive beer and cocktail list. With a sizzling, Sinatra-flavored subterranean lounge that features live bands, Lucky’s Lounge is a favorite hot spot among South Boston real estate locals. Whether you’re stopping in for after work drinks, an epic night on the town, or Sunday brunch, Lucky’s is friendly, laid back, and fun!

Salvatore’s

With good food, reasonable prices, great service, and a friendly staff, if you’re in the mood for pizza or Italian food, check out Salvatore’s at 225 Northern Avenue.  The pizza is amazingly garlicky with a fresh, pillowy crust, and there are lots of great additional entrées to choose from, which range from $15 to $25. Salvatore’s also offers takeout for those who want to pick up food then head back to their South Boston apartment.

No Name Restaurant

No Name Restaurant at 15 Fish Pier Street West offers hearty seafood with a minimalist approach, all at the reasonable and affordable price of under $10 per entrée.  A great, no-fuss seafood restaurant, this Seaport District eatery offers little by way of décor and ambiance, with only simple harbor views distracting diners from their lobsters and chowder.

L Street Diner & Pizzeria

Stop by 108 L Street if you’re in the mood for fabulous breakfast, pizza, and diner food. The portions are huge and the prices are low, and the though the place isn’t anything fancy, the service is great and the staff is friendly, making it a perfect option for a low key night out.

If you’re in the market for South Boston real estate or want to find the perfect South Boston condo, please contact Warren Residential today. Don’t forget to try out one, or all!, of these top restaurants while you’re in the neighborhood!

FP3 Studio Loft

The View from an FP3 Loft Balcony

Exterior of FP3

The FP3 Boston luxury lofts are only a five minute walk to Boston’s South Station, allowing for easy access to the entire city and beyond with the Red Line and Commuter Rail (as well as private  bus companies.)  Whether you are looking for a luxury loft studio or a 3 bedroom condo – the FP3 lofts are an amazing project worth looking into.  To learn more about available units or schedule a rental or sale showing, view the listing or contact a Warren Residential Group agent.

Park Lane Seaport offers easy, convenient access to all of the area’s major highways and is adjacent to the Silver Line and the Water Shuttle.  There are many first class amenities at Park Lane Seaport. You will enjoy a workout in the 24 hour state-of-the-art sports club highlighting 4,000 square feet of cardio and free weights. The Park Lane Lounge features a 50 inch plasma television, an enormous kitchen complete with appliances and entertaining kitchen with island and bar.
Enjoy the gorgeous views of the bustling harbor on one of our two rooftop terraces! You will love the relaxing feel of being on the terrace watching the boats, concerts at the bank of America Pavilion, or romantic sunsets.
For more details (and images!) on this gorgeous unit, click here.

Make sure to contact us today, for more information on this listing or others
.

FP3 2 Bedroom Penthouse

$3600 (was rented for over $4000 last year!)

• 1100 sq. ft.
• 300 sq. ft. Private Terrace
• Granite and Stainless Steel Kitchen
• Flat Screen TVs Included
• Gas Lynx Grill on Terrace
• 2 Full Bathrooms
• Walk-In Closet

FP3 1 Bedroom Penthouse

$3000

• 1.5 Bathrooms
• 816 sq. ft.
• 300 sq. ft. Terrace
• Flat Screen TV
• Lynx Gas Grill on Terrace
• Great Closet Space

Puma City is a retail/event space setup in Boston’s Seaport neighborhood from mid-April to mid-May.  The 11,000 square foot structure is made from 24 steel cargo shipping containers each of which weigh 11-tons!  The structure was built in China and shipped via cargo ship to Boston in time for the Puma Racing team to make their only North American stop in Boston.

You should really head down there and check out what is going on.  The structure is incredible and they have a great Puma retail store along with a bar/entertainment space with lots of events going on throughout the remaining days.  WFNX is broadcasting live from Puma City during their stay here so make sure to stop by and try to get on the radio!

While in the Seaport you should take a look around and check out all the exciting Boston loft and luxury condo developments going on.  Here is a list of some of the best buildings in Boston’s Seaport:

FP3 Luxury Loft and Condos

25-35 Channel Center Luxury Lofts

Fort Point Place Lofts – 21 Wormwood

Sleeper Street Lofts

We are proud to announce a new exclusive Boston Loft listing in the Seaport District at 35 Channel Center.  This gorgeous luxury Boston loft features a dramatic entry way with gorgeous exposed brick and beam construction which warm the loft and make it extremely inviting.

The kitchen of this 35 Channel Center loft features granite counter tops, GE Profile appliances, and a custom built-in island with seating.  Maple hardwood floors can be found throughout the loft and help reflect all the natural light from the large windows.  From these windows you get a fantastic Boston skyline view.

The master suite features beautiful French doors and a large California walk-in closet provide ample storage for all of your clothes.  There is a full bathroom off of the master bedroom as well.

A study/2nd bedroom is found in this loft making it perfect for someone who wants to work from home and keep it their office out of their livingroom.  The loft has central A/C and heat as well as an in-unit washer/dryer.

Features and Amenities of #404 at Channel Center:

• 1010 sq. ft.
• Exposed Brick and Beams
• Granite and Stainless Steel Appliances
• Skyline Views
• Elevator
• California Closet
• 1+ Bedrooms
• Washer/Dryer
• Central A/C

For more information on unit 404 at 35 Channel Center, please email us at sales@warrenre.com or call at 617-848-9616 ext. 1