Top 5 Luxury Buildings in Greater Boston You Haven’t Heard Of

The city of Boston has seen explosive growth over the last decade. Being a hub for the: finance, high-tech, insurance, bio-tech and higher education has positioned Boston as one of the major epicenters for the US economy in the North East. The increasing demand for high-level talent, combined with the expanding population of college students and graduates, has led to a rapidly growing need for housing. Boston has become one of the most competitive housing markets in the county, with new buildings popping up everywhere to try to meet the ever-growing demand.

Areas like the Seaport District, Fenway and the South End have seen the most impressive changes in their landscape over their last few years; therefore, they also receive most of the publicity and exposure when it comes to new developments. Furthermore, when it comes to luxury buildings, there are so many options available throughout Boston that it can be difficult for a potential tenant to break through the clutter and narrow down to the best choice. For this reason, we have endeavored to find some hidden – and not so hidden – gems, great luxury buildings in and around Boston that you might have not heard of yet.

Overlook at St. Gabriel’s (Brighton)

Located in Brighton, this is a unique property that combines artfully repurposed historical buildings with modern design and ample open spaces into an amazing hilltop community. This incredible property overlooking Brighton allows its residents to take advantage of the best Boston has to offer. Minutes away from Fenway Park and down the street from the MBTA Green Line, Overlook is centrally located near Boston University, Boston College and Harvard University in Cambridge. Its Brighton Center location places this property only steps away from many eateries, bars and shops, yet the layout and design of the property makes it feel secluded and exclusive.

The beautifully transformed St. Gabriel’s church is at the heart of this property, along with its repurposed historic monastery, and both complemented by modern buildings to form an apartment community that is far from ordinary. Overlook at St. Gabriel’s offers luxury apartments ranging from studios to 4-bedrooms, surrounded by landscaped gardens and beautifully appointed community areas. Some of the unique architectural details of the apartments at this property include soaring vaulted ceilings, terrazzo floors, and stained glass. These details combine beautifully with the luxury features such as quartz countertops, designer cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, kitchen islands, barn doors, walk-in closets, and dual vanities.

Modern technology has also been embedded into this historic property with the use of energy-efficient washer/dryers, LED lighting, garage parking with electric charging stations, and high-speed Internet access included for residents. The amenities of this apartment community are beyond what you would expect – even in a luxury community, such as a resort style pool with sundeck; a fully equipped fitness center featuring Peloton bikes; storage lockers; a sky lounge with views of Downtown Boston; a guest suite; and, a 12,000 sq.ft. amenities floor with vintage arcade games, a TV wall and private conference rooms.

Being a pet-friendly property, The Overlook at St. Gabriel’s allows resident pet parents to take advantage of a pet run and two pet washing stations. This apartment community is designed with commuting professionals in mind, with plentiful garage parking, easy nearby access to major highways and thoroughfares, bike storage, a Bluebike station, and complementary community shuttle service.

Market Central (Cambridge)

Market Central is a new residential community located in the heart of the Central Square section of Cambridge, anchored on Mass. Avenue and Columbia Street. It is comprised of three distinct buildings, and connected by an outdoor covered pedestrian walkway and marketplace. Steps away from the Central Square MBTA station, Market Central is in the heart of Cambridge, and within a short distance from Kendall Square, MIT, Harvard Square and across the bridge from Boston’s Back Bay. A multitude of shops, restaurants, bars and coffee houses abound in the area, making it a destination for shopping, dining, and entertaining.

The largest of the three buildings in Market Central is the Watermark. Facing Mass. Avenue, the Watermark represents the edge of contemporary luxury loft living. Life at the Watermark is enhanced by the use of state-of-the-art technology, such as the Market Central app, Butterfly MX video intercom, smartphone enabled keyless entry, and high-speed internet. The Watermark is built to meet the Gold LEED standards, and all the units are equipped to support an eco-friendly lifestyle, with high efficiency water fixtures and ventilation systems, Nest thermostats, and LED lighting. Coming in 2020, the Watermark offers luxury studios to 3-bedroom units. Some of the amenities in the Watermark include a community kitchen, a state-of-the-art lounge space, a roof terrace with grilling spaces, lobby with co-working stations, a fitness room, 24-hour concierge, electric vehicle charging stations, bike parking, car share program, and complimentary Bluebike annual membership.

Link, the second largest building in Market Central, is currently open and it is designed for those residents who want to live a connected community lifestyle. Life at link is enhanced by a multitude of community spaces and amenities. Curated social areas have been built into Link’s living concept, with spaces such as the community kitchen, a lounge, a smart laundry and game room, a roof terrace with grills, a bike room with tuning station, and a lobby with co-working spaces. Link is also built to meet Gold LEED standards, using high efficiency water fixtures and Energy Star appliances. Laundry services and a concierge program are available. Link offers units ranging from studios to 3-bedroom luxury units featuring high ceilings, quartz countertops, Butterfly MX video intercom, and smartphone enabled keyless entry.

Union House, the third and smallest of the Market Central buildings, is currently available. Union House is designed for those seeking a boutique lifestyle in a fantastic neighborhood setting. Only a block away from Mass. Avenue, and designed to feel as more of a retreat from the hustle and bustle of Central Square, Union House offers modern and stylish luxury apartments in a relaxed urban setting. Some of the distinctive amenities of this building include a hidden landscaped patio, a grilling station, bike storage, a care share program, an available concierge package, and free Bluebike annual membership. The apartments at the Union House range from studios to 3-bedroom units, featuring patios in select homes, high ceilings, quartz countertops, oversized windows, Butterfly MX video intercoms, Nest thermostats, in-home washer/dryers, and Energy Star appliances. High speed internet, smartphone enabled keyless entry and electric vehicle charging stations are other technological features of the apartments at Union House.

The Pearl (Chelsea)

The Pearl is a boutique luxury building located in the heart of the up and coming neighborhood of Chelsea. The Pearl is just a few blocks away from the Tobin Bridge, one of the main gateways to Boston, and a ten-minute drive or less to Logan Airport, Downtown Boston, the TD Garden, and Faneuil Hall. The Pearl is also within a ten-minute drive of the Encore Harbor Casino, the first and only casino in the Boston area. Chelsea is becoming a destination in its own right, with its own assortment of restaurants, bars, breweries and shopping.

Because of its convenient location and favorable pricing relative to other areas in the Greater Boston, Chelsea is in the midst of a real estate surge, making it one of the most exciting places to live around Boston. The Pearl is a commuter’s dream because it’s in close proximity to major thoroughfares such as the Mass Pike, Route 1, Route 16 and I-93; along with access to the MBTA Silver and Orange lines, as well as the Commuter rail. The Pearl consists of only 18 high-end apartment units, newly built with pristine finishes, modern layouts and convenient amenities. The spacious floorplans available range from studios to one-bedroom plus apartments, with high end details such as quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Amenities at the Pearl include garage parking, bike storage, professional management, online resident portal, and state-of-the-art mailboxes. The Pearl is a pet-friendly building, subject to additional fees and breed restrictions.

Nema (Seaport District)

The booming Seaport District of Boston has no shortage of luxury buildings, but what sets Nema apart is the combined use of technology and design to create the ultimate level of comfort for its residents. Nema boasts itself as Boston’s smartest residence thanks to the use of state-of-the-art technology such as blazing fast internet, Lutron lighting systems, eco-friendly thermostats, compatibility with all major virtual assistants, smart elevators, keyless entry, and the Nema mobile app to make payments, contact maintenance, etc. Nema has also taken these considerations into designing the amenities of the building, with features such as a “Creators Suite” space featuring 3D printers and design stations, smart conference rooms, fully integrated audio-visual systems throughout the amenities, a media lounge outfitted with VR headsets and console, Bluetooth connectivity, Peloton workout streaming in the state-of-the-art fitness center, and even a Charley robot butler. The architecture and design of the building both draw inspiration from the local Boston scene and history, starting with the nautical inspired shape of the building, to the vinyl record wall installation in the lobby that pays homage to a legendary local music club. The building’s Skyline heated pool is located on the top floor of the building and offers stunning views of the city, and an indoor garden offers a respite from the surrounding urban bustle. Nema living is synonymous with personalized service within a community that fosters an active lifestyle, featuring 24-hour concierge and maintenance services, spa and wellness services, laundry and dry-cleaning pickup, guest suites, and a year-round social calendar of events for residents.

Furthermore, Nema’s Congress Street location in the Seaport District – the most dynamic new neighborhood in Boston – puts it steps away from many restaurants, shopping and entertainment options, as well down the street from the MBTA South Station, Downtown Boston, and a short ride away from the North End, the TD Garden, and Chinatown. Nema offers smart residences ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, all appointed with high-end finishes and comfort-centric technology. Luxury features of the apartment units include details such as floor to ceiling windows, wide wood plank flooring, customizable closets, blackout and thermal shades, kitchen islands, wine fridges, Ceasarstone kitchen countertops, Bosch and Blomberg kitchen appliances, soft-close cabinetry, full-size washer and dryers, polished chrome bath fixtures, oversized illuminated bathroom mirrors, dual vanities, and overall impeccable design.

The Calvin (Brookline)

The Calvin is a boutique luxury building located in Coolidge Corner, right in the heart of Brookline. Coolidge Corner is one of the most fantastic sections of Brookline, with many restaurants, as well as many bars, shops and entertainment. Nearby stores a short distance to include Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, CVS, TJ Maxx, Petco, Urban Outfitters, and the Paper Source. Its Coolidge Corner location also places the Calvin just moments away from the MBTA Green line, and close to major thoroughfares such as the Mass Pike, Storrow Drive, Commonwealth Avenue and Beacon Street, along with a bike storage room and available garage parking, making it a commuter’s dream – right next to the city, but not in the middle of the hustle and bustle. It is also conveniently close to the Fenway Park area, the Longwood medical area, as well as Harvard University, Boston University and Boston College.

The amenities at the Calving have been carefully thought out and harmoniously designed to maximize the common spaces, featuring a beautifully landscaped courtyard, as well as a lounge room for social gatherings, and a Tatte bakery and cafe location in the building’s commercial space. The Calving consists of 28 luxury apartments, with floor plans ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, including two exquisite penthouses. All apartments feature luxury finishes and high-end details such as quartz countertops, high-end stainless steel appliances, large oversized windows, an app-based video intercom system, and in-unit washer/dryers.