Archstone Boston Common has been open for a little over a year now and is rapidly approaching full occupancy. With the building located in between the Financial District, Theatre District, and Chinatown everything you could want or need are steps from your front door. In addition to its ideal location if you are looking for the city living experience and work out of the city, Archstone Boston Common is blocks away from both route 93 and I-90 Mass Pike. From the moment you pull up to the entrance at Archstone Boston Common you become aware of the luxury services the building provides. With a doorman welcoming your arrival you enter into a warm lobby that has gas fireplaces and the front desk that offers 24 hours a day concierge. The on call concierge offers everything from arranging your dry cleaning and accepting packages to calling you a taxi.

Archstone Boston Common has many amenities and features that are immediately brought to your attention before you even view an apartment. With access to the twenty five meter swimming pool, state of the art fitness center, internet lounge (that offers free Starbucks coffee), and large business/entertainment center that is equipped with a full kitchen that are all open 24 hours a day, the amenities are second to none for a Boston luxury high rise apartment building.

Once you have taken in the services that make Archstone Boston Common a true luxury building it is time to view the apartments. Archstone offers beautiful studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bed/ 2 baths, and 3 bedrooms/ 2 baths apartments with the additional option of a spacious private balcony. Each unit features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, gorgeous hardwood floors, walk in closets, walk in showers, and in unit washer/dryer. Once you have decided on the number of bedrooms you want you can than choose from the many different floor plans that are available. In addition to various choices in floor plans Archstone Boston Common offers a variety of stunning views of the City, Boston Harbor, or the Charles River. The corner units are my personal favorite. The corner units give views to the Charles River and the City or of the City and Boston Harbor, no matter which corner unit you choose you know you will have plenty of sunshine (floor to ceiling windows) and spectacular views.

Overall, if you are looking for a combination of great amenities, luxury services, gorgeous apartments, city living experience, and convenience to major highways, Archstone Boston Common is the place for you.

Archstone Boston Common Luxury Boston Apartment Rental Pricing:

Studios start at $2,445

One bedroom start at $2,640

Two bedroom/two bathrooms start at $3,625

Three bedrooms/two bathrooms start at $5,640

Click here for more information or to set up a showing at Archston Boston Common

With the Unanimous vote by the Boston Zoning Commission no more then 4 unrelated students will be able to live together.  In the weeks leading up to today’s hearing students and landlords voiced concern of their rights being violated to no avail.  The measure to limit the number of students who can live together was in an effort to keep living in certain neighborhoods affordable.

8:15 am: Around 8am this morning a four alarm fire broke out on the 4^th floor of Boston’s new posh Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

8:30 am: The cause of the fire at the Mandarin Oriental Boston is still unknown.

8:45 am: Construstion crews were working at the time of the blaze, no injuries reported at this time

9:00 am: Firefighters have the Mandarin Orienttal fire under control at this time.

Mandarin Oriental Boston

Cambridge Ma 

This year’s 10 best and 10 worst walking cities in the United States, according to the Prevention/APMA study: 

10 best U.S. walking cities of 2008
1. Cambridge
2. New York, N.Y.
3. Ann Arbor, Mich.
4. Chicago, Ill.
5. Washington, D.C.
6. San Francisco
7. Honolulu
8. Trenton, N.J.
9. Boston
10. Cincinnati

10 worst U.S. walking cities of 2008
1. Oklahoma City, Okla.
2. North Las Vegas, Nev.
3. Gadsden, Ala.
4. Davenport, Iowa
5. Mount Pleasant, S.C.
6. Enid, Okla.
7. Laredo, Texas
8. Springdale, Ark.
9. Clarksville, Tenn.
10. Lafayette, La.

 Rentals at Parris Landing

Recently renovated Parris Landing located in Boston’s historic Navy Yard is a full service condo development that offers renters a pet friendly community with great amenities, access to public transportation and Views for a fraction of the cost of other Boston Ma full service Apartment buildings.  Parris Landing has an impressive 2,800 sqft fitness center complete with cardio equipment, circuit weight system, free weights and a yoga/pilates room.  If that is not enough to entice you Parris Landing also offers a community room with pool table and 50 in flat screen, a Beautifully landscaped courtyard with an outdoor pool and bbq area, Business center complete with free internet, computers, printers, faxes and conference room all available to residents at no additional cost!  Amenities are not all Parris Landing has to offer units are luxurious with a variety of floor plans and also include parking. 

Parris Landing Apartment Rental pricing:

Studio start at $1,600

One Bedrooms start at $2,000

Two Bedrooms start at $2,500

Two Bedrooms + study start at $3,000

Click here for more information about Parris Landing Apartments for Rent

Tobin Bridge View from Parris Landing

Parris Landing Bedroom with City Views

Parris Landing Family Room

Buisness Center at Parris Landing

Parris Landing Billard Room

3,300 Sqft Parris Landing Fitness Center

Parris Landing Pool with Cabbanas

2nd Floor Hallway of Parris Landing 

Main Hallway of Parris Landing

Parris Landing Rentals

Brighton 5 Bedroom Apartment 

Stunning new construction 5 bedroom house in Brighton for rent!! This brand new single family home has just been completed and is available for an immediate move-in or 9/1/2008.  This Brighton 5 bedroom home is spaciously spread out over 3 levels including the finished basement.  The house offers one large master bedroom and four other equal size bedrooms.  Also includes 2 1/2 bathrooms with one on each level of the house..  Large kitchen is fully equipped and features granite countertops and kitchen island that opens up to the sun drenched living room. Also located off the kitchen is separate dining room.   Sliding glass doors in the kitchen open to a large deck which is perfect for entertaining.  House features numerous ceiling fans, central air, and in house washer and dryer.  In addition property features large driveway that accommodates 5 cars.  Do not hesitate to call for more information on this beautiful Brighton single family home. 

Click here for more information on the 5 Bedroom in Brighton

Entrance of Brighton 5 Bedroom

Brighton 5 Bedroom Porch

weRENTboston Team Members on a hard hat tour of West End Villas
From Left to Right: Kelly Taylor, Alison Preston, Andy Heley
Edward Murphy, Brian Kitchens, Meryl Tetrault, Stephen Libuda

weRENTboston visited the West End Villas at Charles River Park today for an exclusive hard hat tour.   Charles River Park is an Equity Residential project located in Boston’s West End, between Beacon Hill and the North End.  The development is next to Mass General making it a popular residence among hospital employees. The latest building released by Equity at their Charles River Park location looks to be on par with their other properties. Last year, with tremendous success, Equity rolled out Vesta, a 14 story high rise with unmatched views of the Charles River and Boston’s city skyline.  Vesta rented at a blistering pace with record setting rents for Charles River Park.  We expect the Villas to do the same.  The West End Villas will offer one and two bedroom apartments with optional parking.  With official pricing yet to be released, our sources tell us that tenants can expect to pay $2,700+ for one bedrooms and $3,200+ for 2 bedrooms.

Equity Residential is rumored to be paying the broker free so contact a member of the weRENTboston team and have them show you the West End Villas at no charge to get you the best deal.

West End Villas Kitchen

West End Villas Bathroom

 
West End Villas Desk

weRENTboston’s Andy Heley on the Hard Hat Tour 

Archstone is close to rolling out yet another breathtaking apartment building, a 400+ unit luxury high rise dubbed Archstone North Point, located in Cambridge.  The leasing office is scheduled to open in mid Febuary, with the first occupancies starting in March.  weRENTboston was given an exclusive hard hat tour and is very excited about what we were shown.  The views are second to none and the amenities are not far behind.  There isn’t a bad thing to say about the property. 

Archstone North Point Comunity Features:

- 24 Hour Concierge
- Resort Style Indoor Heated Pool
- 24 Hour Sports Club
- Cardio Theatre Equipment
- Massage Room
- Sports Lounge
- Click! Cafe Internet Lounge
- Children’s Resource Center
- Dry Cleaning Valet Service
- Parking
- Apartments with Boston Skyline and Charles River Views
- Walking Distance to the T

 
Indoor Heated Pool at Archstone North Point

 Archstone North Point Unit Features:

- Spacious Floor Plans
- Carpet
- Hardwood Floors
- Spacious Closets
- Central heat
- Central Air Conditioning
- Tile Floors in Kitchen
- Breakfast Bar
- Stainless Steel Appliance Package
- Dishwasher
- Ice Maker
- Stainless Steel Sinks
- Disposal
- Caesar Stone Countertops
- Custom Bamboo Cabinetry
- Tile Floor in Bathrooms
- Cable Ready
- High-Speed Internet Access
- Washer and Dryer in Unit
- Fireplace (select units)
- Terrace (select units)

We have heard rumors that Archstone North Point will offer a free months rent and will also be paying broker fees when they first open the building.  We had the chance to take some pictues during our tour. Check them out and let us know what you think. 

Exterior of the Building 

 Two Sided Fireplace in Lobby 

Concierge Desk and Lobby 

Lobby

Fitness Center

Movie Theater

Internet Lounge

Kitchen

Thanks to State Rep. Tom O’Brien and his bill granting tax breaks to those who film in Massachusetts, our local economy has a bright spot in these dark economic times.  Many questioned him, and rightfully so, however he showed great foresight with this bill.  Hollywood has responded to the tax break better than anyone could have expected.  They gave us a little taste of what the future held last summer as we were able to witness a few major productions being filmed on the streets of Boston.  Who would have imagined that Plymouth Rock, a 1,260,000 square foot, 282 million dollar, full fledge movie studio would be about to break ground in Massachusetts… 

Matt Damon, Mayor Menino and Martin Scorsese on the set of The Departed”
Photo Complements of cityofboston.gov

No longer are the only A list celebrities in Boston the girls following Patriots quarterback Tom Brady around.  Daily we see new celebrities walking the historic streets of Boston spending money and supporting our local economy.  Don’t forget for every A lister we see, there are many other members of the production out there that none of us would be able to pick out of a crowd. 

 
Mayor Menino, Tim Robbins, Lawrence Fishburne, Kevin Bacon and Clint Eastwood
on the set of “Mystic River” Photo Complements of cityofboston.gov

When Hollywood travels to Boston to film, they bring an extensive crew with them.  The entourage consists of workers like set builders all the way up to celebrity icons and movie executives, many of whom decide against living in one of Downtown’s high end hotels.  Many of these people have sought out short term furnished apartments in Boston.  They are not looking for a corporate feeling.  With budgets in excess of $30,000/mo for the A listers, we are seeing some of the highest residential rents in Boston’s history.  However the major impact on Boston’s rental market is being affected by the people in the 2nd and 3rd tiers of the Hollywood movement.  They are the ones scooping up the $5,000/mo rentals, leaving little to no inventory.  The short term rental market in Boston has historically been fluctuative.  With back to back to back movies being filmed in Boston, a new stability has been established, placing units in high demand with record price tags.