The Ritz Carlton, The InterContinental, The Mandarin Oriental, Atelier 505, The Four Seasons, Le Jardin.  These buildings all come to mind when you think of luxury condos in Boston.  But what are really the top 3 buildings for Boston’s luxury buyer?

Here are my top 3:

1. Ritz Carlton Towers – With views to die for and still hints of that new construction smell, the Ritz Carlton has become the most heavily requested building in the city for the luxury buyer.  With many different floor plans and views to choose from there is something here for everyone.  Most units come with a Valet parking space and you have access to all of the world famous Ritz Carlton hotel services such as the concierge, room service, maid service, etc.
2. One Charles – After Millenium Partners success at the Ritz Carlton, they followed up with another home run of a property called One Charles.  The One Charles condominiums were completed in late 2005 and featured many of the finishes that people love at the Ritz Carlton.  With a fantastic concierge and staff, One Charles has quickly become a favorite with the luxury buyer.  One of the major perks you get with One Charles compared to the Ritz is a Back Bay zip code.  You also get an onsite gym, sauna, boardroom, library, and daily morning coffee and tea.  From the North Tower you also get some of the nicest views of Boston Common that are available.  Direct access parking also comes with many of the units.
3. The Heritage on the Garden – I had a lot of trouble deciding on what building to choose for #3.  I decided to go with a classic, Mr. Druker’s Heritage on the Garden.  This building is still very highly sought after even after being around for two decades!  What sells this building is location.  You do get concierge and some very nice common areas but to be this close to Back Bay proper and have quick access to shopping and entertainment is what makes this building so spectacular.  The views of the public garden from the Heritages large windows make the price per square foot skyrocket in some of the units.

Now I know many people will have different opinions about this list.  My main criteria was feedback from my buyers.  You may like a loft building like 360 Newbury, Wilkes Passage, or Laconia Lofts.  Or you might like a boutique building like The Pope above Mistral, Le Jardin with it’s incredible floor through homes, or the Belvedere at the Prudential Center.  These are all incredible buildings and I’m interested in what your favorites are.  Please feel free to leave your comments!

I just completed the first rental deal in the new Cambridge luxury high-rise rental building and it is truly an exciting and beautiful building.  There is nothing in Cambridge that compares to this building and not much in downtown Boston either. 

The building soars over 20 stories and has beautiful views of downtown Boston and Cambridge.  Most units feature floor-to-ceiling windows which flood the units with light.

The buildings amenities are really what make this rental building special.  As you walk into the 3 story high lobby you are greeted by the 24/7 concierge who can handle your drycleaning, packages, and reservations.  You will have access to a common room which you can reserve for parties or meetings.  Across the hall from this room is a full blown private movie-theater which you can reserve for you and your guests.  There is also a cafe’ featuring Starbucks coffee, Mac computers and free Wi-Fi which can also be found throughout the entire 1st and 2nd floors.  There will also be an onsite convenience store for those must haves.

As you head to the second floor you will have access to a full-blown 24/7 gym with all the cardio and free weight equipment that you need.  Around the corner from the gym there is a 75′ indoor lap pool which opens up to a beautifully landscaped “secret garden” where you can layout and sunbathe or just unwind with a nice cold drink.

One Bedrooms start around $1850, two bedrooms in the mid $2000′s, and three bedrooms in the high $3000′s.  This is also a no fee building so my services are 100% free!  Right now they are offering 1 month free on all of their units so now is the time to rent here.

Jeez…I really wish this project would just move forward. 

Archon, who recently signed a purchase and sale agreement to purchase NorthPoint, said it is cancelling its $177 million dollar agreement.

The seller seems to think it is a negotiation tactic because “Archon did not want to commit to paying an $8 million deposit yet.”

I really would love for this deal to move forward because I think this project is one of the most exciting in the Boston area.  I just toured and rented the first apartment at the new rental building in NorthPoint which opened this past Friday and I was very impressed.  My client really loved the fact that it was so close to the Lechmere T station and even walking distance to downtown Boston. 

This is just the first phase of the 40 plus acre development which will include a new $70 million “T” station and wide open greenspace.  Let’s hope they come to an agreement soon and get moving on the development!