Battery Wharf

[xec]

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[LeTaureau]

^Yesssss, thanks for posting these! I was in Charlestown last weekend and saw the cranes and steel beginning to rise. Can't wait to see how this turns out

[awood91]

where exactly is this project? does anyone know how many units it will have or if it has a website? thanks!

[Ron Newman]

it's next to Lincoln Wharf and Burroughs Wharf on the North End waterfront. The next wharf beyond it is the Coast Guard station.

The web address is the obvious one: http://www.BatteryWharf.com

[ablarc]

This project would benefit from an Atlantic Avenue/Greenway hostoric streetcar line, like the F-Line in San Francisco. It could be called the Aqua Line, and link the far reaches of Charlestown's Navy Yard with the Fort Point Channel. I wish it ran in the Seaport District in place of that expensive bus subway.

[vanshnookenraggen]

This project would benefit from an Atlantic Avenue/Greenway hostoric streetcar line, like the F-Line in San Francisco. It could be called the Aqua Line, and link the far reaches of Charlestown's Navy Yard with the Fort Point Channel. I wish it ran in the Seaport District in place of that expensive bus subway.

Could you repost that thing you posted back on the SkyscraperGuy's forum, if you still have it that is.

[bosdevelopment]

When I met Harold Theran (developer of battery wharf) he was so fat and seemingly ill, he couldn't stand to make a presentation. I always found it odd that a guy that had so much going for him in the financial realm couldn't manage his own body.

[awood91]

^well, obviously money isn't everything...

i know a girl who lives on Gracie Square in the Upper East Side (possibly the most insane townhouse I've ever seen) and her mom has MS. if you don't know what the disease is, look it up, its absolutely horrible. even for all the money in the world, id rather have a healthy family.

[Waldorf]

This project would benefit from an Atlantic Avenue/Greenway hostoric streetcar line, like the F-Line in San Francisco. It could be called the Aqua Line, and link the far reaches of Charlestown's Navy Yard with the Fort Point Channel. I wish it ran in the Seaport District in place of that expensive bus subway.

We can definitely learn a thing or two from San Francisco's Embarcadero.

[lexicon506]

We can definitely learn a thing or two from San Francisco's Embarcadero.

Just that putting a streetcar down the middle is a good idea. After so much hype over SF's Embarcadero, I was thoroughly unimpressed when I went there. They basically took the elevated highway, put it on the ground, and put a streetcar down it. It's still daunting to walk across all those lanes, and the waterfront still feels separated from the city, although you can see it better. Despite the problems I have with the RKG, I think it's a better plan than the Embarcadero.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Chef Guy Martin to open restaurant at Regent Hotel
Boston Business Journal - 2:46 PM EST Friday
by Naomi R. Kooker

Journal staff

Regent Hotel Battery Wharf developers announced Friday that 3-star Michelin chef Guy Martin will open his first North American restaurant in the hotel.

The contract puts Martin, chef of the 3 Michelin-star Grand Vefour in Paris, in partnership with developer Harold Theran, vice president of Development Management Corp., who is building the $275 million hotel, slated to open next winter.

The restaurant will be an 80-seat dining venue, featuring Martin's "cuisine sans frontiere" -- cuisine without borders -- and "will help Boston eclipse New York (as a dining capital in the U.S.)," said Theran.

There is no name yet for the restaurant.

Martin was awarded 3 Michelin stars in 2000 at Grand Vefour in Paris. He has published more than a dozen cookbooks.

[xec]

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[atlantaden]

Nice pics, thanks!!

[IMAngry]

So, this can get completed by Dec 2007, as promised?

[Mike]

From the aerials thread (http://architecturalboston.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=189):


http://www.lesvants.com/stock_web%20gallery%20images_pages/Boston/boston_3-9-07/images/3-9-07_boston_lesvants_3775-142%20copy.jpg

[xec]

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[LeTaureau]

Wow, they're still erecting steel here? I thought they would have been through by now..

[kz1000ps]

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and the model in the showroom

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[JimboJones]

By what calendar will the developer be done by "Fall 2007"?

[singbat]

nice pictures, kz.

in the mock up, what's the story with that rock looking layer? is that really dimension stone, or is that just what it's supposed to look like?

[vanshnookenraggen]

Oh man, I really like this!

[tmac9wr]

this is an absolultely beautiful project....just finish it soon!!!

[LeTaureau]

It looks like the mock-up might be real stone! Under the window is what looks like grey granite. Its the beige material that I have a hard time figuring out what it is. This project looks great!

[ChunkyMonkey]

Thanks kz, I'm loving all your pics and updates. Battery Wharf looks good, can't wait to see it finished.

[ablarc]

Looks OK, but where will they put the parking?

[kz1000ps]

5/15. I'm falling behind on getting pics up..d'oh well!

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[palindrome]

Looking good. Thanks for the updates.

[vanshnookenraggen]

This reminds me of a number a nice developments I saw in San Francisco. They were about this height, condos or apartments, and had a nice little tree lined pedestrian way down the middle. It was also next to the (newish) light rail line. Where is light rail here?!

[ablarc]

Where is light rail here?!
Should be on Atlantic Avenue on its way to the Constitution and the Navy Yard.

In the other direction it should be on the Greenway, which should be renamed "Atlantic Avenue."

We just renamed Charles River Park to "West End", and we should rename Government Center to "Scollay Square" as well.

Light rail can emulate San Francisco's F-Line: PCC's and other old rolling stock.

[palindrome]

light rail on atlantic ave would be perfect. Not to mention, the much desired N/S rail connection.

[TheBostonBoy]

Wow, looking great!
And my uncle's company, LYMO is doing a lot of the roof and side work. They insert these specials panels on the buildings for framework and whatnot, can't really explain it. Anyways from what he said, it sounds like Battery Wharf could be done by August so that is some good news!
Here is the link to his company's website if anyone is interested...
He has worked on a lot buildings in and around Boston.

http://www.lymoconstruction.com/

[bosman]

Based on the latest photos from May 21 (thanks kz1000ps!) there is absolutely no way Battery Wharf will be completed by August. There is the possibility that the work your uncle is doing will be completed by August/September, but they can't get that much work done in only a couple months.

[TheBostonBoy]

Woops sorry, didn't mean to say Battery Wharf! Lol Ya your right I meant to say that my uncles part in it would be done by then :oops:

[stellarfun]

Battery Wharf June 3. Open for Occupancy November 2007 said a condo ad in the Globe. I assume the hotel won't be ready then.

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[kz1000ps]

6/26:

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This building is turning out great. Kudos to The Architectural Team, of Chelsea -- although their work is squarely set in the "contextual" realm, it's almost always quality stuff.

Their work includes:
Holmes Building (south corner, Central Sq)
The Metropolitan
Suffolk Cnstruction headquarters (Roxbury)
West End Place
Armory Park residences (Beacon St, Brookline)
Landmark Square (Queensbury St, behind 1330 Boylston)

and projects in the works:
Kensington Place
Longwood Towers renovations
Lovejoy Wharf

[DudeUrSistersHot]

Where is light rail here?!
Should be on Atlantic Avenue on its way to the Constitution and the Navy Yard.

In the other direction it should be on the Greenway, which should be renamed "Atlantic Avenue."

We just renamed Charles River Park to "West End", and we should rename Government Center to "Scollay Square" as well.

Light rail can emulate San Francisco's F-Line: PCC's and other old rolling stock.

I really like that idea...

I mean, of course the light rail is a great idea, but renaming the Greenway to Atlantic Avenue seems like an awesome idea to me. The thing that bothers me is that the name and the pomp and circumstance surrounding it tries to make it seem like it's something really special and unique, and it's really turning out not to be. If it was just thought of as an avenue, with a nice, though not spectacular, park in the middle, it would seem acceptable to me (assuming that we couldn't change it to allow buildings or better parks or anything").

[Ron Newman]

renaming the Greenway to Atlantic Avenue seems like an awesome idea to me

Except that for several blocks north of Christopher Columbus Park, Atlantic Avenue already exists in a different place from the Greenway. This is true again south of Dewey Square.

[kz1000ps]

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[kz1000ps]

9/24.. tis a handsome project

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[kz1000ps]

Saturday the 19th

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touch?

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[vanshnookenraggen]

Oh god, I'm almost giddy! This is so handsome.

[ablarc]

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/8608/img0612jq3.jpg
What's in the curved part?

[ckb]

seems like the curved part almost has to be a restaurant space ...

[statler]

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/1788/img0603lt4.jpg
It's amazing how an irregular footprint can have such a wonderful impact on the overall look of a building.
If this development had all the same details but sat on square lots we would all be crying about how dull it was.

[kz1000ps]

I realize the point you're trying to make Statler, but as long as it has that excellent brickwork then I don't care what shape its footprint takes on.

[aquaman]

It's not cutting edge, but it's what is needed for that space. I think it's a project well done.

[kmp1284]

Guy Martin, chef at Le Grand V?four in Paris will head up Sensings, his first restaurant in the US at The Regent Boston, Battery Wharf.

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2008/02/27/a_top_chef_from_paris_finds_boston_to_his_taste/

[GW2500]

Battery Wharf June 3.
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q199/tahitiplage/P1020084.jpg

[/img]

I got a question for the people out there regarding the structural engineering of the building. How well can that warf take a beating from the harbor, I mean like during a real bad storm or hurricane? It looks sturdy and all I just don't know. Also would storm surge during a hurricane rise to the level of the dock?

ps I like this building a lot

[Corey]

I am a big fan. I wouldn't mind something like this popping up on some part of Portland's waterfront.

[stellarfun]

I got a question for the people out there regarding the structural engineering of the building. How well can that warf take a beating from the harbor, I mean like during a real bad storm or hurricane? It looks sturdy and all I just don't know. Also would storm surge during a hurricane rise to the level of the dock?

ps I like this building a lot


4.3 WAVE ACTION

The inner Boston Harbor is somewhat protected by Deer Island to the north and east and Long Island to the southeast. Numerous other smaller islands also provide some shelter from the open bay/ocean wave energy. However, easterly winds and seas will cause wave related problems. Most of the lower inner harbor is exposed to the east and vessels in this area, unless berthed at well protected piers, will experience high wind waves. While the piers and wharves of Boston have generally been constructed to handle the normal 9-10 ft tidal range, some local flooding is experienced during extreme tide conditions. In the event of a storm passage at high astronomical tide, waterfront areas would be exposed to wave action. Water levels of 1 1/2 ft over the piers have been recorded at the Naval Shipyard.
4.4 STORM SURGE AND TIDES

Storm surge during hurricanes generally has not been a major problem for the Boston Harbor area. The highest surge value on record is the 3.9 ft that occurred with the September 1944 hurricane (Harris, 1963). (http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/%7Ecannon/tr8203nc/boston/text/refs.htm#harris) The 1954 hurricanes, Carol and Edna, produced 3.6 and 3.2 ft surge heights. With a normal tidal range of 9 to 10 ft. surge heights of 2-4 ft will generally not be of great concern. Of course, a 4 ft surge at extreme high tide (range of about 14 ft at Boston) would cause considerable flooding; when this was topped by wind waves from the east, further problems would develop. A compounding adverse effect of surge and easterly wind waves is the restriction of the outflow from the various rivers that flow into and form the inner harbor. Such a restriction further increases the flood problem along the lower portions of the rivers, which usually experience increased flow during a hurricane passage as a result of heavy precipitation.


http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/~cannon/tr8203nc/boston/text/sect4.htm

I'm thinking that they are probably still good at 14' although they might have to sandbag doorsills. Battery Wharf is quite well protected from high waves.

[whighlander]

Last time I saw it from the water side during early SeptemberI was very impressed -- it looks as if it belongs on a Wharf. In fact I think that offers the 2nd best view of a new building from the waterside -- just next to Rowe's Wharf

I'm looking forward to taking some walks out there to see it from the street side as soon as the spring finally sprungs

Cabin Fever has definitely set in

Westy

[stellarfun]

Battery Wharf (March 30)

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It was too friggin cold to walk out to the water side.

[nedev18]

Thanks for the pics, this is turning out to be a very nice looking development!

[kz1000ps]

I can't wait for this one to finish up and for them to open the walkways.

[nedev18]

Progress as of April 5:

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m306/bostonman2006/4-5-08Avenir1006.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m306/bostonman2006/4-5-08Avenir1008.jpg

There's more here (http://nedev.webs.com/bdblog.htm?blogentryid=3252802), but those are the two best shots.

I really like this project. It was tough to get any good shots of the pier on the water side, but it looked very nice from what I saw.

[atlrvr]

I'm waiting for the photo postings I feel are coming....I was picking my son up from a friends place at Burroughs Wharf this evening when 3 guys armed with cameras were converging on the Battery Wharf construction site and at least one made his way through the fencing.....I can only assume they were ArchBostonians, as they had way to much determination to be tourists.

[kz1000ps]

They've opened the site up! Well, about 80% of it. Having been through it now, all I can say is this is an amazingly good development, and it gets my nod for Best New Project of 2008.

The one negative I've seen so far is what you'll see in the first two pics.. the windows on the corner of this fairly prominent building. They don't match with what's used everywhere else, and they remind me of what you'd see on an early-1950s public housing project. Rather uninspired..

(get ready for a ton of pics)

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the view to the north

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still under construction

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sublime

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[briv]

Kz, you're the man. Thanks for all the updates.

Here are a few of Battery Wharf from a different angle:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y99/briv1/battery_wharf_1.jpg



http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y99/briv1/battery_wharf_4.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y99/briv1/battery_wharf_x.jpg

[blade_bltz]

Bravo guys! Why can't all developments in this town be so nice?

[ChunkyMonkey]

Wow. Love the elegant roofline. It really does fit nicely on the wharf.

[Joe_Schmoe]

Looks pretty nice. My favorite thing about the whole project are those little strips of rough limestone they use as trim. It's the type of thing you don't see anymore.

[kz1000ps]

Yep, and unlike a lot of PoMo-era projects that attempted to include string courses, here they use actual rough face stone, not just brick in a different color. It's stuff like that that puts this development over the top for me.

Briv, those photos are great! They're the perfect foil to all my close up shots. Thanks.

[tommym96]

really a great project

[tobyjug]

Bravo guys! Why can't all developments in this town be so nice?

This will likely be Mr. Theran's last development.

[JSic]

Terrific development!

[vanshnookenraggen]

Maybe there should be an archBoston awards just so we can give it to this project.

[sidewalks]

Archboston awards...love that idea. Simple enough to do with a poll

[Batterymarch]

why would this be Theran's last. it seems like he has done a quality job in every way

[mdd]

Does anyone know the purpose of the "glass bubble" looking object in the photos? I find it interesting, and somewhat random.

[sidewalks]

I think the glass bubble might allow light down to the garage...but I could be totally wrong.

[Ron Newman]

Skylight for the parking garage is my guess, too.

[pelhamhall]

yes Ron, if you check out Battery Wharf's web site (google it) you can see something about the atrium skylight art and the renderings look very much like that window that we see.

The artwork is inspired by National Geographic underwater photographer David
Doubilet - just another reason that I LOVE LOVE LOVE this project.

Attention to detail matters! Mr. Theran needs to take Joe Fallon on a tour of this property to help drive this point home.

[czsz]

it gets my nod for Best New Project of 2008

Intriguing idea: maybe the forum should vote on this annually and present some sort of award to the developers/architects/whatever?

Ed: oops, didn't see this has been proposed above. Seconded! But maybe some more deliberation on some of the other new projects?

[kz1000ps]

I'm all for it. I got the idea to say what I did from chumbolly, who made similar proclamations (http://www.archboston.org/community/showthread.php?t=951&highlight=charles+jail+hotel&page=10) about the Liberty/Charles St. Jail Hotel last year.

[stellarfun]

kz, thanks for the bounty of pics on this project and elsewhere.

[statler]

From ablarc's 22 Thesis:

1. intimate space

Seems like it

2. diversity through small-increment development by different owners

Nope

3. boldly-conceived infrastructure (Yeah, canals and landfill !)

Actually, the opposite was at work here.
Had they filled in the space between the piers the result would not have been nearly as interesting.

4. buildings that touch

Yes

5. background buildings --if the paradigm is right.

???

6. roof forms and materials as unifiers

Yes

7. casually varied relationships between buildings (NOT defined by uniformizing rigidities of zoning)

???

8. small, irregular lots

Yes

9. a central focus or main square with a monument or two

???

10. architecture that's not hidebound with prissy strictures against frank revivalism ("We can't do that, it was done a hundred years ago.")

Yes

11. if the streetscape is sound, interesting and pleasant to look at, you don't need many trees. They take up room and divert from the task at hand

Yes

12 hundreds of small buildings give you more places than a few dozen big ones

???

13. if you build a great place you'll make money; you don't have to start with current market wisdom

???

14. make every square inch count

Yes

15 build in the hierachy; coherence will follow (put the most important things in the center)

???

16. bold topographic ideas like landfill and canals (you make the former with what you excavate to make the latter)

See #3

17. don't be afraid to design for the rich. The best things only the rich can afford (Back Bay, Beacon Hill --then and now. The rest of us visit to get our jollies.)

Oh god yes.

18. pint-sized streets:

Well, no streets, but narrow paths.

19. an intimately-scaled water's edge

Indeed

20. don't be afraid to design pretty, and don't design for your colleagues

Yes

21. don't be afraid to risk a little hokeyness

Not too much hokeyness, that I can see.

[kz1000ps]

I'll fill in some of the ??? answers...

5. background buildings --if the paradigm is right.

Yes, although they work equally well as foreground, please-look-at-my-details buildings

7. casually varied relationships between buildings (NOT defined by uniformizing rigidities of zoning)

Yes. Varied sizes, from blockbusting to downright cute, as well as varied heights (between two and seven stories)

9. a central focus or main square with a monument or two

Yes. There's the main plaza by the round podium (was still u/c when I took the photos) as well as the garden-plaza and domed skylight down at the waterfront

12 hundreds of small buildings give you more places than a few dozen big ones

Not Applicable

15 build in the hierachy; coherence will follow (put the most important things in the center)

I'd say the design is very coherent-logical, although it's interesting to note that the hierarchy of the central road between vehicle and pedestrian is distinctly indistinct

[statler]

^^ Thanks kz1000ps.

I was hoping someone would do that.

[nm88]

kz, thanks for the great pics. Finally, a development that turns out better than its promotional renderings. Way better, to my mind. This gets my vote for 08.

[TheBostonBoy]

Proud to say my uncle's company did all the siding for this! :D
Here is his company website:
http://www.lymoconstruction.com/

[kz1000ps]

Buyers slow to move on new luxury condos

Friday, May 9, 2008
Boston Business Journal - by Lisa van der Pool

Handpicked white Italian marble, 2 1/2 baths, mahogany floors, a 60-foot-long balcony and views of Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution are a few of the luxurious amenities in a new penthouse condo at Battery Wharf.

The 1,814-square-foot unit's price tag: $2.5 million. So far, no one is enjoying that view.

"Volume is down -- but prices are relatively firm," said sales manager David Theran, of the property's sales activity. "We think it's going to pick up."

While sellers say that the luxury-condo market is near bullet-proof, sales data on high-end condos is showing a few holes.

Recent numbers reflect a decelerating market where even luxury condos aren't moving quickly. New construction projects, such as the one at Battery Wharf, have not yet sold out and have become vulnerable to location variables.

The luxury-market's weakness is largely due to a sales slide in mid-market luxury units, or those priced between $800,000 and $2 million, and the depressed real estate market in general, according to industry-watchers.

Boston's condo sales saw a 22 percent year-over-year drop in the first quarter, falling to 513 units from 660 units in 2007's corresponding period, according to Boston-based real estate firm Listing Information Network. Meanwhile, sales for condos priced from $1.75 million to $2 million have slipped over the last 12 months, with 27 condos selling from May 1, 2007, to April 30, 2008, down from 37 condos sold the previous year, according to the MLS Property Information Network.

Another concerning sign: inventory of condos priced between $700,000 and $3 million increased to 917 units as of April 30, up 3 percent from the 891 unsold condos in that bracket a year earlier.

At Battery Wharf, where some units were pre-sold before construction began in 2004, just under 60 percent of its 104 condo units are under agreement. Deposits for sold properties range from $100,000 to $200,000.

In recent days, about 20 units have closed and construction will be completed later this year.

Current prices range from $1.15 million to $2.98 million; condos that were listed above $2.98 million have already sold.

The average price per square foot is $1,200, but sales have ranged from around $850 to $1,400 per square foot, according to Theran, who would not say whether original listing prices have been lowered.

"People are much slower to make a decision," said Francois Nivaud, a hotel consultant overseeing the financing of Battery Wharf. He expects sales to pick up when the Regent Boston hotel at Battery Wharf opens this summer. "There's no question that the pace has slowed, but those are typical peaks and valleys."

Debra Taylor Blair, president of the Listing Information Network, says it's logical that projects outside of the hot areas of the Back Bay and South End might suffer a bit in a slower market.

"More established neighborhoods in the high-end condo market are doing remarkably well relative to the rest of the market," said Blair. "Areas taking the hits tend to be the new construction in neighborhoods that don't have a strong residential foundation yet."

Newer projects seem to be suffering from the fact that today's buyers are less inclined to purchase units sight-unseen, according to Mark Lippolt, executive vice president and chief administration officer at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. Lippolt notes that while sales of high-end condos are strong, inventories are still up compared to recent years.

"Here's where the challenge is," said Lippolt. "Inventory is up compared to where it was the same time last year and that has an impact on the perception of the market and the absorption rate."

According to Lippolt, even luxury prices are negotiable in this market: "We're seeing that there's perhaps a wider spread between asking prices and selling prices. The aggressive initial prices are not being supported by the market."

On the market for 20 months, luxury condo project 45 Province -- which boasts an on-site spa, swimming pool and rooftop garden -- has sold approximately 25 percent of the first 33 units released by the project. The site is slated to have 136 total units and is expected to be complete in the spring of 2009.

Units range in price from $500,000 to $5.5 million. Price per square foot ranges from the mid-$700's to $2,000.

Sales have been "steady" this year at about 1.5 units per month, said David Epstein, president and chief operating officer of The Abbey Group, the developer of 45 Province. Epstein hopes that in the coming months his project will begin selling two to three units per month.

"What you're seeing in this market is that perfectly located and well-designed product is moving -- Back Bay and South End are doing fine," said Jon Gollinger, president of real estate auction firm Accelerated Marketing Partners Inc. in Charlestown.

"But you're going to pay the price if you're not perfect. You start getting deductions in price points and speed of absorption."

Recent condo "auctions," including the Gollinger-orchestrated event at 14-story Folio Boston in the Financial District, which generated about $26 million in sales in less than two hours, also demonstrate the luxury-condo market's vulnerability.

His company is also handling the upcoming condo auction of The Modern in the South End.

At the Intercontinental Boston, about 111 condos have sold out of 130. Those sales total around $160 million, said Kevin Ahearn, president of real estate firm Otis & Ahearn Inc. in Boston. Pricing per square foot has ranged from the mid-$900's to the low $1,000's.

While Ahearn acknowledged that first quarter sales were slower than usual, he said the high-end market in general is "rock solid."

Meanwhile luxury condo development The Clarendon in the Back Bay began selling units recently and to date has 10 of its 100 condos under agreement, according to Robert Beal, president of The Beal Companies LLP in Boston.Beal would not disclose a price range, but real estate brokers say sales have ranged between $675,000 to $4.6 million.

Lisa van der Pool can be reached at lvanderpool@bizjournals.com.
http://www.bizjournals.com/albany/othercities/boston/stories/2008/05/12/story2.html?b=1210564800^1632617

[JimboJones]

Reporting sales figures from MLSPIN is useless, actually worse than useless; harmful.

Battery Wharf, for example, never listed its units in MLSPIN, so to accurately assess sales volume, you need to pull data from Suffolk Deeds, or use a reliable source such as The Warren Group or LINK, which tracks ALL sales in ALL neighborhoods, not just agent-assisted sales.

Sales volume slowed-down, but beyond that, this article and the one on the front page of the Globe's business section, are useless.

[pelhamhall]

The most useless stats are the National Association of Realtor's publicity stats/reports. They are all written with rose colored glasses. It's not a coincidence that the NAR's numbers are always, always, always more optimistic and paint a rosier picture of the market than any independent group's research/data.

This is because if you ask a real estate broker how the market is going, there are generally two answers:

1) If the market is very strong: It's GREAT! Now's the time to buy!!!!"
2) If the market is horrible: "It's very good. Now's the the time to buy."

[JimboJones]

Pfff.

I'll discuss the real estate market with you, whenever you want, Mr pelhamhall ... meet me in some dark alley, come alone.

Your comments are scandalous, borderline libelous!

[tobyjug]

"You still don't think this looks like a hard hat?"

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh109/tobyjug_2008/L1070473-2.jpg

"Oh ya? I'll show you, Mr. Toby!"

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh109/tobyjug_2008/L1070469-1-1.jpg

What's this I see? An open door? You know Toby's belief system by now!

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh109/tobyjug_2008/L1070562.jpg

Let's put gravity to work, and go downstairs.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh109/tobyjug_2008/L1070567.jpg

What's this? Some sort of UFO launch pad?

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh109/tobyjug_2008/L1070564.jpg

Yup. There's this missile silo right up there.
Better go upstairs and check it out.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh109/tobyjug_2008/L1070565.jpg

"Toby Plumbing...Here to fix that sink!"

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh109/tobyjug_2008/L1070580.jpg

No body home.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh109/tobyjug_2008/L1070579.jpg

Found the sink, anyway. Wonder if there's any beer in the fridge?

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh109/tobyjug_2008/L1070571.jpg

What's out here?

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh109/tobyjug_2008/L1070572.jpg

A Pirate Ship! Toby always wanted to be a Pirate!

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh109/tobyjug_2008/L1070570.jpg

Aw oh! The heat. Toby's parties better be on the other side. Let's see if that will work.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh109/tobyjug_2008/L1070586.jpg

Yeah, this will do fine.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh109/tobyjug_2008/L1070583.jpg

Toby better split.

[Cojapo]

That's pretty funny! Nice pics!

[kz1000ps]

Toby, you've got some pretty big balls just wandering in like that, hard hat or not. Keep it up!

[commuter guy]

Holy crap Tobyjug!

In years past, the Plymouth County Bar Association would each year nominate a Judge for the so called "Brass Balls" award. It was a very prestigious honor bestowed upon a judge in order to recognize the difficult work in making tough and particularly unpopular decisions that the facts and law required. Now, in these more pc days, it is called the Brass Gavel award.

Anyways, I hereby nominate Tobyjug for the 2008 ArchBoston Brass Balls award for his valiant efforts in obtaining such pictures all while risking his life, limb and liberty.

[tommym96]

your dog is awesome

[tobyjug]

Thanks! Toby is almost 17 years old.

[pelhamhall]

Pfff.

I'll discuss the real estate market with you, whenever you want, Mr pelhamhall ... meet me in some dark alley, come alone.

Your comments are scandalous, borderline libelous!

Haha - you forgot to add "by the way, now really IS a great time to buy"

I love real estate agents, my best friend is a real estate agent and I tease him relentlessly about the NAR reports that his office sends out that always seem to contradict any third-party data. It's not like they're guilty of anything, any trade group's job is to support its trade members.

If you really want to know what's going on in this city, there's no greater resource than well-connected real estate agents.

[tommym96]

Thanks! Toby is almost 17 years old.

really?! I love basset hounds

[tobyjug]

[QUOTE=pelhamhall;52913]Haha - you forgot to add "by the way, now really IS a great time to buy" I love real estate agents, my best friend is a real estate agent and I tease him relentlessly .../QUOTE]

O.K. This one doesn't apply to Jimbo.

Question: "How do you get a real estate broker off your front step?"

Answer: "Pay for the pizza!"

(Sadly, you can substitute: conveyancing lawyer, architect, morgage broker, title examiner, property inspector....)

[AC]

From Lopresti Park (near the Maverick T stop)
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/5821/yes025oa8.jpg
http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/5567/yes026pe5.jpg
Carlton's Wharf
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/7565/yes031yf6.jpg

And they've opened up the sidewalk
http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/3372/yes042bd6.jpg

[Padre Mike]

I LOVE this development!

[ChunkyMonkey]

Hotel operator leaves luxury waterfront project
Loose ends at Battery Wharf

By Kimberly Blanton, Globe Staff | June 11, 2008

One of the world's premier hotel operators, Regent Hotels & Resorts, is abruptly out of the $300 million luxury Battery Wharf development on Boston's waterfront just before the hotel's scheduled opening this summer.

Regent's departure not only leaves Battery Wharf without a signature operator for its 150-room hotel, but the developers have also lost their provider of top-shelf concierge services to the buyers of the multi-million-dollar condominium units in the building. Without Regent, Battery Wharf may have trouble selling its remaining units, priced from $1 million to $4 million.

Jon Gollinger, chief executive of Accelerated Marketing Partners in Boston, which auctions new unsold condos around the country, said the hotel operator is a crucial part of the package of luxury amenities developers use to market high-end residential condo buildings. On its website, Battery Wharf described the lifestyle available for ultra-rich clients as "utopia engineered."

Without a well-known upscale hotel in the project, "it can create uncertainty" when buyers are asking "what kinds of services is the brand going to deliver me," Gollinger said.

Battery Wharf's difficulties are another sign of a slowdown in downtown Boston's high-end condo market. Previously that market had defied the national downturn in housing by continuing to quickly sell condos at higher and higher prices. In recent years, Boston has experienced a boom in the development of modern, luxury condo buildings that typically offer a level of service associated with fine hotels. These projects, including the elegant 45 Province near the old City Hall, the understated Belvedere near the Prudential Center, and the glass-encased Intercontinental Boston on the waterfront, have also introduced more modern, stylish architecture to the city's residential stock.

The Battery Wharf hotel will now not open until sometime this fall, the second time the opening has been delayed.

In a joint statement, Regent and Battery Wharf said they have "entered into discussions to terminate" their agreement, and blamed "philosophical differences on strategies for the project." Regent spokesman Thomas Polski, declined to comment further.

The condo owners, according to Battery Wharf, can expect to be pampered with 24-hour service that includes personal shopping and babysitting, catering, travel and entertainment arrangements, and dog-walking.

One owner of a Battery Wharf condo, who asked not to be identified by name because he did not want his address identified, said the hotel's completion was falling farther behind the condo building.

Regent operates high-end hotels that mix expensive designs and artwork with extensive personalized services to appeal to wealthy travelers and business people on expense accounts. The Boston hotel is to feature rooms with leather platform beds, bathrooms with marble and rain showers, and high-end audio systems and televisions. It has properties in Beijing, Shanghai, Bal Harbour, Fla., and the Turks and Caicos, and expects to open a new one in the Maldives.

Battery Wharf's builder is Boston developer Harold Theran of Development Management Corp. Theran declined to comment through a spokesman.

In addition to the hotel, Battery Wharf has 105 condominiums, 22 of which have been sold, and 40 more are under agreement, according to a spokesman for the project.

While respectable, particularly in a slowing market, the pace of sales of Battery Wharf's units contrasts with that of another ultra-luxe condo and hotel project, the Mandarin Oriental in Back Bay. That project, on Boylston Street, has sold all of its luxury condos to wealthy buyers attracted to its location, the Mandarin's reputation and to the luxury stores that are part of the project, which is scheduled to open in October.

At Battery Wharf, an interim staff of about 40, some of whom had been employed by Regent, is providing concierge and other services to condo owners. But it does not have the kind of retail offerings planned at the Mandarin.

Hotel industry officials said that because of its premier waterfront location off Commercial Street in the North End, Battery Wharf should not have trouble finding a replacement for Regent.

"In the scheme of things, this isn't a blip on the screen," said Pat Moscaritolo, chief executive of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau. Despite the slowing US economy, Moscaritolo said, the tourism business in Boston remains strong.

Longtime Boston hotelier Francois Nivaud, a consultant for Battery Wharf, yesterday said the developers are committed to finding a high-quality replacement for Regent. He also said the hotel delay would not affect the restaurants slated for the project. "The quality of an operator is one thing but more important is the commitment of the ownership to do what they're supposed to do," said Nivaud.

Debra Taylor Blair, president of Listing Information Network Inc., which tracks the downtown Boston condo market, said that prospective buyers are going to want to know what happens next at Battery before putting down millions for a condo.

"The hotel brand is closely tied to the condominium branding," she said. "Anyone looking at that project would want to know what Plan B is."

One of the project's major investors is the AFL-CIO Building Investment Trust, a pool of union pension-fund money that is managed by PNC Realty Investors. PNC Spokesman Pat McMahon said that the project's financial backing "is solid," despite the recent setback with the hotel. "The project is virtually complete," he said.

Another financier, Hypo Real Estate Capital Corp. in New York, did not return calls seeking comment.

Kimberly Blanton can be reached at blanton@globe.com.

Source: http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2008/06/11/hotel_operator_leaves_luxury_waterfront_project?mo de=PF

[BarbaricManchurian]

Whatever, doesn't matter to us (urban development "enthusiasts", or obsessives, whatever u prefer). If it looks nice on the exterior, that's what matters anyway, its still going to be ultra luxe anyway, rich whiners, what a nice position to be in.

[tmac9wr]

I wonder what caused the trouble...does anyone know what "philosophical differences" are?

I really love this project by the way, it's gorgeous...fits perfectly with its setting.

[tobyjug]

It wouldn't surprise me if, like C.C., the developer had been marginalized by fearful investors, who, upon taking control, made things messy. That is the usual extent of "philosophy" in one of these deals. But, as Barb would point out, it is built, and is a real credit to the developer.

[pelhamhall]

Rumor and heresay: Franky Nivaud is famous for the way he impeccably and very specifically runs his hotels.

Meanwhile, the St. Regis people are fastidious stewards of an international brand, where every detail is dictated by the brand standards of the national flag - often right down to which type of flowers can be in a vase on the desk in the lobby.

Oil meet water.

This is not a fight between investors, it's a fight between the hotel flag and the hotel operator.

This is also simply what I heard, not what I know. I want to be clear on that.

[tobyjug]

Agreed that it isn't a fight between investors... That one is over. Or so I hear.

[pelhamhall]

Their branding has been terrible. They didn't name it anything, and I saw an ad in the Sunday Globe that was of a stainless steel dishwasher. Renovated $200,000 condos in Dorchester have stainless steel dishwashers. There is no sense of "place" or "destination" in the branding of this property whatsoever. It should have been "St. Regis Boston" and "St. Regis Boston Residences" and never should have been tired old "Battery Wharf".

I imagine the developers wanted to do their own thing, and the St. Regis people wanted to do their own. As an ultra-lux brand, they chose to walk rather than sully their brand with a property that would not live up to the promise of the St. Regis worldwide brand.

[Ron Newman]

"Rowes Wharf" is a fine brand name, so why not "Battery Wharf" ?

[tobyjug]

Reminds buyers of the lithium they'll need when they pay the morgage.

[Beton Brut]

A shame these buildings aren't in the Bulfinch Triangle.

[stellarfun]

The hotel is a Regent hotel, not a St. Regis. There are only two Regent hotels in the US: Boston, and Bal Harbour.

http://www.regenthotels.com/reg/home/index.html


I looked for an exterior of the Regent Berlin but couldn't find one on their site. Bal Harbour looks like a Brickell condo tower. The Regent in Bordeaux is a restored old building; in setting and appearance, a poor man's Meurice or Crillon.

[KentXie]

I was on an harbor ferry yesterday and was able to get a few shots on the development.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y226/DarkFenxmon/DSC01665.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y226/DarkFenxmon/DSC01664.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y226/DarkFenxmon/DSC01662.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y226/DarkFenxmon/DSC01660.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y226/DarkFenxmon/DSC01659.jpg

[GMACK24]

Thanks for the photos
Great Shots

[stellarfun]

Wonder if the new French restaurant is still a go?

http://www.boston.com/ae/food/restaurants/articles/2008/02/27/a_top_chef_from_paris_finds_boston_to_his_taste/

Seems to be separate from the Regent.

[rikahlberg]

The hotel is a Regent hotel, not a St. Regis. There are only two Regent hotels in the US: Boston, and Bal Harbour.

http://www.regenthotels.com/reg/home/index.html

I looked for an exterior of the Regent Berlin but couldn't find one on their site. Bal Harbour looks like a Brickell condo tower. The Regent in Bordeaux is a restored old building; in setting and appearance, a poor man's Meurice or Crillon.

There was a Regent South Beach until late last year when it got de-flagged. Reminiscent of the Battery Wharf design, in that low-slung wharf kind of way.

Over at Hotel Chatter there's a picture of that hotel and a brief story on how it's no longer a Regent...
http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2007/9/17/173635/165/hotels/Miami_Hotel_Mambo_The_Regent_South_Beach_is_No_Mor e

http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/admin/regesobe_1.jpg

Starwood could use an upscale hotel in Boston -- a St Regis at Battery Wharf sounds like a nice idea!

[AdamBC]

I loved this architectural detail:


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/2582150394_4bfe012d26.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24786860@N08/2582150394/)

Keeping the wave motif going on the ground.

[Ron Newman]

When I walked through this development a few days ago, the temporary fencing in the middle still advertised the Regent hotel. Also, Regent's website (http://www.regenthotels.com/reg/home/index.html;jsessionid=Ld2T5YTSZG7bPnQbB0g1hDBmDmkY 7NPpmnL3NvCp2HRnQnLBKTC2!-942931352) still lists this location, "scheduled to open in 2008".

The Harborwalk is already fully open to the public, and looks gorgeous.

[JimboJones]

"... and looks gorgeous."

OMG, AN EMOTIONAL COMMENT FROM RON!

[Mike]

Battery Wharf?s lead developer takes over reins
By Jay Fitzgerald
Wednesday, July 2, 2008


PNC Financial Services is elbowing out of the way the local developer of Battery Wharf, following the surprise departure of Regent Hotels & Resorts as operator of the $300 million luxury hotel and condo complex.

PNC, the majority investor in the project, has assumed more daily control of the nearly completed waterfront complex and is now playing the lead role in trying to find a much-needed replacement for Regent, sources say.

The move by PNC, via its realty investment arm, effectively shoves to the side Boston developer Harold Theran of Development Management Corp., the minority investor in the project and previously the point-company for the high-profile North End development.

Spokesmen for PNC and RBW LLC, the umbrella company overseeing the joint-development, said the ownership structure of their venture hasn?t been altered.

?That hasn?t changed and there is no anticipation that it will change,? said Alan Eisner, a spokesman for RBW.

But it?s clear PNC, which invested big bucks in Battery Wharf on behalf of the AFL-CIO Building Investment Trust, felt compelled to take more decision-making control in recent weeks after Regent?s embarrassing departure last month as official operator of Battery Wharf.

Regent?s departure means the 150-room hotel component of the project won?t be open until next fall; the hotel had been scheduled to open early this summer.

Regent was due to run both the hotel and provide top-line concierge services to buyers of high-end condos at Battery Wharf, which touts its complex as ?utopia engineered.?

About 40 of Battery Wharf?s 105 condos have already been sold.

Construction of the hotel is ?virtually complete? and PNC remains ?very committed to the project?s long-term success,? said McMahon.

One source said project owners are moving to hire a temporary ?management company? to start training hotel workers. A number of hotel companies have expressed interested in linking up with Battery Wharf, sources say.


Link (http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view/2008_07_02_Battery_Wharf%E2%80%99s_lead_developer_ takes_over_reins)

[tobyjug]

Man these newspapers are slow. See posts 99 and 101. And wrong, too. The takeover predates the hotel move.

[pelhamhall]

I think One Franklin, Seaport Square and 45 Province have the worst branding campaigns among the new additions to our city - but I think Battery Wharf had, by far, the worst marketing campaign imaginable - there was literally a photograph of a stainless steel dishwasher in their Sunday Globe ad! It's unimaginable that a development of this scale would have such poor marketing. All I could think of was "Who put this together?" followed by "Who the hell approved this?" It seemed clear that there was a head missing from the marketing monster.

I believe Battery Wharf is the nicest, best new development when it comes to the bricks-and-mortar yet emotionally, all the intangibles and communications are askew - I find that funny and ironic.

I'm not an architect, but as creative artists, do architects like to get involved with the marketing campaign, or do they see the "sale" of their art as tawdry and low-brow?

[Ron Newman]

Recharge yourself at Battery Wharf?

[JimboJones]

The Architectural Team Fulfills Many Charges at Battery Wharf (http://www.bankerandtradesman.com/issues/5_345/work/)
By Jeff Stein, Banker & Tradesman (subscription required)

This view of Battery Wharf in Boston?s North End, designed by The Architectural Team of Chelsea and opening this month, shows the two wharf buildings that extend into the harbor, and the ?oculus? in their center that delivers daylight to a hotel lobby and glass-enclosed function rooms, just below grade.

?If we were to use an experimental system in a building we were designing, a product that hadn?t at least been tested through a lifecy-cle, we wouldn?t really be serving our clients very well, would we??

That is architect Michael E. Liu, vice president of The Architectural Team, a Chelsea design office, speaking of how his firm views the professional practice of architecture. They are serious about it.

Practice identifies design as an iterative process: the result of going over design issues again and again. Such repetition is how a de-signer develops familiarity with codes, materials, building types, construction processes and possibilities. Repetition is how an architect develops methods of self-criticism and concurrently evolves real-world design skills by doing more of the same sort of work again and again, over time; and as the specific content of the work changes over time, infusing it with a kind of grace.

In an age of immediate gratification (well, we recently did live in such an age, before the price of oil reached $140 a barrel), a profes-sional design practice like The Architectural Team, one that has unfolded over 35 years, is remarkable. It is just that sort of lengthy time frame, though, which really defines the term ?practice.? Practice is not architecture-making as a one-time public service initiative, nor is it a high-aesthetic public relations effort. Instead, practice is the work of showing up at the office and studying the issues to be resolved with a client, every day.

It is practice when a developer-client ? like Raymond Properties ? asks, ?Could your firm design a multifunction building on an historic wharf in Boston?s North End?? And it is practice that allows a design firm ? like The Architectural Team ? to say, ?Sure,? to a project like Battery Wharf. The Architectural Team already had designed the wharf next door, San Marco/Lincoln Wharf; and a couple years before that, one further down the waterfront. Just recently, they have started on another ? Lovejoy Wharf ? a few blocks to the north.

Open this month after 12 years of planning, design and construction, it is Battery Wharf that has our attention. Here the consequence of The Architectural Team?s practice experience is embodied a single attribute: identity. At Battery Wharf, the designers have made archi-tecture that is not merely comfortable in its time and place, but by means of color, scale, materials and proportions, it identifies time and place for its inhabitants and neighbors alike.

Wave of the Future Battery Wharf presents a complex series of relationships for architects to resolve. Constructing a project on a pier over water as well as on the dry land next to it is among the most interesting of these. Before imagining how the design of 104 luxury condominiums, 150 hotel rooms, an 18,000-square-foot health spa and a parking garage might look on the site, consider that the work was to make the wharf?s ground-level align with the gradient of the North End?s Commercial Street while simultaneously sitting above high tide and out of the way of a possible storm surge. It needed to be atop an existing, historic sea wall, too, a handmade artifact of granite blocks dating from the late 1800s that has not been touched by the new construction. Of course, the level also needed to be low enough for pedestri-ans on the public Harbor Walk to feel comfortably close to the water.

This relationship to water and land was accomplished with the help of landscape architects of the Halvorson Design Partnership. They have created an ingenious garden edge to the buildings, a sort of invisible landscaped dyke that keeps public space close to the water and private space a little higher, out of harm?s way. They also have punctured the space with what appear to be elegant concrete waves that double as curvy benches, as if sea foam had splashed through the wharf?s deck to become frozen in place.

For the architects themselves, Massachusetts waterfront development has meant adhering to design guidelines of Chapter 91, includ-ing a 55-foot building height limit, and a public open space requirement of 50 percent, rules that led The Architectural Team to create what appear to be four separate 5- and 6-story buildings. These four are connected as one just below grade, where a large glass-domed oculus in the landscape gives ample daylight to a hotel lobby and function rooms.

The rather traditional-looking brick-and-metal-clad buildings (blue-grey painted metal reflects different-colored sunlight throughout the day) transform themselves along the wharf?s long axis. Each relates to a North End/Boston vernacular image on the land side ? brick masonry, regular punched window openings, precast stone-like accents facing Commercial Street. Yet toward their culmination in the water, their design evolves, and each finally takes the stance of a nautical pilot-house, all glass and view, in their overlook of the harbor.

In a final nod to their seaside site, the roof edge of one of the two long wharf buildings creates the impression of one continuous wave. The roof itself does not actually undulate, but a screen wall makes it appear to do so, with a heavy cornice that can be seen clearly from the harbor.

The Architectural Team has not just designed wharfs, though. Stand almost anywhere in Boston and you can see a building on which the firm has worked. They have designed and renovated award-winning public buildings, hospitals, hotels, research labs, churches, boys and girls clubs, assisted-living facilities and 45,000 units of housing in and around Boston.

You might not recognize their work as a brand the way, for instance, that we identify the stamp of Frank Gehry, whose practice involves designing iterations of the same building, then placing it in a variety of cities worldwide. The Architectural Team?s practice has led them to design a wide variety of buildings and place them all in the same city: Boston. To a surprising extent, our city looks the way it does because the firm has designed it to look that way. Their work here captures the spirit of city and ocean and moment to bring us to an understanding of place. Battery Wharf? That?s Boston. It couldn?t be anywhere else.

[kz1000ps]

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[nm88]

Quality tells.

[panagnos]

I am a new member of archboston, and actually live at Battery Wharf. If anyone has any questions, happy to provide my insights. My only comment at the moment is that the outside is much more impressive that the interiors, I would love to have the architects over to show them some of the inefficient use of space and design problems in our unit.

[Padre Mike]

Welcome panagnos! I hope your time with us is fruitful. I never fail to learn something new from this wonderful group of people. I hope you'll find creative solutions to your design issues....

[Tim Jackson]

Ousted developer sues Battery Wharf lender

By Kimberly Blanton
Globe Staff / September 11, 2008

The deposed developer of the luxury Battery Wharf project on Boston's waterfront sued the project's lender yesterday for stripping his firm of its $45 million investment in the condominium and hotel complex.

The lawsuit filed by Harold Theran's development company in US District Court in Boston alleges that the lender, an AFL-CIO pension trust, charged "usurious" interest rates for an additional $12.2 million financing a year ago to pay for cost overruns to continue construction. The lender used the terms of the loan to remove Theran as the developer of the complex and make him a consultant instead. The consulting arrangement ended in June.

The suit alleges the rates on the pension fund's new loan - 25 percent - combined with delays approving work by the pension fund caused the debts on the project to pile up, amounting to an intentional "loan-to-own scheme" that effectively wipes out Theran's equity in the $300 million-plus project.

"I'm very sad it has come to this. Filing suit was the last thing we wanted, but we were left with no other choice," Theran said through a spokeswoman, Justine Griffin.

The lender, the AFL-CIO Building Investment Trust, did not return calls seeking comment. Also named in the suit are PNC Bank and PNC Realty Investors Inc., which are trustees and advisers to the AFL-CIO pension fund.

Fred Solomon, a spokesman for the parent company, PNC Financial Services Group Inc., declined to comment on the complaint because he has not seen it yet.

"We remain fully committed to the project, which as a result of our efforts over the past year, is now nearing completion," he said.

Battery Wharf is one of many super-deluxe residential complexes to come to downtown Boston, although it appears to be more star-crossed than others that have already been finished and opened to acclaim. The sales slogan is "utopia engineered" and was intended to convey the world-class amenities and services awaiting those willing to shell out $1 million to $4 million for a unit.

The complex includes a hotel, marina, parking garage, and shops, and developers promised residents of the 104 condos concierge and room service and other amenities from the adjacent hotel. In a June letter to residents, Theran said a hotel would open in the fall. However, Regent Hotels & Resorts left in July as the hotel operator, and Battery Wharf has yet to disclose a replacement. A restaurant and a spa planned for the complex have not opened.

So far 45 of the condos have been sold and closed on, with some residents living there now, while another 13 units are under agreement, according to developers.

Jon Gollinger, president of Accelerated Marketing Partners in Boston, which auctions troubled condo projects, predicted some of the buyers will try to renege on their purchase agreements because so many of the promised services are not available.

"Buyers will look for any angle to force a conversation about getting their deposit back and walking from the deal," Gollinger said. "It's happening all over the country."

The suit also includes other allegations the lender blocked Theran from taking steps to reduce the project's rapidly mounting debts and protect his company's investment. For example, Theran said he found a buyer for the hotel who agreed to pay $85 million. But after initially agreeing to that price, the suit said, the AFL-CIO fund and PNC "changed their minds."

Theran also contends the delays cost the project sales of condos and "interfered with" his efforts to obtain low-rate financing from the City of Boston that he would have used to pay down a portion of the high-cost loans.

Kimberly Blanton can be reached at blanton@globe.com.


LINK (http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2008/09/11/ousted_developer_sues_battery_wharf_lender/)

[Ron Newman]

Should anyone care about this? Will it delay the opening in any way?

[stellarfun]

Should anyone care about this? Will it delay the opening in any way?
The Regent hotel chain has backed out, and I believe they were to offer concierge services to the condo owners. And I don't know about the restaurant that was to be operated by the Michelin-starred French chef.

[JimboJones]

It's interesting (but perhaps, irrelevant) that the two waterfront hotel - condo projects (Battery Wharf and the InterContinental) have both suffered a bit in sales.

Battery Wharf has higher prices than the InterContinental, I believe, but otherwise share some similarities, in that they have multiple uses (hotels, condos, restaurants).

The appeal of being on the Waterfront may be limited.

[stellarfun]

Waterfront project signs hotel chain

Fairmont stepping in at Battery Wharf location

By Casey Ross, Globe Staff | September 18, 2008

A premier global hotel chain, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, has signed on to manage a 150-room hotel at the Battery Wharf development on Boston's waterfront, delivering a critical boost to the $300 million project following the departure of a previous hotel operator.

Fairmont's arrival provides a signature name to the project as well as the promise of delivering the high-end concierge services the developers used to market the complex's multimillion-dollar condos to buyers.

The company replaces Regent Hotels & Resorts, which left the project after a falling out with the developers. Regent's departure left the project without a luxury name needed to pitch its package of amenities to ultra-rich condo buyers. About 62 units were sold or under agreement when Regent departed, and the numbers remain about the same today, executives said.

But the Fairmont deal is a shot of good news for the project and for the city as tremendous turmoil in financial markets threatens to undermine projects from the Back Bay to the South Boston Waterfront. Tourism and real estate professionals said Fairmont's involvement will erase concerns that Battery Wharf lost its cachet after Regent's unceremonious exit.

"The most difficult part of this project was the uncertainty in this type of market," said Debra Taylor Blair, president of Listing Information Network Inc. "The fact that this brand is going in there will clear the air of future what-ifs."

Regent left abruptly in June because of "philosophical differences" that arose with Battery Wharf's developers, according to a statement issued by the parties.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino welcomed Fairmont's arrival yesterday, calling the hotel a critical link in the ongoing development of the waterfront in the North End. "They've had so many false starts on the hotel flag, so it's a positive sign that Fairmont is making the decision to locate there," he said.
An executive involved in the development said Regent's departure delayed the planned fall opening of the hotel by a few months. The hotel, to be called Fairmont Battery Wharf, is now expected to open in December.

"In the long run, it will be well worth the wait," said Kevin McCarthy, president of PNC Realty Investors, which is the trustee of an AFL-CIO pension fund invested in the project. "Fairmont is a world-class operator of luxury hotels."

McCarthy said about half of Battery Wharf's 105 condos have been sold or are under agreement. The condos are priced between $1 million and $4 million.

Fairmont is owned by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, which operates 91 hotels worldwide and is proceeding with plans to develop 25 new locations from Morocco to Shanghai. The company also operates the Fairmont Copley Hotel in Boston's Back Bay as well as The Plaza in New York City.

Paul S. Tormey, regional vice president for Fairmont, said the company quickly became interested in Battery Wharf after Regent left. "The views are spectacular, it has easy access to the airport, and it's within walking distance of the financial district," he said. "It checks all the boxes for us."

The hotel at Battery Wharf will be spread among three buildings and will include a lounge with harbor views and 6,000 square feet of meeting space.

It will also feature a restaurant designed in consultation with three-star Michelin chef Guy Martin.

Hotel rooms will feature a large work area, marble baths, and high-end audio and television systems.

Battery Wharf still faces controversy. Last week, the property's original developer, Harold Theran, filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging the project's main lender, the AFL-CIO pension trust, charged him "usurious" interest rates in a scheme to wipe out his equity and take control of the project. The lender used the terms of the loan to remove Theran as developer and make him a consultant instead. That arrangement ended in June.

McCarthy, the AFL-CIO fund representative, said the legal battle will not cause further delays for Battery Wharf. "The dispute will have no bearing on the success of this project," he said.

http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2008/09/18/waterfront_project_signs_hotel_chain/

[Lrfox]

Great hotel chain. I just stayed at their Chateau Frontenac (sp?) in Quebec City. This is a good signing.

[statler]

I'd rather they signed at Filenes...

At least there isn't a hole in the ground here.

[ShawnA]

As a member of the Hotel industry i think this is great news.The fairmont is a good chain. Keep it up boston. We need more hotel rooms here. Although I think Fairmount at Filenes would have been a great name.

[Lrfox]

http://img34.picoodle.com/img/img34/3/12/13/f_539wm_53ffbe9.jpg (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/3/12/13/f_539wm_53ffbe9.jpg&srv=img34)

Make room for Fairmont
Luxury hotel to open on Battery Wharf in uncertain time for hospitality industry

The struggle to bring a luxury hotel to Boston's Battery Wharf comes to an end with a grand opening on Monday, right in the middle of the worst recession since World War II.

It's a tough moment to open a new hotel. According to national hospitality firm PKF Consulting Inc., Greater Boston hotels will suffer a 6.5 percent drop in 2009 revenue per available room, a key measure of hotel success. Despite challenging times, the new Fairmont Battery Wharf, with daily room rates starting above $400, won't be scaling back on services or amenities even though travelers are clamping down on expenses.

"You have one chance to position a hotel," said hotel general manager Matthew Sterne. "That's what we're doing."

the rest is here: http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2008/12/13/make_room_for_fairmont/

[Bubbybu]

more prime space taken up by another hotel......such a shame

hyperbole alert: but in 20 years people who visit Boston are not going to have anything to do except visit other hotels

[czsz]

Boston has a shortage of hotels but the real estate market is down. And yes, "prime space" is often taken by hotels. Guests in cities have different expectations than homeowners or even many businesses - namely, that they won't have to commute to be near the city center.

Go to the center of any city in the world and you will see hotel after hotel after hotel.

[smw2340]

There is a nice museum that recently opened up at Battery Wharf, worthwhile to check out if you're in the area. I walked by last night and noticed that Sensing was doing some decent business, only based on the number of people I saw eating al fresco on their outdoor patio.

Also, I looked at the available floorplans and it seems as though they are only a little more than 50% sold out at this point. Sales must be going very slow. Although the activity seems to be picking up at Battery Wharf lately.