DNA Lofts in Boston

[UrbanCommunities]

A new residential development is about to hit the market, this one is called DNA Lofts and should be opening to the public next week.

This is how the development team describes it:

DNA Lofts at 944 Dorchester Ave., a truly unique conversion of an old printing press into modern and creative live-in loft spaces.

The 3 story building consists of 60 residential units with 2 elevators, garage parking, an impressive roof deck, a courtyard and an exterior parking lot.

These loft style homes are available in a number of different floor plans, they all have multiple oversized double-pane windows, bamboo or polished concrete floors, high ceilings, some with mezzanines, exposed beams, top of the line kitchens with black granite tops and stainless steel appliances. Great views, proximity to public transportation, the beach and area restaurants are just some of the amenities you’ll find at DNA Lofts.

Prices start in the mid $200Ks with parking.

Here are some recent photos of DNA Lofts:

[pelhamhall]

This is right around the corner from where I live - it's a very dense, very urban-looking project and I am praying it will be successful. It had been known as "Crescent Court" which was a horrible name for urban product, but apparently the marketing hasn't begun in full yet. I like the new name, but don't "get it"

The obstructionist Savin Hill community group would not allow retail on the ground floor, so to the Dot Ave streetscape, this is a unfortunately a dead block.

From the people that I know who really and truly know this market, this property is over-priced and will probably have a fire sale or (more likely) become rentals. Look to the Carruth for an example of overly-aggresive pricing in a transitional market and you'll see the results (0 units sold)

The construction/brickwork looks great in person by the way - they really got the details down right. I like this development a lot and think the developer has done a great job with the product - I'm just praying they'll get the branding, marketing, pricing and selling done right too.

[pelhamhall]

This is the project's website with a rendering:

http://www.raicoh.com/crescent_courts_dorchester_ma.htm

[UrbanCommunities]

I have been in it and it is awesome, the windows are huge, some have 16+ foot ceilings, the roof deck is really nice, most views are great. I think it will do well, if you are looking for a condo in the neighborhood your only choices are converted triple deckers with no parking, elevator or a/c.. I also live in the neighborhood and have noticed a good number of South Enders transitioning to this area.

[pelhamhall]

I moved here from the South End - but I live in a fully renovated (with parking and central a/c) Victorian condo, I left the whole brick loft thing when I left the South End. Hey - I hope they go gang-busters and sell out every single unit at huge prices, my real estate friends seem to think they're shooting for the moon on a $/SF basis. The developers of the Carruth had the same angle "Well, there's nothing quite like it in this market, it's way better than anything" and what they're finding is that is not necessarily a good thing. Anyway, I'm pysched they did away with the Crescent Court name (sounds like an assisted living facility in Walpole) and think the DNA Lofts name could make for some fun marketing/branding.

[CondoDomain]

Hey all.
New to ArchBoston - excited to become more involved.

I have heard some whispers on this DNA Lofts in DOT ... great to see some pictures. CBRB New Homes division is marketing this project, right?

On note of the Carruth & Schoolhouse at Lower Mills - I think you are going to see these developments get very aggressive pricing..well I know Schoohouse is already there.

[pelhamhall]

Aggressive pricing = Fire Sale

There are three major condo developments in Dorchester:

1) The Schoolhouse - 100 units, developer trying to create a new upscale market for the area. Results: 0 sold

2) The Carruth - 65(?) units, developer trying to create a new upscale market for the area. Results: 0 sold

3) DNA Lofts - 60-70 units - developer is trying to create a new upscale market...

uh oh...

There is a lot going for DNA Lofts though, it's very close to the JFK T Stop, and it's very close to I-93 - access is incredible and the construction and quality is very good (according to several people who have been inside). But it needs some amenities to justify a high price - where's the pool, the fitness center, etc?

Right now everything is speculation b/c nothing has been announced, but the developers that I know (from local offices) have labeled this one a possible disaster-in-the-making. I certainly hope not - it's a great building in a great location - but I think JimboJones can attest to what happens when developers ignore the advice of the market's leading real estate brokers.

[cden4]

The problem is there is not an unlimited market for "luxury" condos and apartments. The developers seem to think there is. What there is a market for is moderately priced housing that is a good value. It seems to me that if you're trying to bring new people into an area that is "up-and-coming", the people you should be appealing to are those in their 20s and 30s who are looking to buy a place, are willing to take a risk on a neighborhood, but don't have $400K and up to spend.

[Padre Mike]

Welcome, CondoDomain. I hope you enjoy this blog as much as I do and contribute freely your thoughts and opinions. We're here to entertain all possibilities!!

[JimboJones]

The prices for Carruth and Schoolhouse are in the low- to mid-$200,000s, and up. And there are only 60 units at the Schoolhouse.

I think those are fair prices.

Anyway, let's talk architecture, not real estate price!