New construction across the city is on the rise requiring luxury developments to differentiate themselves with unique offerings. We'd like to highlight three extraordinary properties currently underway in the Seaport District: The EchelonSeaport, The St. Regis and Pier 4. Read on to get a glimpse of some of the captivating design features and amenities that set this trio apart.
The EchelonSeaport
Address: 133 Seaport Blvd
Number of Homes: 717 condos
Expected Occupancy: Fall 2019
Architecture and Interior Design: Kohn Pendersen Fox (PKF) and Jeffrey Beers International
Notable Features: 3 Pools, Landscaped Courtyard, Innovation Center
Just named “Best All-In-One Residence in Boston” by Boston Common Magazine, The EchelonSeaport is ready to tackle the challenge of creating a neighborly and energetic community from the blank slate of an entire city block. Globally recognized Jeffrey Beers was enlisted to create and design amenities that seek to connect residents of the 717 new construction homes siloed in three tiered towers. EchelonSeaport promises to deliver an urban resort lifestyle that draws people together in luxurious settings both indoors and out.
Their approach to developing and delivering more than just beautifully appointed residences takes note of what has worked in other popular Boston neighborhoods. Take for example the Back Bay’s Newbury Street with it’s notable boutique retailers and restaurants. The EchelonSeaport has planned a central landscaped courtyard and marketplace surrounded by restaurants offering al fresco dining and aims to fill the two floors of retail space with boutique luxury brands interspersed with art galleries. The intimacy of the courtyard setting sheltered from the noise and traffic of the city is surely a unique offering residents and visitors alike will be drawn to.
In looking at what other Boston neighborhoods and buildings had to offer, EchelonSeaport also took note of what was lacking. Setting out to make up for the shortage of outdoor pool offerings in luxury communities, EchelonSeaport offers residents two outdoor pools in addition to an indoor relaxation pool.
In the summer months, residents looking for a vibrant, energetic outdoor pool experience can grab their sunscreen and head to the Grand Pool Deck while those after a slightly more laid back pool scene will opt for the Waterfall Terrace Pool complete with cabanas and adjacent to a beautifully designed outdoor fireplace lounge outfitted with gas grills.
While these unique outdoor amenities offer residents the opportunity to take in the fresh air, the EchelonSeaport has also incorporated countless interior amenities to suit residents at all stages of life. There is, of course, an incredibly impressive fitness center and a number of beautifully designed common lounges to choose from. Perhaps the most interesting amenity planned is the Innovation Center where residents can settle in to get some work done, gather for a meeting or even participate in a hosted program. The first of its kind, we are certainly intrigued by this unique think-tank atmosphere and look forward to seeing how residents utilize it.
The St. REGIS residences
Address: 150 Seaport Blvd
Number of Residences: 114
Expected Completion: Winter 2021
Architecture and Development: Elkus Manfredi Architects and Cronin Development
Notable Features: 5 Star Butler Service, Luxury Guest Suites, Swimming Pool and signature restaurant/bar
The St. Regis, Marriott’s esteemed luxury brand, has been designed and conceived to stand out with architecture that that emulates the billowing sails of a tall ship and an atmosphere of privacy and pampering yet to be offered in such a prime waterfront location. The community will break ground on the last residential site to be developed along the Harborwalk and consists of only 114 residences, each with their own unique floor plan. What we find to be the most notable aspects of The St. Regis aren’t actually tangible amenities but rather the intangibles that accompany an elevated exclusivity for those seeking hospitality style living.
There are over forty St. Regis hotels worldwide but this Boston opening will be the brand’s second-ever venture into a standalone residential property and will offer it’s signature 24/7 butler service. As far as value-adding amenities go, this tops the list as residents will benefit from the dedicated St. Regis staff on hand to anticipate their every need from unpacking suitcases, arranging car and travel services to coordinating a caterer for a private party or event. By checking off the boxes on their “To Do” lists, this exclusive butler service offers residents the ultimate luxury amenity, time.
In a community so focused on hospitality, what kind of hosts would residents be if they weren’t able to offer guests their own luxury guest suite? An amenity offering we thought had fallen by the wayside, the two fully furnished guest suites planned for the development are a simple solution to the agonizing debate many buyers face over whether to purchase a condo with an extra bedroom for guests, be they visiting children, parents/in-laws, or guests traveling from afar for extended periods of time.
Similar to the EchelonSeaport, the St Regis has been planned with beautiful pool, although theirs will offer expansive harbor views. There will also be lounge and meeting rooms for residents but it’s the signature St. Regis bar and restaurant we foresee being the popular gathering place. If the Boston outpost takes its cues from other notable St Regis “Signature Rituals” as they are referred to, residents will be treated to the original Bloody Mary (first served in the US at it’s famed NYC King Cole’s Bar in 1934) and champagne served via the art of the sabrage.
Pier 4
Address: 300 Pier 4 Blvd
Number of Residences: 106
Expected Occupancy: Spring 2019
Architect and Developer: SHoP and Tishman Speyer
Notable Features: Private Marina with Barton & Gray partnership, Farm-to-Table restaurant, expansive private and common outdoor spaces
Inspired by Anthony’s Pier 4 restaurant which opened in the 1960’s and fused New England’s seafood culture with a hint of glamour to become a harborside hotspot for decades. Today’s Pier 4 seeks to strike that same balance between Boston’s love of the harbor and it’s revival as an iconic destination. Pier 4 offers approachable yet coveted of amenities and seems to understand that “luxury” doesn’t have to be complicated.
While it may seem simple, Pier 4 delivers amenities that may be attained individually in other developments but are seldom packaged together. We can’t think of another building that offers each resident the following: valet or self-park, private outdoor space and a water view. Every residence checks all three of those boxes with some units featuring private balconies large enough for fully functioning outdoor kitchens with gas grills, a true extension of your living space accompanied by the fresh sea air.
As luxurious as the building itself is, Pier 4 offers residents numerous ways to connect with the harbor, the two most notable being the sea steps designed by landscape architect Reed Hilderbrand and through its partnership with Barton & Gray Mariner’s Club.
The sea steps are set to open this summer and residents looking to test out a membership with Barton & Gray will be treated to a complimentary trial cruise on one of their Hinckley boats docked in the on-site private marina. Membership also opens unlimited access to their entire fleet of Hinckleys with full crews in more than 20 harbors throughout the US. At the Pier 4 marina, unforgettable experiences are curated via an in-house concierge for those seeking to unwind with a sunset cruise after a long work day or ride the harbor waves out to the islands or nearby seaside towns. A unique amenity offering that allows residents the benefits of a boat on-demand without the hassle of maintenance.
Resident’s expectations of an on-site restaurant that lives up to the dining legacy of Anthony’s Pier 4, aren’t likely to be disappointed by the opening of Kristin Canty’s new on-site farm-to-table restaurant. Canty, of local and national notoriety for her Concord, MA restaurant Wood’s Hill, the first restaurant in the country to receive three stars from the Sustainable Restaurant’s Association, aims to honor the Anthony’s legacy by delivering a convivial atmosphere, warm hospitality and sustainably caught seafood. Couple this with a spectacular waterfront setting surrounded by a new one-acre park and we foresee residents opting to take the elevator down to the restaurant on a regular basis.
Which of these luxury communities do you see yourself living in? What amenity do you find to be most appealing? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Michael Dasaro, Sarah Mooradian and Phil MacArthur
Burbs to Boston