New Waltham Lofts Are Ready for Occupancy!

Original Waltham Watch Company sign taken at The Museum of Industry in Waltham

Waltham Watch Factory Lofts are now in the final stages of development. Princeton Properties has preserved the beauty of this historic Waltham landmark. The building as the name suggests was the home of the Waltham Watch Company that produced watches at the location until the mid-19th century.  Since then the expansive mixed use building until recently only housed commercial space.  Eventually once all phases of the project as complete the building will feature two restaurants, lofts, and commercial space.  

We took a tour with very high expectations of this historic industrial space. Brick walls as well as windows (blinds were provided) were left in tact while the wood was for the most part removed or covered with white ceilings. Original wood plank floors were covered with cement and then dressed in modular carpet squares. While we love carpet tiles as a practical solution for common areas, inside Lofts the squares can wear quickly. The kitchens did feature granite but no stainless here.  White appliances and light granite made the kitchen space seem large and bright.  Additionally the linoleum flooring in the kitchen area will mean easy upkeep.

Initially the property will feature 96 Lofts tucked into 2 residential floors.  The duplex style Lofts despite being on two levels (around 1,000 Square Feet total) will require some creative furniture placement as support beams can create navigation issues.  Although 1 + Den and 2 Bed Lofts are still available, all the flat style studios and smaller 1 beds (under 400 square feet) have already been rented. The new phase of larger one 1 bed Lofts are still being finished, and are going to be first floor Lofts that face the water with direct court yard access.  They will be available for a May 1 occupancy as well, but are not available to tour yet.  They will be rented starting at $1907 for around 614 square feet.

Lastly, the building will boast a large landscaped court yard for shared resident only outdoor space and a gym to be shared with the commercial tenants.  The first phase of the lofts is due to be completed and ready for occupancy on May 1, 2012.  Another phase is slated to be completed some time next year.  Prices for the duplex 1+ dens and 2 beds start around $2,000, and will most likely be rented quickly by residents who work in the area, and have been waiting a long time for an authentic Loft development in Waltham.

Pet Friendly Lofts Are Available

.

When my husband and I first considered adopting our now 10 year old greyhound Suzybella from a rescue agency we gave a lot of thought to what rental options we would be left with after adopting a dog of her size. Suzy at the time was 59 lbs. and most apartments restrict any dog breed over 25 lbs. so it was a very real consideration. We had just moved to a Loft and had no idea if management would consider Suzybella as a welcome addition. Lucky for us Suzy was welcomed after we provided documentation about a greyhounds desire to sleep all day and how they seldom bark. Dogs and cats are family and building management are starting to realize pet owners have a hard time even considering living in spaces that don't allow their fuzzy companions to move in with them.

Luckily most if not all of the Loft buildings either do allow dogs or are starting to allow even large breed dogs such as Suzy. Many management companies still do not allow certain breeds considered to be aggressive such as Pit Bulls and Rottweilers, and very large dogs such as Great Danes are usually limited to just one per apartment. These restrictions in mind charismatic dogs on this aggressive list can sometimes be granted entry after a successful dog interview with management. Of course you have to be realistic, if you know your dog will bark all day if you leave your neighbors may decided for you if your dog is welcome in the building, and all leases will typically state your pet is welcome as long as they do not disturb fellow tenants. Overall this is good news for pet owners and I hope this is a trend that continues.

If you are interested in adopting a best friend like our Suzybella contact:

Greyhound Friends Inc
www.greyhound.org
167 Saddle Hill Rd
Hopkinton, MA 01748-1192
(508) 435-5969

Fabulous Opportunity

.

Recently I had an opportunity to tour and list an elegant Loft located in downtown Salem. The only one currently available for rent in the condo building. The Loft is available for an immediate move in, and is very large at over 1600 square feet. With 16' foot ceilings this 2 bed, 2 full bath feels quite ample.

Some of the features of the building include: a wonderfully friendly and knowledgeable concierge named Kevin (think daily printed weather updates and your paper placed at your door), a pleasantly clean and organized trash and recycle room, an over 90% owner occupancy rate, modern and exceptionally well maintained lobby, multiple speedy elevators, a skylight that bathes each hallway with natural light, a pass through area used to drop off groceries and heavy packages, and mahogany entry doors with controlled key-less access. Making this the most desirable condo buildings in the city.

Once you get past the lovely features of the building you step inside the condo and are greeted by your own urban oasis. The history of the building as the former home of the Salem Laundry means this building is extremely well built. Exposed brick, Pella Windows, and solid construction mean this Loft is quite. Forced hot air central air and heat means this Loft is also very efficient heating bills are kept low.

Gourmet chefs will be right at home here with another highly prized feature of this Loft, gas cooking on the spotless stove that is built into the island. The open kitchen provides plenty of room to work in or for two people to work in. With extensive of cabinet space and a pantry area.

I haven't even mentioned: the huge private Laundry room with full size washer/dryer, the custom closets, elegant entry way with wall sconces, exposed air ducts, and CAT 5 wiring for high speed internet. With exposed brick walls, and beautiful architectural detail I can't imagine this Loft will last long in this busy summer rental season.

Oh by the way...this is a pet friendly building as well!

Charter School Becomes Sumptuous Loft-Style Homes

.

"Exposed Brick, Carpet and Hardwood, Huge Closets, Heat and Hot Water Included!"

That was the focus of several of my ads when these lofts first became available. I actually lived briefly in one with my now husband and then boyfriend. What makes these lofts unique is a bit overshadowed by what makes them such a great downtown deal. With beautiful architectural details these open floor plan loft-style homes are just what you would expect and more. Hardwood floors throughout the living area, with plush cushy neutral carpet in the bedrooms, and tile in the bath. Speaking of the bath its large in these loft-style homes with ample space to store bath products and towels.

This building converted from a charter school in 2007 to 6 separate loft-style apartment homes is one of the most unique spaces in downtown Salem. With 1 beds starting at $1,200 and 2 beds around $1,625 ($2000 for the town home style when available) with heat and hot water included, this conversion property is a well worth putting summer plans on hold to tour.

Lowell Lofts are Music to your Ears

Lowell was one of the original old mill towns to get a loft makeover.  Other mill towns, Waltham being one of them, haven't made the leap to converting there old mill buildings (no more office space, we want lofts!) to residential space.  North Andover, Haverhill, Lawrence, and especially Lowell have cashed in on there wonderful historic mills and created loft renovations and North of Boston Lofts.com applauds it!  After all what goes better with a new loft with big windows than a water view?

The Lowell Lofts as they are known include several different Loft buildings all within the same general downtown area (where the mills were originally clustered together) and within walking distance of transportation, restaurants, and shopping.  Some are strictly condos but some are dedicated to rentals.  The value here is huge!  Were talking enormous spaces with the average loft being over 1300 square feet with 14 foot ceilings these are the lofts we dream about.  

Many of the Loft buildings have fantastic amenities as well.  Board on a weekend?  Perhaps you would like to play a game of basketball on the half court in your building or visit the art gallery that features local artists who just might be your neighbor.  Speaking of artists, living in Lowell means you can be a short stroll from the Lowell Summer Music Festival.  The Festival is an annual music extravaganza that features BIG name acts (Ani Difranco!) who preform on a tiny outdoor stage in a tiny National Park area.  A great chance to see your favorite act up close and personal under the stars.       

If you are considering the Merrimack Valley I would strongly recommend considering these lofts.  These lofts are a big bang for your buck with the average loft listed at only $1250! We have to admit were a little smitten! 

To learn more about the Lowell Summer Music Series visit: www.lowellsummermusic.org