Nauset Construction has commenced foundation work on a condominium development that will bring 55 one-and-two bedroom luxury units to one of the hottest commercial real estate markets in the nation. Situated within walking distance from both life science epicenter Kendall Square and Mass General Hospital, the project will provide much-needed condominiums to a vastly underserved market at a price point far below the downtown Boston and Seaport markets. Located at 262 Monsignor O'Brien Highway in E. Cambridge, formerly home to Lechmere Auto Wash Centers, Nauset will construct the 84,000 square foot complex for N. Andover-based owner Minco Corporation.
“We believe the timing is just right for this project, and we absolutely love the location” said Minco Managing Director Eric B. Loth, Jr. “There hasn’t been any significant condominium development in E. Cambridge for some time, and with the close proximity to Kendall Square, MGH, and the Green Line, we anticipate strong interest from the academic and life science communities as well as the hospital staff.”
Nauset began the pre-construction process in 2013 with the site’s previous owner, assisting with schedule optimization, logistics planning, trade coordination and cost-estimating. The installation of steel sheeting to shore up the foundation and provide a state of the art water control system was part of a comprehensive value engineering strategy that optimized design, means and methods while maximizing value to the project. Designed by Somerville-based Khalsa Design, Inc. (KDI), the luxury units will feature nine-foot ceilings, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. Each condominium will have a balcony and/or terrace, as well as one indoor bicycle parking space and an optional storage room. Common amenities include a covered porte-cochère pickup/drop-off area, a fitness room and an entry level lobby area with concierge service. The building design features a number of energy efficient characteristics, and will be constructed to a minimum of LEED Silver standards. The transit-oriented development is located less than ¼ mile from the Green Line, and the location has earned a Walk Score of 90 out of 100.
The construction is taking place in a tight (zero-lot line) urban infill environment, and additional challenges include a number of worktime restrictions for the heavily trafficked neighborhood. “Smoothly transitioning from our comprehensive preconstruction planning into the construction phase is extremely rewarding, and we are fortunate to be a part of this new smart-growth community,” said Nauset President Anthony Papantonis.
The project is anticipated to be completed by the fall of 2017.
