Jamaica Plain kicks off 2011 with the addition of Bartlett Square

2010 was box office year for Jamaica Plain real estate. There were certainly some ups and downs and working with the banks has been no cake walk – but Jamaica Plain homes have held in there for the long haul. JP has that certain je ne sais quoi that can be found no where else in Boston.

Although the commercial side of Jamaica Plain had some shake ups along Centre and South Streets, and there’s some controversy over the new Whole Foods market scheduled to fill the Hi-Lo space, the east side of the MBTA tracks is still decidedly lacking restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, etc. making those locations somewhat less desirable due to the distance to amenities. However, it look like Jamaica Plain might be inching closer to a balanced commercial and retail base as several large projects move forward

While I reserve my opinions on some of the proposed and partially completed projects for a later date, some of them I find downright exciting. I happen to live on Amory Street near The Brewery and the new project at Bartlett Square has my eye.

I attended one of the community meetings when the project was in the planning stage and I was immediately impressed with how well Maple Hurst Builders handled the design integration with the surrounding buildings not to mention the complicated traffic and parking issues in the area. I held my breath that the project would pull through and maintain the overall “spirit” that had been proposed at that meeting. It has surpassed all expectations thus far.

I was immediately impressed with how well Maple Hurst Builders handled the design integration of Bartlett Square with the surrounding buildings, not to mention the complicated traffic and parking issues in the area.

I’ve done a lot of traveling throughout the United States, paying special attention to the architecture and infrastructure of various places along the way. It’s something I find very interesting, and to be frank, after visiting some of these places, parts of Boston are underwhelming in terms of development. It seems that often in an attempt to maintain strict planning and zoning rules in an effort to maintain a rigid historic Boston vernacular – the overall city suffers. I yearn for more creativity and variance but it is so rare.

Enters Bartlett Square. Don’t get me wrong, it’s no Frank Gehry fantasy (not a fan actually) but rather a very well designed addition to the neighborhood. The project fits nicely with the rows of old brick buildings between Amory and Washington Streets while tipping it’s hat to a more and more eco-conscious, modernist market.

Specializing in the redevelopment of under-utilized urban properties, Maple Hurst Builders has earned particular acclaim for the development, design and construction of in-fill projects that enhance their respective Boston neighborhoods by artfully blending classic architecture with contemporary details.

Each residence crafted by Maple Hurst Builders is distinctive, featuring amenities and workmanship typically reserved for custom-built homes.

Respect for the environment has always been an integral element of the design and construction of every project. Green building and sustainable construction are not merely marketing terms at Maple Hurst Builders. Resource and energy conservation, judicious use of materials and permanence of the structure are paramount. Maple Hurst Builders always will strive to deliver properties of unsurpassed value and enduring beauty.

The development at Bartlett Square is pursuing a rigorous eco-conscious design including solar panels that will support hot water and common electric needs, bike storage, a Kone “eco-efficient” elevator, Energy Star appliances, high efficiency heating and cooling and vegetative green roof, etc.

Bartlett Square employs serious eco-conscious design

In addition to the 13 condo units (two of which are affordable units per city of Boston guidelines) there will be three desperately needed retail spaces ranging from 775 SF to 1875 SF. I’m swooning at the mere idea of some healthy food options. Personally, I have my eye on a certain live foods restaurant. I suppose what stores go in will have a dramatic effect on the area and help determine the personality of that portion of the neighborhood.

I believe this section of Jamaica Plain has some amazing history and architecture, setting it apart from the more bucolic JP that is west of the MBTA line. The Brewery District and abutting neighborhoods seem to have the potential to be something like Williamsburg in Brooklyn or parts of Portland, OR. I like the grittier feel and the antique brick structures.

Locationally, the project is the bomb. Some of my favorite places in Jamaica Plain are all within walking distance. Just a few doors down from a little bodega and a block from Canto 6 with it’s steamed up windows and ridiculously mouth watering pastries and sandwiches. BMS Paper is Valhalla for party people. One of the best kept secrets in Boston IMO. You can get anything from industrial kitchen supplies to wine glasses for about $.50 each. I’m saving up for the “diner” plates they have. You know, those thick, heavy plain white plates and cups that are so strong they last for 50 years? Next on the list is Axiom Center for New and Experimental Media.

AXIOM is located at the corner of Green and Armory Streets. The gallery is on the ground floor level of the Green Street train stop on the Orange line at 141 Green St. A little about Axiom from their website:

Axiom was founded in 2004 by Heidi Kayser as an artist’s collective who originally exhibited work in a collaborative studio space. From 2005 to 2009, Axiom grew into a non-profit center whose mission is to support and nurture cutting-edge contemporary art practice through exhibitions, events, education and collaboration.

In 2010, Axiom merged with Boston Cyberarts, the organizers of the renowned biennial festival, the Boston Cyberarts Festival.

In 2011, Axiom returns to a collaborative management practice by forming the new Axiom Group, a collective of artists who curate exhibitions and events, provide educational programming, exhibit their own work, and participate in day-to-day operations. We are not currently accepting new members, but we love short term volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering or interning, (up to three college credits available) contact us: info@axiomart.org.

From the gallery at Green Street station, heading north up a gorgeous bike and pedestrian path takes you right by The Brewery complex which is home to some of Jamaica Plain’s favorite businesses. Bella Luna and the Milky Way pump out the best hand made galactic eats this side of the galaxy. You can’t go wrong with a Simple Simon and one of the Sam Adams brew made specially for this establishment. Next door is Ula Cafe, a treasure trove of delectable breakfast yummy treats and creatively combined sandwiches. Everything there seems to be fair trade, consciously sourced, etc. Stop in for an excellent cup a Joe and free Wi-Fi. When you’ve had your fill of some exotic strada or your favorite – the bacon, cheddar and chive scones, and you’re feeling a bit lumpy, you can jog upstairs to the massive Mike’s Fitness. Mike’s is a great gym and you’ll find, like the rest of Jamaica Plain, Mike’s is pretty diverse. Anyone will feel comfortable working out here. My favorite spot is on the recumbant bike or the Cybex elliptical in front of the huge windows overlooking the MBTA tracks and the Southwest Corridor.

As the project proceeds, I’ll keep you informed with more updates. If you have any questions in the meantime don’t hesitate to ask. If you’d like to hear it from the horse’s mouth in person, you can speak to the developers of Bartlett Square at the 1st Annual Jamaica Plain Home Energy Fair, Saturday March 5th, 9:30-1 pm at Bella Luna.

I can relate to the ‘crack den’ comment on the architect’s website as this is basically what my house was when I bought it and began renovating 6 years ago. The idea of renovating old houses with modern interiors is very fun – and guilt free if it was a run down old dump to begin with! Check out those downspouts too! I love them! I can’t stop using exclamation points!

From Platform 5: Mapledene Road is situated in a conservation area in Hackney. The property had been stripped of virtually all its period features and had become run down and used as a “crack den” leaving it ripe for modernisation. The cellular ground floor was opened up and extended to the rear to allow the spaces to flow into each other and to the garden. The kitchen and patio areas are unified by a concrete floor and London stock brick garden wall. The expansive glass roof opens up the view to the sky giving the space an external character.The project has been shortlisted for the RIBA Awards, AJ Small Projects Awards and the Grand Designs Awards 2009.

Platform 5 Hackney House Extension

Last year I attended a couple rather tense and sometimes heated meetings regarding the potential development at the corner of Green and Amory Streets in Jamaica Plain. This writer is of the opinion that The plan by Chris DeSisto of Maplehurst Builders was outstanding – at least in regard to the drawings, renderings and concepts shown that night in the E13 community room. If I remember correctly the DeSisto said the project would consist of roughly 13 units atop a commercial retail space. The community chimed in on what types of stores they would like to see including a cafe and an art supply store (personally, I think art supplies would be awesome, but question how viable this would be at this location.) There was to be parking below for the residential as well as a indentation to the sidewalk on Green allowing for, I think, three more cars to park short term during the day to patronize the stores, and then for the public in the evenings. It was a well thought, attractive and impressive plan. Unfortunately, the lot is still empty with nary a rock out of place.

Mixed use development by Maplehurst Builders

The project seemed to get through all the usual complicated hurdles such as the JP zoning committee and the BRA zoning board. The Maplehurst website shows the last news on the project as being a lawsuit filed by Carlysle Engineering late in June at the Superior Court.  Personally I’m hoping that the recession and the complications with the less than popular Carlysle Engineering hasn’t stopped this project completely. The Brewery District desperately needs the Amory Corridor to be developed. The existing junkyard look of the stretch from Green St. to the Foundry Lofts is terrible for the neighborhood. Even the anti-gentrification folks couldn’t argue that improving this length of Amory could only do good for the neighborhood. The billboard on the lot ajoining 154-160 Green St. came down a few weeks ago as well. It previously had a sign stating that there was future commercial space for rent by Denenburg Realty but there is nothing about it on the comapany website currently.

Just down from these projects, across the Green St. and adjacent to the T station is a new building that appears to be for various commercial offices and such.

It’s fairly plain but a fairly attractive piece of architecture. It’s clear that this side of the tracks is less afraid of a little modernization. The new building in the area seem to be trying to mesh fresh, clean lines with brick to call out to some of the historic buildings nearby.

It is my distinct hope that this area will continue to develop with this unorthodox Boston architecture as I am tres bored with the 1800′s! There I said it.

Hey dudes and dudettes – I’ve been a subscriber to Dwell Magazine for sevaral years. Recently I signed up as a user on Dwell Connect. It’s actually a really great resource for all things modern. There are forums for almost everything related to the home and the modern market. I’m especially interested in the discussions about renovations, construction, green building practices, etc. There’s also this really cool feature called simply, “People Map“. You just drop in all your specifications like, role, region, state, reason for joining, interests, etc. and it will hook you up with people you would like to talk to or hire or whatever. It’s a really neat tool for connecting people. Just FYI

Connect to all your mordernist peeps

Home Warranties are your friend. Home warranties cover repair and/or replacement costs when appliances and other systems in your home quit working properly. A home warranty can be purchased by either a home buyer or seller, and they are often paid for at closing when they are part of a sales contract. In a neighborhood like Jamaica Plain, where most of the real estate is 100+ years old, a home warranty could be worth it’s weight in gold.

If you are constructing a new home it’s likely your builder is required to provide a one year or more warranty for problems you might encounter after closing. The warranties we’re talking about here are a little different, since they cover any home, no matter what its age. However, keep in mind there is a reason why builders agree to these…they protect the builder as much a s they protect the buyer. They limit the scope of work you can ask for and put a timeline on it. Make sure you’ve thoroughly inspected the unit before signing on the dotted line, and don’t assume you can fall back on the warranty to get puncholist items finished. Put them in writing in very clear terms right in the beginning. Need I mention the need for a Buyer’s Agent who is experienced with new construction?

A Home Warranty is Not Hazard Insurance

Don’t confuse a home warranty with a hazard insurance policy. A warranty replaces items that fail on their own. Your hazard insurance takes care of items damaged in fires, by wind or by other covered events.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Standard home warranty coverage differs quite a bit by provider, so be sure to study each policy carefully before selecting one.

• Many standard home warranties pay repair or replacement costs for plumbing systems, appliances and the heating and cooling units.
• Some home warranties cover the roof of your home.
• Warranty coverage for a private well, septic system and other items can often be purchased by paying an additional fee when you purchase the policy.

Warranty coverage is sometimes different for buyers and sellers. For instance, a standard policy might not pay a seller’s repair bill if the furnace fails before closing, but it will cover the buyer if that happens after the sale. Read the fine print to be sure about warranty coverage for your particular situation.  If you’re working with a real estate agent, ask for literature from home warranty providers.

How Long Is The Home Covered?

A typical home warranty policy is effective for one year with an option to renew coverage upon expiration. The renewal cost might be higher than the fee paid for the initial policy.

How Much Does A Home Warranty Cost?

Cost varies, but a standard home warranty policy is typically $350 to $450.

Comparing Home Warranties

Grab a sheet of paper and list items that you wish to be covered down the left-hand side. To the right, make a separate column for each policy provider. Check-off items that are covered by each one.

• Which items are included in the standard coverage?
• Which items must be added on as separate policies? How much extra will it cost to add them?
• What’s the co-payment? This is the amount you’ll pay when a repair person comes out to fix a failed system. Similar to a health insurance co-payment, it generally covers the entire cost of the repair.
• Has the warranty company been around long enough to show you a good track record for customer service?