The original name for Boston and its Back Bay ties

Chris — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:06:41 +0000

In my first post on Boston’s infamous Back Bay, I used a quote from someone describing what was once a fetid fens, and turning it into one of the most desirable areas of the country. The creation of Back Bay, was truly stunning in its scope of work, but perhaps of even greater importance is how its creation totally changed the Boston landscape.

Boston was originally called Tremontaine, a name that meant trimount or 3 mountains. The name was later changed to Saint Botolph’s Town named after the patron saint of travelers and farming, two things to key to Boston’s early residents. This name was later shortened to Boston. However, it is the first name that is the most important. Tremontaine was the name given for the topographical features of the area originally. If you look around the city today, you’d be hard pressed to believe it originally contained three hills. The reason for this is that two and half of them were destroyed and used as fill in the creation of Back Bay and other parts of Boston.

The first hill does still exist but in a much shorter form. Beacon Hill was one of the original hills that made up the trimount. The hill had its top chopped off and was used to help fill in the area that has become Back Bay. The flat area at the top of Beacon Hill where the statehouse now resides is where they stopped.

The second hill that made up part of the trimount was Mount Vernon. Yes, this hill does live on in the form of a street on Beacon Hill, but the hill itself is no more. The entire hill was destroyed and used as fill for Back Bay and other parts of the city.

The third and finale hill was Pemberton. Almost all traces of this hill have vanished from Boston. There is no street named after it no remnants can be found. It is fairly safe to say that city planners clearly didn’t view this hill with much respect as they did everything they could to get rid of it.

Boston’s Back Bay truly has forever changed the city in more ways than one. It’s an incredible feat of engineering and a great place to call home. If you’re interested in finding a home in Back Bay please feel free to contact me for more information.

Why does the first block of Marlborough go the other way?

Chris — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:05:47 +0000

The first block of Marlborough St. is many things to many people. To some, it’s where they call home. To others, it’s beautiful part of Back Bay to take a walk down. But, to many it’s an example of quirky Boston streets. While I’ll focus on the home part in a different post, let’s focus on the quirky Boston street part today. Why does the first block of Marlborough Street go in the opposite direction of the rest of the street? It goes against the rest of the streets in Back Bay which all have a defined direction and maintain it. The answer as to why the first block reverses direction, is actually a result of the Commonwealth Mall. I know some of you are now scratching your heads, you’re wondering how the Commonwealth Mall has anything to do with Marlborough st.? As you’ll soon see, it has a lot to do with it.

The mall many years back, was home to a large number of prostitutes. I know it’s hard to envision that today, with so many people walking their dogs, playing frisbee and enjoying this green area right in the middle of the city. The mall prostitutes were quite popular it seems, and Johns would drive up Commonwealth Ave looking for some paid pleasure. The route most commonly taken was coming down Arlington Street and making a right on to Commonwealth Ave driving all the way up to Mass. Ave and turning right and right again to come back down Marlborough Street. This would of course lead back to Arlington where they could begin the loop again. This loop allowed Johns to troll over and over again.

Eventually, the city started cracking down on prostitution throughout the city and especially in Back Bay. The mayer of Boston at the time, had the direction of the first block of Marlborough Street reversed, making it impossible for Johns to easily complete a loop and come back up the Commonwealth Mall. Despite, the unlikelyhood that prostitutes would again start showing up on the Mall, the first block continues to go in the opposite direction of the rest of the street to this day. For some this quirky little section of Marlborough is an annoyance. For those who know the reason behind it’s quirkiness, it’s just another piece of Boston’s famous history.

Watermark Cambridge

Chris — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:35:56 +0000

Video Tour of the Watermark in Cambridge! For more information feel free to contact me at cdunn@warrenre.com

Spooner Residence

Chris — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:24:10 +0000

As the first post of my Back Bay History Series I figured I should start with a place I know well, so I’ll start with a former residence of mine. The Spooner Residence or 23 Commonwealth Ave as it is known to many, was built in 1868. The home was built right along side it’s sister home 21 Commonwealth Ave. Daniel Spooner and his wife Elizabeth were the original owners of 23 Commonwealth Ave. Daniel had been a partner in the China shipping firm of Russell and Co. Daniel unfortunately wasn’t able to enjoy his beautiful new home and died in August of the following year. His wife however, continued to live at the home for another 12 years before leaving.

The property changed hands many times in the following years but perhaps the most interesting owner was Mary Brandegee who lived there in 1925 as the wife Edward Deshon Brandegee. Mary was the grand-daughter of shipping and railroad magnet William Fletcher Weld. She was the owner of the home up until around 1938.

The building continued to remain a single family home until 1975, when in September of that year the owner converted the home in four units. A year later the units were converted into condos. Today, the four units are individual owned with many long time residents. The last unit sold in the building was 1800 sq. ft and sold for $1.81 million. For more information on this building or possible buyers representation please feel free to give me a call 860-463-8361.

Former Mass Governor Sells Mansion

Chris — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:44:32 +0000

Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts, decided it was time to liquidate some assets. So what did he do, he put his tiny little Utah ski chalet up for sale. The small home comes in at around 9,500 sq. ft. The home sits on 11 acres and has been called the “perfect retreat” by it’s owners. The Deer Valley home is currently priced at $5.25 million. Romney has also decided to sell his local mansion in Belmont Ma. The home is slightly smaller than the ski chalet coming in at 6,400 sq. ft. The pink Belmont colonial sits on 2.5 acres and has an incredibly well maintained lawn. The price for this former first home has yet to be determined.

Number of People Who Pay Their Mortgage on Time

Chris — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 02:42:33 +0000

What percentage of Americans actually pay their mortgage on time? This is not a question that gets asked a lot. For those lucky enough to catch the nightly news tonight, you caught them talking about backlash to the bailout bill passed this week. The most interested part of this whole talk though came right at the very end. Right around the 3:20 mark we find out that 92% of Americans pay their mortgages on time. This number seems incredibly high when all you hear about every night is the number of places falling into foreclosure. Check out the video below to see for yourself.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

New Series

Chris — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 17:34:33 +0000

As many of you might already know, Back Bay is without a doubt my favorite part of the city. It’s breathtakingly beautiful in ways that other neighborhoods can’t capture. Steeped in rich history, it is also one of the best known neighborhoods in all of Boston. In the coming weeks I’ll be doing a new series of postings that highlight the history of this incredible neighborhood. I’ll be giving you the history of the many homes for sale today and a few other stories you might not have known. I’ll end this post with some thoughts on the Back Bay from one of its residents.

“The creation of Boston’s Back Bay was one of the largest and most visionary undertakings of its time. Transforming a fetid fens into one of the country’s most beautiful urban landscapes, its daring development embodied the attributes of its creators. It was a forward thinking, yet practical solution, designed with great style, on a grand scale.

When completed, the Back Bay transformed the size, scope and nature of its environment. Immediately, capitalists, philanthropists, doctors, educators, writers and artists flocked to live there and the mix was a powerful amalgamation of some of the nation’s greatest talent.

Today, its longevity and worldwide admiration are a testament to its achievement. In a changing world, the Back Bay has endured and prospered.”

Battery Wharf

Chris — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 19:11:21 +0000

I recently got to take a tour of the new Battery Wharf condos located at 2 Battery Wharf in the North End/Waterfront area. The Residences at Battery Wharf are part a complex that includes the Fairmont Hotel at Battery Wharf. This type of joint venture is becoming more common place in Boston, as luxury buildings try to offer more hotel like services to condo owners. The ability to have food delivered or multiple restaurants just steps away is certainly very convenient. The complex includes 104 luxury condos and a 376 car underground garage. There are also deeded boat slips for those that are interested.

The units themselves are rather impressive and designed to keep the feel of the surrounding area. The model units showcase what I would call nautical chic. They are the perfect blend of luxury finishes with little details to remind you of the beautiful surrounding area. Each of the units has outdoor space that takes advantage of the harbor views and is the perfect place to spend a warm spring or summer evening. The units range in size from 900 sq. ft one bedrooms to 3,200 sq. ft 3 bedroom homes. The kitchens feature top of the line appliances and custom cabinets. The bathrooms are all marble and many take advantage of the view of the harbor. Designed to give you total peace of mind, in some units you can sit in the jacuzzi tub and look right out to the harbor.

Battery Wharf condo prices start at $825,000 and go up to $5,200,000. If your interested in scheduling a showing to see these magnificient condos, please give me a call at 860-463-8361. Or send me an email at cdunn@warrenre.com.

Gallery Below:

Navy Yard 33

Chris — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:56:50 +0000

Navy Yard 33 is one of the newest developments located in the Charlestown Navy Yard. The Building is the latest in a series of loft buildings being built in and around the Boston area. The developers have decided to keep the entire building as rental apartments for the time being, so there should always be some availability. The former Navy barracks have been converted into a combination of duplex and single floor lofts. The single floor lofts provide a much greater area for entertaining. The bedrooms of this floor plan are roughly 9.5 by 10 and each unit has washer and dryer. The kitchens are all brand new stainless steel appliances and with granite counters and custom cabinets. If you like what you see, feel free to give me a call to setup an appointment. 860-463-8361 or Email Me

Gallery Below:

Kenmore Square 2 bed Video Tour

Chris — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 01:51:14 +0000