The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) defines urban design as "the art and science of shaping a city's public realm, collectively comprised of public spaces, the activities that occur within them, and the buildings that frame them."An Urban Design Departmentplays a key role within the BPDA. That department's staff is charged with making sure Boston's historic character remains intact in conjunction with contemporary development.The group uses design principles and visual aids to inform development planning studies about the appropriateness of various heights, densities, and characteristics.The design review process looks at projects large and small, and also takes into consideration how the public in particular, pedestrians can interact with related open spaces, streets, and anything else at ground level.The BPDA also has a full time model builder who keeps the wooden city model (shown here) up to date. It doesn't show all of the city, but much of the downtown area, including Back Bay, Beacon Hill, the North End, and Charlestown.Learn more about the BPDA and what its Urban Design Department does, and how, here.
Are you planning a relocation to Boston, or thinking about whichBoston neighborhoodsyoud like to live in?If youhavequestions about buying or selling Boston real estate, please call me at
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Boston Real Estate Headlines:
- South Boston Power Plant Redevelopment Hits a Couple of Bumps
- Boston Construction Activity Booming with 14M Square Feet of Development Underway
- Boston Flower Exchange Redevelopment Envisions Tech Campus to Rival Kendall
Featured Boston Real Estate:
- 145 FifthStreet, East Cambridge $739,000
- 301 Shawmut Avenue, #33, South End $899,990
- 107 ChestnutStreet, #44, Beacon Hill $2,099,000
This large Beacon Hill 2 bed condo is on Chestnut Street on the flat of the hill. It has top of the line renovation and finish work. A second and third floor duplex, it has 2.5 bathrooms.This home has classic charm and detail combined with modern finishes including central air conditioning, two fireplaces, hardwood floors throughout, white marble baths, and a chef's kitchen. It is located just one block to the Boston Public Garden, the Charles River, and all the shops on Charles Street.See more photos and details for 
The Charlestown Navy Yard waterfront has recently been the subject of some imaginative development ideas, according to the Boston Herald.Ideas ranging from an outdoor theater, a climbing wall, floating plant installations, an outdoor gym, a maritime research center, and more have been suggested as ways to activate the waterfront.Suggestions camefrom a local installation artist, BOS Urban Architecture, Boston Harbor Now, Context LLC, DC Beane and Associates Construction, the Navy Yard Community Association, and Sea Boston. Context LLC's proposal included condos and a light tower onPier 5.The Charlestown Marina had some thoughts on the matter, too: 
This South End 3 bed condo is a duplex featuring 2.5 baths, an open concept living area with a gas fire-place, surround sound wiring, 7-inch wide oak floors throughout, chef's kitchen with custom high-gloss white cabinetry, stone counter-tops with a waterfall edge, and professional grade appliances.The master bedroom has a walk-in closet and an ensuite bath with rain-head shower and Porcelenosa tile. There are amazing city views from two oversizde decks which are hard-lined for electricity, gas and water. This location issteps away from both Back Bay and the South End. One direct access parking space is available for purchase for $95,000.Seemore photos and details of 
Are you searchingfora Boston condo or single family home? Here are the Boston open houses scheduled forSaturday & Sunday, May 20& 21,in the downtown Boston neighborhoodsand beyond. Click on the neighborhoods of interest to you to see the open house listings.Inventory of Boston condos and homes for sale is still historically low, and that can result in properties goingunder agreement quickly. If youreserious about buying, I recommend that you get toopenhouses as soon as newproperties come on the market.If you can,go withanexperienced broker. That would be me 25 years and counting! That is,someone who canexpertly advise you, prepare and present anoffer for you, negotiate in your interests, and guideyour transaction throughthe various potential pitfallsthat can derail a Boston real estate deal. If you cant have me attend with you, please write my name in with yours on the sign-in sheet.In my 25 years in the Boston real estate market, I havehelpedhundreds of people buy and sell Boston condos and homes. If you need assistance, call me.
The Mandarin-Oriental Residences is located in the heart of the Back Bay, attached to the Prudential Center, very near to Copley Place, and only a block from Newbury Street. The ultra-luxurious homes of the Mandarin-Oriental Boston were designed for a clientele accustomed to the highest level of finish and service in the world. Located just steps from the best restaurants and shopping that Boston has to offer, this building is loaded with amenities. Valet garage parking, 24/7 concierge and doorperson, a 15,000 square foot fitness center and spa, a hair salon, 5-star hotel services, in-house fine dining restaurants, and direct indoor access to the Prudential Centerare a few of them. Built in 2008, this mid-rise building is one of the most sought-after residential buildings in the city.Here's a totally renovated, top of the line everything 2 bed condo at the 
Boston's Fort Point area, according to the Boston Planning & Development Agency, was first developed in the 1830s by the Boston Wharf Company. It was one of the principal marketplaces for wool in the United States throughoutthe 20th century. Fast forward to the early late 20th and early 21 century, where it became a popular place for artists to live in warehouse or manufacturing buildings that had been converted to studios and lofts. Now a Landsmark District, the neighborhood is home to art galleries and studios, and to too many fine and casual dining establishmentsto name.Fort Point'supcoming 9-unit condo development, known as 10 Farnsworth, is due to be completed in October of this year. A mixed-use building, it will have a 1,765 square foot communal roof terrace with a fireplace, outdoor kitchen and, of course, Boston skyline views. A mix of 1- , 2- , and 3-bedroom units, 10 Farnsworthfeatures residences with direct elevator access, open floor plans, 9 foot ceilings, and high-end finishes and appliances. The ground floor will have retail spaces, as well as a 12 space parking garage.This Fort Point location is a short walk to Boston'sHarborwalk. TheHarborwalk runs along the piers, connecting the neighborhoodto a 45-mile waterfront path network. The building is also within steps of Flour Bakery & Cafe, The Childrens' Museum, Bon Me, Fort Point Market, Trillium Brewing Company, Lucky's Lounge, Pastoral, and Tavern Road. It's just a block from Seaport Avenue, with entertainment and activitiessuch as King's Bowling, Icon Showplace Theater, Equinox Fitness, and more dining options.If you're interested in learning more aboutthis upcoming condo building, or have any questions at all about buying or selling Boston real estate,please call me at
This lovely South End 2 bed condo is nestled at the heart of the coveted Eight Streets section of the South End, only steps away from Union Park, Ringgold Park, Peters Park, dozens of restaurants (including South End Buttery, Kava, Coppa, Franklin Cafe', The Butcher Shop, B&G Oyster, The Gallows, Boston Chops), gourmet grocers and all that the South End has to offer.Its features include 1,044 square feet of open living space, a generous living room with high ceilings, detail and wood burning fireplace, a separate dining area, hardwoodfloors, a renovated kitchen with updated cabinets, stainless appliances & quartz countertops, central A/C and washer/dryer.This beautiful corner home has many large windows and wonderful natural light. This condo offers Victorian, Landmark District protected South End charm, superb location, abundance of natural light, elegance and amenities. The Hotel Union building is professionally managed as well aspet friendly.See more details and photos for 