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Fresh Pond Place Condos – Cambridge Condominiums
Fresh Pond Place Condos - Cambridge MA
The Fresh Pond Place condos offer many amenities for Cambridge MA real estate buyers. Located in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood, just across Huron Ave from the Fresh Pond Reservation, Fresh Pond Place residents will have no shortage of recreational opportunities.
Fresh Pond Place Condominiums
Fresh Pond Place, built in the early 1980s, was Cambridge’s first planned community of townhouses in condominium ownership. Fifty-seven townhouses were built in three phases. Landscaped courtyards, walkways and bridges connect the townhouses in the association. Lower level driveways lead to condo residents’ garage parking and to guest parking.
There are several townhouse floor plans at Fresh Pond Place. Townhouses range in size from 1325 sq. ft. to over 1800 sq. ft. laid out on two to four levels. Condos have skylights, decks, central air conditioning, central vac and garage parking for one or two cars. Other features in some units include greenhouse dining areas, balconies, and patios.
Fresh Pond Place has an indoor recreation center with a 16′ by 45′ swimming pool, changing rooms, sauna and a whirlpool. Across the street at Fresh Pond Reservation there is a public golf course, tennis courts, playground and a two mile path for walking or jogging around Fresh Pond Reservoir. The area is popular with dog owners and Fresh Pond Place is pet friendly.
Buses to Harvard Square run by Fresh Pond Place and the Alewife Red Line T stop is nearby. Commuting to Boston or to Route 2, 93 and 128 is easy from this convenient location. The shops and restaurants in Huron Village are a pleasant walk and Star Market is close by.
Recent Sales of Fresh Pond Place Townhouse Condos:
- 53 Fresh Pond Place - four room, two bedroom, 2.5 bath 1483 sq. ft. condo with one garage space sold for $405,000
- 42 Fresh Pond Place – five room, two bedroom, 2.5 bath 1481 sq. ft. condo with one garage space sold for $411,500
- 17 Fresh Pond Place – five room, two bedroom, 2.5 bath 1460 sq. ft. condo with two garage spaces sold for $450,000
- 676 Huron Ave – seven room, three bedroom, 2.5 bath 1721 sq. ft. condo with two garage spaces sold for $497,000
SEARCH FOR CONDOS AT FRESH POND PLACE
Check out other condo buildings near Fresh Pond and Alewife here.
Somerville and Cambridge Schoolhouse Condos
Lowe School Condos in Davis Square
Somerville and Cambridge have several schoolhouse condominium associations and more on the way. Schoolhouse condos are popular with real estate buyers who appreciate the large windows, high ceilings, and vintage details often found in these condominiums.
My favorite school was in a similar large old brick building, the Dale Street School in Medfield Mass. I still remember the breezes that came through the oversized windows, the wide hallways and stairs, and the water bubblers that lined the hall. Happily it’s still used as a school but if it’s ever converted to condos I’ll be first in line. The converted schools in Cambridge and Somerville give real estate buyers the opportunity to relive – just a bit – their schooldays.
Condos in Converted Schools in Cambridge
The Lincoln School Condos on Walden and Mead Streets are very close to Porter Square. This large former school has been divided into just twenty condominiums, with a number of spacious condos measuring more than 1500 sq. ft. There’s less of a schoolhouse feel in these condos though the large windows and super high ceilings make for dramatic and open spaces. Condos at the Lincoln School turn over infrequently. The last sale in MLS was a 1000 sq. ft. condo that sold in 2006 for $430,000.
The French School condos at 69 Harvey Street in North Cambridge are close to Davis Square. The bike path to Davis crosses Mass Ave at the end of Harvey Street. There are sixteen condos on four floors in the former school. The condos have a loft like feel with exposed brick walls and high ceilings. A two-bedroom condo on the second floor sold this year for $415,000. Read more about the French School condos.
Dana Park Place in Cambridgeport is Cambridge’s newest condo development in a converted school. The former school has been transformed into 23 condos and more units will be built in the former church next door. The buildings overlook the recently refurbished Dana Park and Central Square is right down the street. The condos have luxurious finishes, central air conditioning, and garage parking.
North Cambridge School Conversion
New Schoolhouse Condos Coming to Cambridge? It looks like it – these buildings, between Middlesex Street and Yerxa Road in North Cambridge, once housed St. John’s R. C. School and are now in the midst of construction. There’s a notice for a special hearing to construct decks posted but I don’t yet know much about this project. I’ll add more details when I get them.
Somerville Condos in Former Schools
The Carr Schoolhouse Condos on Atherton Street in the Spring Hill neighborhood are some of the most charming schoolhouse condos around. There’s lots of original oak woodwork, beautiful windows, and even blackboards preserved in some units. There are studios, one bedrooms, and two-bedroom condominiums. Spring Hill is near Porter Square and Harvard Square isn’t that far away. Read more about the Carr School condominiums.
The former Lowe School on Morrison Avenue in Davis Square is another popular school house condo association. The former school now houses 16 condominiums. The condos have very high ceilings – 12′ in some units – and condos on the third floor have private decks, some have skylights. The location is clearly a big draw with the heart of Davis Square just a couple of blocks away. The last condo sale in MLS at the Lowe School was two years ago when a two-bedroom condo sold for $402,000.
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Dreaming of a schoolhouse condo of your own? Click on the buttons below to search the MLS for Somerville and Cambridge condos. And if you would like some help with your real estate search call me at 617-504-1737 or email me – I would be delighted to help.
Cambridge Real Estate – Cambridge Condos With Swimming Pools
As a real estate agent in Cambridge I get to do a lot of dreaming. “Oh, if I only lived here…”, “Ooh – can you imagine coming home to this?” or “If I lived here I’d really get some exercise!”
My idea of heaven would be an indoor pool that I didn’t have to care for myself. I love to swim but the outdoor swimming season in New England is not that long. An indoor pool seems ideal – and all the better is somebody else is responsible for the day to day upkeep. If you’d rather get a tan and meet your neighbors while lounging poolside, a Cambridge condo with an outdoor pool may fit the bill.
Cambridge real estate buyers who long to take a dip after work have a number of options:
Cambridge Condos With Indoor Pools
Cambridge real estate buyers who want the convenience of an indoor pool – and the possibility of giving up that gym membership – have options in several Cambridge condo developments.
The Esplanade at 75-83 Cambridge Parkway, near the Cambridge Galleria and Boston and overlooking the Charles River, has a beautiful lap pool and an exercise room. The Esplanade is a luxury building, with concierge, garage parking, and many units with amazing river views. Sales in 2009 at the Esplanade included a one-bedroom condo on the seventh floor that sold for $435,000 and a two-bedroom condo with beautiful views of Boston and the Charles River that sold for $1,950,000.
SEARCH FOR CONDOS AT THE ESPLANADE IN CAMBRIDGE
Regatta Riverview is also close to Boston and near the Charles River. These condos were formerly Museum Tower rentals and were converted to condominiums several years ago. A former gym located in one of the towers is now a private fitness facility with lap pool for residents. Regatta Riverview has a 24-hour concierge, a business center, private theater, and garage parking. Recent sale prices for condominiums sold in 2009 ranged from $415,000 to $635,000.
SEARCH FOR CONDOS AT THE REGATTA IN CAMBRIDGE
River Court, yet another Cambridge condo building on the Charles River near Boston, also has an indoor lap pool. River Court, at 10 Rogers Street in Cambridge, was built in 1989 and has a concierge, exercise facility with lap pool, and garage parking. Sale prices for condos sold in the last two years have ranged from $392,000 to $927,250.
SEARCH FOR CONDOS AT RIVER COURT
Indoor Pool at Fresh Pond Place Condos in Cambridge
Fresh Pond Place is at the other end of the city, in West Cambridge in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood. Not only is there an indoor pool with sauna but the complex is just across the street from Fresh Pond with its two-mile trail around the reservoir, public golf course, and playground. No gym membership needed! The townhouses at Fresh Pond Place were built in the early 1980s. Walk down the nicely landscaped paths to the poolhouse and take a dip.
SEARCH FOR CONDOS AT FRESH POND PLACE IN CAMBRIDGE
Cambridge Condos With Outdoor Pools
Cambridge summers definitely heat up and an after work dip will be mighty nice. The pool-side social scene gives you a chance to meet your neighbors which is not always easy in the city. Here are some Cambridge condominiums with outdoor pools:
Thomas Graves Landing at 4 – 6 Canal Park, yet another East Cambridge complex, is near the Museum of Science and Cambridgeside Galleria. The complex was built in 1989 and sits aside a canal that feeds into the Charles River. Many condominiums have water views. Thomas Graves Landing is a full-service building with concierge, garage parking, health club, and an outdoor pool. In the last year, condos at Thomas Graves Landing (sometimes called by its address, Canal Park) have sold for $310,000 to $585,000.
SEARCH FOR CONDOS AT THOMAS GRAVES LANDING
Bay Square at 950 Massachusetts Avenue is midway between Harvard Square and Central Square. A full-service luxury building, Bay Square was built in 1989. Building amenities include a 24-hour concierge, fitness center, garage parking and an outdoor pool. The most recent sales at Bay Square in the MLS were for a studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom that sold for $305,000, $430,000, and $600,00o respectively.
SEARCH FOR CONDOS AT BAY SQUARE
19 Chauncy Street is an 18-unit building built in 1972 very close to Harvard Square. The building has an elevator and garage parking. Relax outside by the pool or on the large common deck. A two-bedroom condo sold in 2008 for $575,000.
SEARCH FOR CONDOS AT 19 CHAUNCY STREET
Whether it’s a condo with a pool that you’re looking for or something else on your real estate wish list, call or email Liz for help finding the perfect place in Cambridge or nearby.
Continental Terrace Condos – 29 Concord Avenue Cambridge MA
This Wednesday during our weekly tour of new real estate listings we saw a studio condo at 29 Concord Avenue in Cambridge MA, the Continental Terrace Apartments, new to the market at $219,000. If you’ve never been inside this building you’re in for a treat.
Continental Terrace, 29 Concord Ave. Cambridge - Hugh Stubbins Architect
Designed in 1959 by internationally renowned modernist architect Hugh Stubbins Jr. of Cambridge, the Continental Terrace building has a dramatic central atrium that rises eight stories. Fifty years after its construction, the building feels totally modern and entering the soaring lobby still has a dramatic impact. The atrium lobby was recently refurbished by interior designer Sheila Selby who has some great posts about the building on her blog On the Move Interiors.
Hugh Stubbins (1912-2006) graduated from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. Early in his career he affiliated with the firm of Royal Barry Wills, one of my favorite local architects, well known for very traditional colonial reproductions. Stubbins introduced Wills to Modernism and they designed several Modernist houses together. Walter Gropius invited Stubbins to teach at Harvard in 1940 where he remained for 15 years while simultaneously working in his own architecture firm. Stubbins left Harvard in 1954 to devote himself to his own practice.
Inside 29 Concord Avenue Cambridge – Condos at Continental Terrace
29 Concord Avenue is an elevator building with just over 100 condominums on eight floors. Condos are accessed from walkways that overlook the dramatic skylit atrium. Floor plans include studios (avg. ~ 400 sq.ft.), one-bedrooms (avg. ~ 500 sq.ft.) and two-bedrooom condominiums (avg. ~ 850 sq.ft.). Originally designed with small kitchens outfitted with enameled metal cabinets and apartment size appliances, many of the condo owners have renovated their units. Well designed, the condos pack a lot of storage space into a compact layout. Sliders lead to outside balconies which were recently refurbished in the course of a major buildings improvements project. Heat is included in the condo fee.
Some of the condos have parking spaces, covered or uncovered, behind the bulding. The Red Line subway in Harvard Square is an easy walk and the bus and electric trolley run in front of the building on Concord Avenue.
Recent Real Estate Sales at 29 Concord Avenue Cambridge
Here are some recent sales for studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom condos at 29 Concord Ave:
Other Buildings Designed by Architect Hugh Stubbins Jr.
Over the course of his career Stubbins and his firm designed more than 800 buildings in eight countries. Many of the firm’s projects were done for schools and colleges. Among their projects were the:
- Lantern Hill subdivision in East Lansing Michigan (early 1950s)
- Congress Hall in Berlin, Germany (1957)
- Citicorp Center in New York City (1976-78)
- Federal Reserve Bank in Boston (1978)
- Ronald Reagan Presidential Library (1991)
- Landmark Tower in Yokohama Japan – Japan’s tallest building (1993) and Stubbins’ last major project
Other Cambridge Buildings by Hugh Stubbins
- Pusey Library at Harvard
- Loeb Drama Center, home to the American Repertory Theatre
- Countway Library of Medicine at Harvard
- 1105 Massachusetts Ave.
Russell Place Condos – Arlington MA Condominiums
Russell Place is a condo development built in 2002-2003 (several units were completed in 2004) in Arlington, Massachusetts. Conveniently located in downtown Arlington on a side street that has some wonderful antique houses, Russell Place consists of forty condos in wood clad townhouse-style buildings. The popular Minuteman Bike Path runs alongside the complex.
There are a variety of floorplans available in units at Russell Place. Large three-level townhouses have garage bays underneath with additional driveway spaces, some units are primarily on one level with loft-style rooms above, other flats have finished lower level space. Features available in some units include fireplaces, skylights, cathedral ceilings, and decks or porches. The units have central air conditioning and varying levels of finishes in the kitchens. Some have hardwood floors throughout, others have a combination of wood floors and carpet.
Recent Sales at Russell Place Condominiums
There have been a number of resales at Russell Place since the majority of the condos were first sold in 2003. Condominium sales since 2005 have ranged from $350,000 to over $600,000.
Information about recent sales at Russell Place follows. Data includes asking price, sale price, original price when the unit was first sold, and date of sale. Garage parking is noted by a “G” and a plus sign indicates that there is additional driveway parking.
Sales data for Russell Place, Arlington MA is gathered from MLSpin.
The French School Condominiums – 69 Harvey Street, Cambridge MA 02140
The French School Condos at 69 Harvey Street, Cambridge MA occupy a handsome brick building constructed in 1900. The building was converted to condominiums in 1989. There are sixteen condos in the association – four units on each of the four floors. A wide staircase with shallow steps rises through the building – there is no elevator. Condos at the French School range in size from 989 sq.ft. to 1390 sq.ft.
Condo layouts vary but are open and loft-like. Most have exposed brick walls. The windows are large and ceilings high – appealing features often found in schoolhouse conversions. The condominiums have in-unit laundry and off street parking.
History of the French School
69 Harvey Street Cambridge MA was built by the French Canadian community in North Cambridge in 1900. Built to house the Notre Dame de Pitie School, the building became a convent in 1916 when the school moved to a new facility at Rindge and Sargent Streets. The building was once again converted in 1961 when it became a manufacturing facility.
The French School Neighborhood and Location
French School - Facade Detail
Harvey Street is a one-way street running west off Mass Ave in North Cambridge. Harvey Street intersects Massachusetts Avenue at the point where the bike path to Davis Square crosses the Avenue. Davis Square is just a short walk away via the bike path. There you’ll find the Davis Square T stop, the Somerville Theatre, and a variety of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. More shops and restaurants line Mass Ave all the way into Arlington or towards Porter Square and Harvard Square.
In the other direction, the Alewife T station – the first (or last!) stop on the Red Line T is not far since Harvey Street ends at Russell Field across from the T station. One of several cohousing communities in Cambridge, Cornerstone Cohousing, built in 2000-2001, is at 175 Harvey Street. In spring you can meet your neighbors at the North Cambridge open studios tour.
Recent Real Estate Sales at the French School Condominiums
Sales information for 69 Harvey St Cambridge MA from MLSpin.
Carr Schoolhouse Condos in Somerville MA – Atherton Street Condominiums
The condominums at the Carr School on Atherton Street in the Spring Hill neighborhood of Somerville, Massachusetts are my favorite schoolhouse condos. The interior hallways and stairwells are the best preserved I’ve seen with golden oak wainscotting and wide oak stairwells. The huge windows, high ceilings (maybe 12 ft.), transom windows over the doors, and blackboards and cubbies in many units add to the schoolhouse vibe. I went to elementary school in a similar building – the Dale Street School in Medfield, MA – and when I walk through the Carr Schoolhouse I can just imagine the schoolkids filling the halls between classes.History of the Carr School
The Martin S. Carr School was built in 1898 as an elementary school with fourteen classrooms. The school was named in honor of Martin S. Carr, a successful Somerville manufacturer who was active in City government serving over the years as Alderman, City Councilor, and member of the School Committee. Carr’s factory, in buildings now converted to lofts in Davis Square, manufactured jewelry, novelties, and metal ware. The handsome school building was built of red brick in the Renaissance Revival style. The Carr School was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
The Carr School sits across the street from one of Somerville’s historic landmarks – Robinson’s Round House.
Condominiums at the Carr Schoolhouse
The City of Somerville closed the Carr School in 1980. The building was sold to a developer who converted it to residential use. It was initially a rental building and subsequently converted to condos.
Today there are 20 condominiums in the Carr School. There are studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedroom condos on three floors plus a lower level. Condos on the top floor have the attic space above the units deeded to their units and at least one owner has expanded into that space. Residents enjoy off street parking in the lot to the side of the building.
Real Estate Sales at the Carr School
A beautiful top floor condo was listed recently at the Carr Schoolhouse. It’s a wonderful unit with oversized windows looking out onto beautiful mature trees with the Boston skyline visible through the branches. Handsome woodwork, ~12″ ceilings, transoms, and an original blackboard add to the charm.
There hasn’t been a sale at the Carr School since 2005. Here’s the most recent real estate sales activity from MLSpin:
- Recent Real Estate Sales Activity at the Carr School in Somerville MA
The Carr Schoolhouse Condos are located at 25 Atherton Street, Somerville MA 02143
Vintage View of the Carr School in Spring Hill
Cambridge Condos – Bell and Fandetti Townhouses in Cambridge MA
What’s a Bell & Fandetti Townhouse?
If you’re searching for a home in Cambridge it’s quite likely that you’ll come across a Bell and Fandetti townhouse. There are at least 16 clusters of townhouses around Cambridge designed by architects Douglas Bell and Gerald Fandetti. The townhouses were built between 1973 and 1981. Their open layout and construction methods lowered building costs at a time when high energy costs were an issue for developers. While some are deeded as condominiums, most are deeded as fee simple townhouses. The developments typically consisted of three to eight townhouses with the largest group the 24 townhouses at Lilac Court in East Cambridge.
Most of the townhouses were of balloon frame construction and sided with wooden clapboards, though several of the buildings have brick exteriors. Most are built on slabs without basements.
Features of Bell & Fandetti Townhouses
The defining feature of Bell and Fandetti’s buildings was that in most cases the townhouse’s rooms were set apart by level rather than by walls. Rooms were often loft style and open to a main area that soars several stories. Often there is a wood burning fireplace or stove in the living room with a metal chimney that rises through the open area. There is typically a great deal of wood with wood ceilings, railings, and trim unpainted. The feel of the original style often reminds buyers of a Vermont lodge. A few of the Bell and Fandetti developments have somewhat more traditional room enclosures and in other cases owners have enclosed rooms over the years. Many units were designed with a room and bath on the first level that could be used as an office or au paire suite. Other features often found in these townhouses include:
- Sliders to a private garden
- Skylights
- Decks
- Some units had garages on the first level
Where Can I Find a Bell & Fandetti Townhouse in Cambridge?
Three Bell and Fandetti buildings have units currently for sale:
A 1162 sq. ft. two-bedroom, 1.5 bath fee simple townhouse at 18 Bay Street in the Riverside neighborhood was recently listed for $559,000
A unit in West Cambridge at 457 Mount Auburn Street with 1990 sq. ft, four bedrooms and three baths, is available for $599,000
An 1155 sq. ft. two-bedroom, two-bath North Cambridge townhouse at 45 Cogswell Avenue is listed for $419,000.
Recent Sales History for Bell and Fandetti Townhouses
Bell and Fandetti built all over Cambridge. Here are the recent sales in the Bell and Fandetti developments around the city:
In the Agassiz Neighborhood:
125 Oxford Street, brick, three units – most recent sale was a bank-owned property that sold of $572,500 in 2007. 1370 sq. ft., three bedrooms, 2.5 baths.
45 Museum Street, the most recent sale among these five fee simple townhouses was a 2380 sq. ft. three-bedroom, two-bath unit that sold for $728,500 in 2004.
A unit at 126 Oxford Street with three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 1542 sq. ft. sold for $521,000 in 2002.
A three-bedroom, three bath, 1672 sq. ft. townhouse at 58 Hammond Street sold for $442,500 in 1998.
In Cambridgeport:
An 1150 sq. ft., two-bedroom, one-bath townhouse at 162 Pearl Street sold in 2002 for $382,000.
At 38 Valentine Street a 1229 sq. ft. two-bedroom, 1.5 bath townhouse sold for $420,000 in 2002.
Bell and Fandetti Townhouses Near Harvard Square:
The most recent sale of a fee simple townhouse at 36 Irving Street was a 1465 sq. ft. townhouse with two bedrooms and two baths that sold in 2006 for $630,000.
At 64-70 Kirkland Street a 2160 sq. ft. three-bedroom, three-bath townhouse sold in 2004 for $764,000.
At 11 Dana Street a brick 1792 sq. ft. townhouse with three bedrooms and three baths sold in 2003 for $670,000.
105-117 Trowbridge Street incorporates the original turn of the century building at the front of the complex. A 1680 sq. ft. three-bedroom, three-bath townhouse sold in 2001 for $559,000.
In East Cambridge:
In 2008 a 1472 sq. ft. two-bedroom, 1.5 bath in the Lilac Court enclave sold for $510,000.
Sales information comes from MLSpin.
If you would like more information about townhouses in Cambridge I’m just a phone call or email away!
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