Centers And Squares
Welcome to Centers and Squares
As a Cambridge real estate agent, the city squares of Cambridge, Somerville and Medford and the town centers of Arlington, Watertown and Belmont, Massachusetts are my home turf. And as a lifelong New Englander who’s lived within twenty miles of Boston most of my life, I can introduce you to other nearby towns as we search for your new home. If you’re planning to sell your home in Cambridge, MA or nearby you’ll find plenty of info about the home selling process here too. Questions? Send me an email or call me at 617-504-1737.
Camps, Meetups and More Around Boston
WordCamp Boston 2011
I’ve been spending a lot of time at camp lately.
No – not summer camp, or Girl Scout camp, or pitch-a-tent-in-the-woods camping. As appealing as all of that sounds, these camps have all been held indoors.
I’m not really sure why techies, bloggers and online enthusiasts of all stripes coined the term “camp” to describe these seminars, get-togethers, and conferences (or “unconferences” as these are often called) – but “camp” it is. Lately I’ve been to RainCamp, REBarCamp, and just this weekend to WordCamp at BU where more than 500 WordPress bloggers and developers gathered for two days of sessions.
Boston is a hotbed of these annual get togethers. Don’t want to wait that long for your fix? There’s also a variety of groups that meet regularly to learn and share about all sorts of web-related topics and endeavors.
Internet Marketing, Web and Blogging Groups Around Boston
If you’re a blogger, an online marketer, have a website or plan to create one, there are amazing opportunities around Boston to learn from and meet with many who are making a splash online. Most of these groups are free. When there’s a cost for a program it’s typically very low relative to the value of the get-together.
Here are some of the meetings and groups in and around Boston – some I’ve been to, some I haven’t. Be sure to check out Meetup.com for plenty of other groups that may more closely match your interests – from the creative to the super-tech.
The Cambridge SEO Meetup This long running group meets monthly (usually the first Monday evening of the month) at the Arlington Public Library. Speakers and discussion about search engine optimization (SEO), affiliate marketing and and social media. Not to be missed.
SEMPO Boston Local branch of the Search Engine Marketing Professionals Organization (SEMPO). If you’re responsible for your own SEO efforts or your company’s these meetings and presentations will be valuable in your efforts.
Boston Internet Marketing Meetup Meets in Boston and Cambridge. Meetups include presentations, Q & A, and networking on topics that include websites, social media, SEO, video and more.
Boston WordPress Meetup Meets on the last Monday evening of the month, usually at Microsoft, overlooking the Charles River in Cambridge. If you’re a WordPress blogger or developer this popular meetup is a must.
Boston Media Makers Meets the first Sunday of each month at Doyle’s in J.P. With a focus on audio and video on the web, the group’s members include videobloggers, filmmakers, writers, social media enthusiasts and more.
Camps Coming to Boston
Podcamp Boston is scheduled for September 24-25, 2011 at the Microsoft N.E.R.D Center in Cambridge on Memorial Drive. Podcamp Boston will have sessions on podcasting, blogging, video blogging, social media and more.
Tech Day Camp will be held in Quincy on October 22, 2011. Tech topics of all sorts will be explored: Facebook, the Ipad, video, computer basics, self-publishing, Twitter, and lots more. No matter your skill level you’ll find something of interest here.
If you know of other upcoming or ongoing opportunities near Boston be sure to leave the info in a comment.
57 – 59 – 61 Kinnaird Street, Cambridge MA Townhouses
57 - 59 - 61 Kinnaird Street Cambridge MA
The townhouse condos at 57-59-61 Kinnaird Street in the Riverside neighborhood of Cambridge MA are excellent examples of the recently built townhouses that can be found around Cambridge.
The Kinnaird Street townhouses were designed by Cambridge architect, Joseph S. Artley, and built in 1999. Artley also designed the Brookford Street lofts in North Cambridge.
There are two large townhouses with three bedrooms and a smaller two-bedroom unit. The townhouses have high end finishes, soaring spaces, central air conditioning and garage parking.
The Riverside neighborhood provides proximity to Harvard Square, the Charles River, Central Square and MIT.
In 2010 one of the larger townhouses at 59 Kinnaird St., a 1581 sq.ft. condo with three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and garage parking for 2 cars, sold very quickly for $795,000.
Cambridge and Somerville Most Walkable Cities in Massachusetts
Cambridge and Somerville - Most Walkable MA Cities
Cambridge and Somerville Most Walkable Cities in Massachusetts The popular site Walkscore just came out with its 2011 50 Most Walkable Cities. Boston was #3 in the country with a Walkscore of 79.2, behind only top ranked New York City (Walkscore of 85.3) and San Francisco (84.9) .
Dig a little deeper, however, and you realize that the Most Walkable Cities list only included big cities – it’s a ranking of the walkability of the 50 largest cities in the US.
When you look at the Walkscore rankings for Massachusetts you discover that Cambridge is the most walkable city in Massachusetts, followed by Somerville. Using Walkscore’s methodology (Walkscore has a complicated algorithm meant to measure how easy it is to live without a car. For the city-wide rankings the scores are weighted for population density throughout the city.) Cambridge and Somerville handily outrank Boston in terms of walkability. Here’s the ranking of the top five cities in Massachusetts:
- Cambridge 89
- Somerville 84
- Brookline 83
- Boston 79
- Everett 77
And here are the 2011 Walkscore rankings for some other towns in Centers and Squares territory:
- Arlington 67
- Belmont 63
- Medford 64
- Watertown 74 (ranked 6th in Massachusetts)
You have to take Walkscore rankings with a grain of salt – sometimes the amenities included in a location’s ranking are a little funky. Also, for these aggregate scores realize that some parts of these cities are much more walkable, while other neighborhoods are more removed from shops, schools, etc.
No question though – many real estate buyers are looking for properties in close proximity to shops, restaurants, public transportation, pubs, etc. In a time of high gas prices and traffic congestion the option of living car free is very appealing. It’s not surprising that Cambridge, Somerville and Brookline continue to be popular with home buyers.
Cambridge Pod Patrol
Join the Cambridge Pod Patrol - Pick Pods!
Black swallow-wort is flourishing in Cambridge and nearby cities and towns so the Cambridge Pod Patrol will be hitting the streets and city green spaces.
The Cambridge Pod Patrol is a volunteer endeavor organized to spread the word about this highly invasive vine-like plant and to enlist residents’ help in stemming its spread throughout the city.
Black swallow-wort is a danger for birds and butterflies and its aggressive growth forces out native vegetation or garden plants.
Once you know what it looks like you’ll likely spot black swallow-wort all over the city. It covers chain link fences, it grows in gardens and winds its way around other plants, it’s likely to sprout up anywhere there’s a bit of dirt. It’s most distinctive features are green, shiny leaves in opposing pairs and, at this time of year, smooth greed pods that look like a cross between a milk weed pod and a peapod.
What can you do about black swallowwort when you see it?
Pick pods! Carry a bag with you when you’re out on a walk and pick all the pods you can find. Tightly wrap the bag and dispose of it in the trash – not in a compost bin or with yard waste.
And let your neighbors know about black swallow-wort in the neighborhood. Here’s the Cambridge Pod Patrol flyer with more info and pictures of Black Swallow-wort.
Estimates suggest that a thick stand of black swallow-wort will produce 2,000 seeds per square yard. Pods left on a dead vine will still open and send out seeds.
Unfortunately, black swallow-wort has made inroads at Fresh Pond Reservation. This Sunday, July 10th, the Cambridge Pod Patrol will hold it’s debut event at Fresh Pond Reservation. Come join the battle against Black Swallow-wort and help pick pods. There’ll be information and refreshments for pod pickers.
The Cambridge Pod Patrol kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, July 10, 2011 from 1 to 4 pm at Fresh Pond Reservation. Volunteers can meet in the Water Department parking lot and will head out around Fresh Pond to pick pods.
Black Swallow-wort – Help Spread the Word – Not the Seed!
4th of July Fireworks Near Cambridge – 2011
4th of July in Cambridge MA
Wondering about fireworks near Cambridge for this 4th of July? Here’s the scoop on local 4th of July celebrations in and near Cambridge and best places to see the Boston fireworks.
This is last year’s post. Click on the link to find July 4, 2012 info.
4th of July Fireworks In Cambridge
Cambridge doesn’t hold its own July 4th fireworks display but we have front row seats to the Boston fireworks that follow the Boston Pops concert. You can make a day of it by the Hatch Shell in Boston or you can stay on this side of the river and soak it all in. The Boston Pops concert begins at 8:30 pm on July 4th, 2011. The fireworks display begins at 10:30 pm. The Cambridge side of the river should be less crowded. The Mass Ave bridge is a popular vantage point. The fireworks can be seen from plenty of the taller buildings around town so if you know somebody with an upper level condo, dorm room or office give them a call!
Rumor has it that there will be games for kids etc on July 4th in Cambridge at Donnelly Field on Berkshire Street. I’ve spent some time searching about online (is G-ogle broken? I’ve never had such a frustrating time pulling together info as I’ve had writing this post. Perhaps it’s a combination of the big G losing its stuff and city and town budgetary cutbacks, but the local offerings seem somewhat anemic this year.) and can’t find an official announcement of any sort.
Arlington MA 4th of July Celebration
Catch the Boston Pops concert and the fireworks on the big screen at Arlington’s 4th of July celebration at Robbins Farm park. There will be refreshments and the John Penny Band will supply musical entertainment beginning at 7 pm. Make an evening of it – the gathering begins at 6 pm and the Boston Pops fireworks begin about 10:30 pm. Robbins Farm Park is on Eastern Avenue in Arlington MA.
Lexington MA Fireworks
You can get an early start on fireworks in Lexington tonight at the annual Fourth of July Carnival sponsored by the Lexington Lions Club. The carnival is open Saturday, July 2, 2011 from noon to 11 pm; on Sunday, July 3 from 1 pm to 11 pm, and on Monday, July 4th from 1 pm to 7 pm. The fireworks are scheduled for tonight, Saturday, July 2, 2011 at approx. 9:30 pm. The carnival is held at Center Field off Worthen Road.
Waltham MA 4th of July Fireworks
Neither Belmont nor Watertown have fireworks on the 4th of July so you may want to head over to the party in Waltham. During the day on July 4, 2011 there’s a kid-focused event at Prospect Hill Park on Totten Pond Road. From 10 am to 2 pm there will be inflatable rides, games, music, food and more. Then at 5:30 pm the party starts at Leary Field on Bacon Street. There will be food, music and the fireworks display starting at 9:30 pm on July 4th.
Somerville on the 4th of July
Somerville celebrates the Fourth of July early – its party was held on Thursday, June 30th with fireworks and entertainment at Trum Field. Even earlier, they held a “4th of July” event on June 25th. But if you want a chance to see fireworks on the 4th of July in Somerville you may want to head over to Prospect Hill Park where you’ll have a great view of the Boston fireworks along the Charles.
77 Martin Street – 79 Martin St Cambridge MA
77 - 79 Martin Street Cambridge MA
The condos at 77 Martin Street and 79 Martin Street in Cambridge MA offer classic charm and the convenience of a walk-to-everything location.
This handsome brick Harlow building is on a tree lined side street mid-way between Harvard and Porter Square near the Radcliffe Quad. The shops and restaurants that line Mass Ave are just down the block. Typical of Harlow buildings, the condos have handsome original details, plenty of windows, high ceilings, and surprisingly good closet space.
77-79 Martin Street Cambridge Features and Details:
- 4 stories, 32 units
- 3 and 4-room one-bedroom condos
- 4 and 5-room two-bedroom condos
- 614 – 1292 sq. ft.
- Landscaped courtyard
- Wood burning fireplace
- Oak floors
- Laundry and storage in the basement
- Heat and hot water included in the condo fee
- Professionally managed
- Pet friendly
Real Estate Sales at 77 Martin St and 79 Martin St.
Recent condo sales at 77-79 Martin Street Cambridge include:
In 2010, a 777 sq.ft., four-room, one-bedroom condo on the top floor sold for $352,500.
Also in 2010, a 915 sq.ft., five-room, two-bedroom condo on the top floor sold for $443,000.
If there are condos available at 77 Martin Street or 79 Martin Street, Cambridge they will appear below. Click on the small photograph for more information and additional photos.
Co-op Fair in Cambridge on Saturday
Find Out about Local Co-ops at the Fair on Saturday
If you’ve stayed in the city this holiday weekend (and judging from my easy drive home tonight many of you haven’t) there’s a Co-op Fair being held tomorrow, Saturday, July 2, 2011 on Essex Street in Cambridge.
Part of a celebration of co-ops around the world, the 2011 Mass Bay Co-op Faire is the first time the International Day for Cooperatives has been celebrated in the Boston area.
Participants include:
- Boston-Area Solidarity Economy Network
- Cooperative Fund of New England
- BRANCHES housing co-ops
- Equal Exchange
- Beacon Hill Friends House
- Boston Building Resources
Stop by the fair to learn about local co-ops of all types – workers, agricultural, housing, etc. There will also be a screening of the movie At Home in Utopia about New York housing co-ops in the 1930s – 1950s.
The Co-op Fair will be held in the parking lot on Essex Street adjacent to the Harvest Co-op from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, July 2, 1011.
Bowl and Board Building – RIP
The Former Bowl and Board Building Is No More
I did a double-take this evening when I drove through the intersection of Putnam and Mass Ave.
The building that formerly housed Bowl and Board before it’s short lived Davis Square incarnation has been taken down. There’s a big empty hole, surrounded by temporary fencing, at the corner of Mass Ave and Trowbridge Street.
Bowl and Board opened in Cambridge in the 1960s. A favorite of many, it was a great place to shop for necessities – and indulgences – for your new apartment or condo. The store moved from 1063 Massachusetts Ave in Cambridge to Davis Square in late 2008 but sadly this store, and the several others owned by the family, were liquidated at the end of 2009. NPR did a series documenting the stores’ travails as the recession deepened.
It’s been sad and a bit bewildering to see the storefront – in its prime location, just blocks from the heart of Harvard Square – remain empty for so long.
Turns out that the building was bought from the former landlords (for $3,500,000) and is going to be the site of a new five-story building. There will be ground floor retail space, four floors of condos, and a garage underneath.
I hate to see another vintage one-story commercial building disappear. Will we finally protect them when only a handful survive? The Cambridge Historical Commission did a study of the building as part of the demolition application. It has a wonderful vintage photo of the building at 1063-1077 Mass Ave.
The retail building at 1075 Massachusetts Avenue was built in 1925. Messinger’s Pharmacy had the space at the corner of Trowbridge until Bowl and Board moved in in 1967. Forty years is long enough that the building will forever be known as the “Bowl and Board building” to plenty of Cantabridgians.
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