National Development celebrated the construction start of SEPIA at Ink Block, an eight-story condominium building. The 83-unit luxury development is being built at INK BLOCK South End, a mixed-use development that is transforming the former Boston Herald site on Harrison Ave. into a new hub for the South End. When complete, INK BLOCK will be a total of six buildings, including a 50,000 s/f flagship Whole Foods Market and over 500 residential units along with ground floor restaurant and retail space. The first four buildings are currently under construction.
One of only a few large-scale luxury condominium projects underway in the city, SEPIA is already 60% pre-sold with occupancy scheduled for fall of 2015. SEPIA offers a range of units from studios to three-bedroom homes and is part of a revival that will see over 1,000 new luxury residential units within a two block area of the South End.
"I want to thank Ted Tye and the team at National Development for bringing this exciting project to life," said mayor Martin Walsh. "The fact that so much of the building has been sold before the groundbreaking speaks volumes to how much demand there is to live in the South End. When it's complete, the Ink Block will have reshaped an entire portion of the neighborhood, making it an even more attractive destination."
Cranshaw Construction is the general contractor for the project and Elkus Manfredi Architects is the architect for SEPIA. Residential marketing and sales for SEPIA is being managed by The Collaborative Companies.
SEPIA at INK BLOCK offers a sophisticated design, luxury-level services and a vibrant lifestyle, all of which have proven to be appealing to both current urban residents as well as those migrating into the city from the suburbs. An ideal location, access to on-site retail, underground parking, a rooftop deck with an outdoor kitchen, fitness center, clubroom, indoor bicycle storage and access to INK BLOCK's rooftop pool make it one of Boston's most compelling new home ownership developments. The flagship 50,000 s/f Whole Foods Market will be the grocer's largest location in the city of Boston and the first full-size grocery store in the South End.
"This is an important milestone for the entire INK BLOCK project and we're very pleased with the reception from the neighborhood and specifically SEPIA buyers," said Ted Tye, managing partner, National Development. "This building introduces a truly unique product to Boston's condo market and plays a major role in furthering our vision for INK BLOCK as the most stylish new location to live in Boston."
National Development was joined at the ceremony by mayor Walsh; Boston city council president Bill Linehan; representative Aaron Michlewitz and local neighborhood and labor representatives. To commemorate this significant milestone, speakers and attendees signed the "S" that once adorned the sign on the old Boston Herald building.
SEPIA is positioned in the South End, which is known for its walkable streets, locally owned boutiques, award-winning restaurants, live music, dog parks and more. In addition, the development is located off I-90 and I-93, minutes from Logan International Airport, and within a short walk from the Back Bay, the Financial District, major medical centers and South Station.
Located on the block formed by Harrison, Albany, Herald and Traveler Streets, INK BLOCK's additional residential buildings known as 1 INK, 2 INK and 3 INK will offer studio, one, two and three-bedroom rental apartments in three buildings with varied and distinct interior design. The first apartments and retail stores will open in early 2015.