Boston, MA 7INK, National Development’s new Inclusive Living building at the city’s Ink Block, won the Platinum Award/1^st Place for Innovative Housing and Best in the Region at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Best in American Living Awards, held during the 2024 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas. 

7INK is the newest addition to Ink Block, an award-winning development including six multifamily buildings, a hotel, a Whole Foods Market and retail space. 7INK debuted a new residential product to the city, designed to meet challenges in the rental market by making high-quality housing more accessible, including multiple components within monthly rent and building not just a structure but a community.

7INK is the city’s first Inclusive Living residence, bringing together a highly diverse group of residents. The LEED Gold building includes 353 rentable units in 180 apartments. Residents can choose a traditional apartment or individual bedroom (convertible to a living area) in a three- or four-bedroom suite where common areas are shared. Everything is included in the monthly rent, from furniture to utilities to Internet/cable to an activities program.

Inclusive Living reduces the price point by one-third for those who want to live in a first-class building in walking distance to the heart of the city with over 15,000 s/f of amenities. Common spaces include multiple work-from-home spaces ranging from individual offices to “group think” conference spaces to the great room with beverage bar offering complimentary cold brew and kombucha on tap.

“We are thrilled that 7INK won two Best in American Living awards,” said Ted Tye, managing partner of National Development. “This is a prestigious honor, and we appreciate being recognized as a company raising the bar on creativity and innovation. We are proud of the exceptional work that went into this project.”

The judges’ comments included, “This innovative solution addresses so many housing issues that young people have, while keeping it architecturally interesting. We love the fun exterior and efficient use of common living.”

7INK was designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects and built by Cranshaw Construction. 

Now in its 40^th year, the Best in American Living Awards recognizes outstanding achievement by builders and design professionals in all sectors of the residential housing industry. The Innovative Housing award recognizes projects that can significantly influence the residential design and housing industry over the next five years. 

Since its opening in 2022, 7INK has won several awards including the INT Interior Design Award for Residential Interiors, Future House Award for Affordable Housing, Social Housing & Community Living, CMAA Project of the Year 2023, as well as Interior Design Magazine’s Best of Year Finalist 2022, MAA Finalist for New Construction Community of the Year and World Interior News Award Finalist for Residential Developments.