The Batch Yard, a 328-unit luxury loft-style apartment community located at 25 Charlton St., held a grand opening party on October 1 to celebrate the opening of the development and to recognize the groups who worked to bring the project to completion. Of the 300 people in attendance, guests included Andy Montelli, developer and principal at Post Road Residential, Greg Bialecki, secretary of housing and economic development for the State of Mass., numerous local dignitaries, current residents, and prospective tenants.
In addition to members of the Post Road Residential development team, representatives of The Bozzuto Group, who manages the property, were in attendance to show their support for the project. Interest in the Batch Yard has been high since opening in August.
"Our goal was to build a loft-style community close to Boston with easy access to public transportation," said Montelli. "The old Charleston Chew Factory had great bones with a desirable location - just one mile from Charlestown and three miles from the North End of Boston. We reclaimed many materials from the old factory and re-used them in the completely renovated building, then commissioned eight New England artists to further highlight and decorate this tremendous space. The result is a beautiful loft project featuring hotel-quality amenities and common spaces that are unequaled in the Boston area."
As a restoration of the former Charleston Chew Candy Factory near the intersection of Rtes. 99 and 16, the development team completely renovated the old factory structure with nods to the building's history,. Attendees were invited to tour a model unit, explore the community common areas, and take in the views of downtown Boston from the rooftop lounge area. Of special interest were some of the Batch Yard's character-rich details and finishes including wood paneling and flooring that was reclaimed and re-milled from the site, hand-sculpted Charleston Chew metal door handles, artwork by well-known New England artists, a library complete with a collection of cocktail shakers, and a lobby fireplace.
At the Batch Yard, renters can choose from loft-style studio, one, two, or three bedroom apartment homes ranging from 648-1,356 s/f with designer floors, baths, and kitchen areas.
While the guests inspected he development's interior and exterior spaces, catering service Seasons to Taste, which recently won a Boston Magazine "Best of Boston Award", circulated "modern comfort" appetizers. Additionally, local brewery, Idle Hands Craft Ales, offered a seasonal beer selection, providing a taste of Everett. Recently nominated for the Boston Music Awards Pop/R&B Act of the Year, local recording artist Louie Bello led the musical entertainment.
The community has amenities including a roof deck lounge with views of downtown Boston and surrounding areas, an outdoor swimming pool and movie theatre with grilling stations, pet activity areas and washing station, dedicated covered parking, a bike storage and repair room, a fitness center, and multiple indoor and outdoor community gathering spaces complete with free Wi-Fi.
Developed by Post Road Residential and managed by The Bozzuto Group, the Batch Yard is a 100% smoke-free environment located three miles from downtown Boston, multiple local bus stops, and nearby orange line access at Wellington and Sullivan Sq. MBTA Stations.
The event was organized and managed by Carrie Richards, director of events at Nickerson.