Framingham, MA Chestnut Hill Realty (CHR) celebrated the completion of a new 8,950 s/f resident services and lifestyle center at Water View Village apartments with a gala ribbon cutting ceremony on June 2. In attendance were more than 40 guests, including town officials Bob Halpin, Framingham town manager; and Art Robert, Framingham director of community and economic development, who presented a citation recognizing CHR’s investments in the Water View Village apartment community and its involvement in helping to shape the future of the downtown area. The lifestyle center is part of a multimillion dollar property improvement program which includes unit upgrades that will continue when units become vacant. In honor of the occasion, CHR presented a $2,500 check to Wilma Slaight, president of Friends of Framingham Library.
Since acquiring the 281-unit Water View Village apartment complex (originally known as Edgewater) in 2012, CHR has focused on improving the resident experience at the community by upgrading its infrastructure and amenities. These investments include renovating apartments and hallways and building and/or redesigning desirable amenities including a new resident services and lifestyle center.
The 8,950 s/f resident services and lifestyle center was designed by The Architectural Team and Tish McDavitt of TMD Design. It includes a community room, movie theatre, activity room, fitness center, and an innovative home office center.
“It’s gratifying to see our vision for Water View Village coming to fruition,” said Ed Zuker, founder and CEO of Chestnut Hill Realty. “The investments we’ve made to improve the property and build a community our residents can be proud to be part of have been well worth it. Not only can you see the positive changes, but you can feel a renewed vitality at Water View Village. And, we’re not done yet. We want to be known as one of the finest apartment home communities in Framingham.”
Also in the spirit of creating communities, CHR is launching a program called “Be Our Guest” to invite and encourage community organizations to use its amenity spaces at no charge. Water View Village will be among a list of several other CHR communities to open its doors. “One of CHR’s core values is to support the communities where we have properties,” said Zuker. “Be Our Guest is a natural extension of this commitment.”
The strategic investments at Water View Village have been well-received by current and prospective residents, according to property manager, Kaitlyn Hesse. “Our residents are really enjoying the new amenities. On any given morning, you’ll see them start their day stopping by for a free cup of gourmet coffee, curling up in a chair with their laptop in the community room, working out in the fitness center, and attending resident events in the activity room. Our newest apartment design is attracting new residents who are looking for an alternative to Boston. They are excited to see the open concept floor plan and upgraded finishes such as maple kitchen cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances,” said Hesse.
Shown (from left) are: Paul Joseph, president, MetroWest Chamber of Commerce; Jill Schindler, director of marketing and operations, MetroWest Chamber of Commerce; Ed Zuker, founder/CEO, Chestnut Hill Realty; Bob Halpin, town manager, Framingham; Mike Tusino, director/building commissioner, Framingham; Art Robert, director of community and economic development, Framingham; Chris Rodgers, director of real estate planning and design, Chestnut Hill Realty.