The Hastings Cos. wins top industry award for BackRiver Townhomes

The Hastings Cos., has won a top industry award for its BackRiver Townhomes in Hingham. BackRiver earned the Gold Prism Award as the 'Best Attached Community,' presented by the Builders Association of Greater Boston (BAGB) at its annual award ceremony. The judges consisted of a nationally-recognized panel of industry leaders from across the U.S. During his 35 years as a developer, Tom Hastings and The Hastings Cos. have won numerous awards and accolades for outstanding residential and commercial design and architecture. He has developed some 1,000 homes on the South Shore, including nearly 100 in his hometown of Hingham. The BackRiver Townhomes, ranging from $825,000 to over $1 million were designed by Steffian Bradley Architects. The development has been called "a unique blend of Newport and Nantucket styles." Residents enjoy walk-out gardens and river views. Nearby are the 500-acre Bare Cove Park, the Back River, and athletic fields that Hastings built and donated to the town. A country club, marina and commuter rail station are within walking distance. Award winners were showcased in BAGB's 'Showstoppers' program book. BackRiver also won a Gold Award for 'Best Attached Home' and a Silver Award for 'Best Direct Mail Piece.' BAGB Prism Committee Chair Debra Burke said, "despite the economy, there were a large number of entries." She said, "This year's entries show a stunning mix of creativity, imagination and professionalism." Tom Hastings said, "For a developer, to be selected for prestigious awards by a nationally-known panel of one's peers is the highest compliment." In September 2008, BackRiver was the subject of a cover story in Builder Magazine, one of the industry's premier publications. The development has been featured in the Patriot Ledger, the Boston Globe and local papers. In January 2009, BackRiver won two awards at the International Builders Show in Las Vegas: Best In American Living Award (BALA) for 'Best Kitchen in a Home up to 2,400 s/f,' and the National Silver Award for 'Best Attached Home Plan.' BackRiver Townhomes was also one of four national finalists for the BALA 'Best Attached Community up to 150 Homes.' Hastings' reputation for high-quality construction preceded construction at BackRiver. When the project began and without a model home, he pre-sold about 50 percent of the first phase's initial 20 units. And although things slowed during the past year, last month two new townhomes were sold for over $1 million each. Hastings says, "There's a demand by people who want to downsize in terms of square feet but not in terms of quality, amenities or functionality of space." Many buyers are empty-nesters who sold larger homes but didn't want to leave Hingham or nearby towns where they may have raised their family," Hastings said. BackRiver Townhomes is located just off Rte. 3A, not far from Hingham Sq.