Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/715599
112 bostoncommon-magazine.com photography by eric roth. opposite page: eric roth (mandarin oriental); dan cutrona (stairs); greg premru/gregpremru.com (bathroom) Past in present: Sea-Dar Construction renovated this Boston lobby to reflect modern design (new limestone flooring, oh-so-sleek white all over) while celebrating the building's traditional architecture—even restoring the main entryway's ornate ironwork. City-bound empty nesters are taking their Country builders with them. By Mia Zarrella urban planning As Boston's suburban empty nesters leave the countryside for the convenience of city life, their homebuilders are following suit. Backyard pools are being traded in for rooftop hot tubs, mammoth family rooms for skyline views, and three of Boston's finest firms—Sea-Dar Construction, Woodmeister Master Builders, and FBN Construction—are helping their clients go urban glam. Tony SaleM Vice PreSidenT, Sea-dar conSTrucTion Why are empty nesters migrating? "Their primary drive is all city living offers—from walking to your favorite restaurants and entertain- ment venues to [the general] ease of commut- ing. But they don't want to give up the comforts of suburban living—parking, landscaping. Some developments come with dog walking, grooming services, common garden spaces, and concierges." What are new city slickers looking for? "Seventy-five percent of the projects I am doing in Boston are of modern design. Blending historic elements with modern living has created some award-winning, elegant projects. This is preserving some of the historic elements of the existing building—ornamental plaster, a brownstone façade—while introducing new elements, new energy, efficient windows, and new modern interiors with top-of-the-line amenities." What are your most interesting projects? "One project in particular is a garage we're inserting underneath two town- houses. It's delicate!" seadar.com Paul GuiTard BuSineSS deVeloPMenT officer, WoodMeiSTer MaSTer BuilderS What is the appeal of Space design