By Seth Daniel
National Development isn’t just proposing another building for its final piece of the Ink Block puzzle, it’s proposing one that challenges the way people live in apartment communities.
The final development parcel at the old Boston Herald site, on the corner of Albany and Herald Streets, will house a 14-story, 245 unit building that will tower above the critical corner and provide unique living arrangements for its residents. The units will be arranged as shared suites and micro-studios.
According to a Letter of Intent filed with the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) on Monday, National will partner with the Ollie company to create Boston’s first large-scale co-living development – a development known as 7INK by Ollie.
“7INK by Ollie and the co-living program is the logical evolution of our innovative Ink Block brand,” stated Ted Tye, Managing Partner of National Development. “The built-in infrastructure of Whole Foods Market, our restaurant and fitness retailers, the soon to open AC Hotel by Marriott, and our new Underground at Ink Block art park make this a perfect location for co-living.”
According to a release by National, the co-living model will blend modern day principles of communal living with micro-housing.
“Co-living is an emerging trend that enriches the living experience through community engagement, allowing residents to cultivate meaningful relationships and experiences with neighbors and roommates,” read the release. “Hailed as an innovative market response to the high cost of living and the rise of non-traditional family households, co-living communities are experiencing rapid growth across the country.”
Ollie Co-founder and CEO Chris Bledsoe said they have been surveying the Boston housing market for the right partner, and they believe that Ink Block is the place.
“We couldn’t be more excited to introduce co-living to Boston in partnership with National Development, one of Boston’s most innovative and progressive real estate companies,” said Bledsoe. “Ink Block has led the transformation of the South End into a premier live, work, play area. We have been looking for the right location to bring co-living to Boston and Ink Block is it.”
Ollie currently operates in New York and Pittsburgh, has several projects under development and is opening what will be the largest co-living community in the US in Long Island City in 2018.
National Development anticipates starting the project in late 2018. Planners have long envisioned a major building at the prominent corner location.
“7INK by Ollie will complete the block design and make Ink Block more livable and walkable,” said Tye. “We envision this site as having very little dependence on cars and encouraging public transit and alternate transit modes.”
A phonetic wordplay on “all inclusive,” Ollie eliminates wasted space through its disruptive design philosophies, densifying units and providing residents with a curated living experience anchored by a core set of values: Inclusion, Discovery, Wellness and Sustainability, including a full range of services, unique community engagements and extraordinary shared amenity spaces.
All units are furnished with transforming furniture and receive complimentary weekly cleaning with fresh linens and towels and a replenishment of bath amenities.
The all-inclusive experience also provides residents with Wi-Fi, cable TV, a regular calendar of curated social activities, and access to all Ollie locations nationwide.