New Buildings Set to Rise at Ink Block Mega-Project

There are few areas where construction is busier than in the South End, where development at the sprawling Ink Block project is moving ahead at frenetic pace. National Development is preparing for construction of the Sienna condominium at the Ink Block in Boston’s South End. The developer plans 79 luxury condominium residences, ranging from studios to 3-BR units, including high ceiling ground-floor units with terraces. Building amenities will include a sky lounge with city views, swimming pool, high-end shops and a restaurant.
  

The Ink Block is a $250 million transformation of the 6-acre former Boston Herald site in the South End, into a massive mixed-use housing and retail complex, where the first two apartment buildings have already opened.

The 79-unit Siena project will soon get underway and begin to rise alongside the Sepia, joining the city’s largest Whole Foods market in a four-building complex that will have 315 apartments, 83 condos, cafes and five restaurants.

The high-end units, designed by Manfredi Architects, will range in price from $550,000 to more than $2,000,000. A rooftop hangout - complete with grilling stations, called the Skyclub Lounge - will crown the building.

The Siena project is scheduled for completion in early 2017.

Phase II is scheduled to begin construction later this year, and will include an AC Hotel by Marriott as well as a sixth building with more residential units on a parcel adjacent to the Ink Block.

National Development plans to build the 200-room boutique hotel at 223 Albany Street, near the intersection of Traveler Street.

AC Hotel is a limited-service brand that opened in Europe and recently has expanded in the United States.

The six-story AC Marriott is also being designed by Manfredi Architects, and will feature a wavy metal facade with a glass-encased lobby and lounge on the ground floor. A small garden and patio are also planned.

The Ink Block and the Troy Boston apartment complex, being built nearby, are revitalizing a once-gritty section of the South End.

The Ink Block and Troy project will include nearly 800 homes near Interstate 93. Other large projects are planned on surrounding properties that could host several hundred additional homes, office space, and retail stores.

Construction on the AC by Marriott is set to start this year; it is expected to open in early 2017.