The year that’s ending was one of records for Davis Square, perhaps Somerville’s game-changing-est area. Not only did big deals close, though, but big listings dropped.
Here’s a look back at some of Davis’ best and priciest.
63 College Avenue
The more than 3,300-square-foot, nine-room Queen Anne at 63 College Avenue spent three months on the market in 2015 asking $1,690,000. The house then disappeared for a bit, and reappeared in early March at the same price, only to go under contract almost immediately.
It closed (in March as well) for just that asking price of $1.69M, making 63 College one of Somerville’s biggest home trades ever.
30 Howard Street, #5
Unit 5 at 30 Howard Street sold for $1,750,000 in July, making it the priciest home sale ever in Somerville.
The record to beat was 2 Foskett Street, which traded for $1,725,000 in April 2015, and Unit 5’s record-smash was not unanticipated.
The penthouse is the product of two combined units carved from part of an old factory. The 4-BR, 2-BA runs to more than 2,500 airy square feet, plus 1,500 square feet of terrace. There are peaked ceilings throughout, never mind plenty of exposed metal.
Giant windows complete the capaciousness.
23 Chester Street
The 3,409-square-foot Victorian at 23 Chester Street hit the sales market in October for $2,050,000.
The house with nine rooms, two fireplaces, and bones from 1900 had last traded in June 2004 for $1,095,000 (or about $1.4M in today’s dollars).
Would it command, then, $2M-plus? The house is gorgeous, with original detailing such as stained-glass windows and marble fireplaces still evident. The main bedroom suite is massive and the front porch is perfect for sitting a spell to watch Davis Square gentrify.
Twenty-three Chester dropped off the market in November. Deal in the offing? Stay tuned.
70 Howard Street, #1E
The 2,700-square-foot Unit 1E at 70 Howard Street is absurdly capacious. Its ceilings run to more than 20 feet and its windows are positively industrial in their scope (no surprise: the condo is one of six carved from a former factory building).
There is also a steel staircase in the middle that is more than mere conveyance, but a part of the loft’s architectural allure. Same for the exposed timber frames and the polished concrete floor—both serve more than their function.
The first-level unit, which includes three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, dropped in June for $2,250,000 and recently disappeared from the market. A deal might be in its near future.
23 Wallace Street
The seven-room, 2,025-square-foot Victorian at 23 Wallace Street dropped on the sales market on Oct. 21 for $1,390,000—and went to contract within a week.
It closed Dec. 18 for $1,465,000.
The spread dates from 1871, but the sellers had updated the 3-BR, 4-BA significantly. There are skylights, French doors, and Marvin windows throughout, and a covered side porch as well.
- Cavernous Somerville Penthouse Poised to Set City Price Record [Curbed Boston]
- Somerville Home Sales: the 10 Biggest of 2015 [Curbed Boston]
- Davis Square's Johnny D's Closing to Make Way for Conversion [Curbed Boston]