Contemporary Boston loft is ideal for entertaining

When the Court Square Press building at 9 West Broadway was being redeveloped into 129 condominiums six years ago, the sixth floor was designed for 16 penthouses.

One of those penthouses, Unit 605, is for sale. Rob Cohen of Boston Realty Advisors and Paul Santucci of Boston Lofts, which is part of Boston Realty Advisors, are marketing this stunning residence, which is listed at $1.899 million.

The handsome brick building was built in 1906 and with its keystone lintels and sandstone sills reflects a Georgian Revival style. It stands where today’s Seaport, South Boston and South End neighborhoods come together.

One hundred years later it was redeveloped, and a five-story, curved, glass-and-steel entrance was added. Inside is a grand lobby with a curved reception desk that is staffed around the clock. A smooth elevator ride and a walk down a corridor bring you to Unit 605.

Step inside and you see a huge volume of space and an expanse of windows that wraps around a corner of the building.

The city views include the MBTA’s Cabot Yard and rail tracks to South Station to the west and the Broadway Bridge, Gillette Park and the Fort Point Channel to the north.

The dining area, which is open to the main living space, has a soaring 20-foot-high ceiling. It easily can accommodate a dinner party for 12.

On one side of the foyer, on the right, is a wall of refinished Douglas fir, and the vertical grain of the wood adds a unique dimension.

On the opposite side is a traditional plastered wall; a pocket door opens into a large full bath with a suspended sink, a waterfall faucet and a deep soaking tub.

Dark, reclaimed walnut comprises the flooring and unifies the entire space.

Directly ahead is the dining area. Above a long table are clerestory windows beneath the 20-foot ceiling, illuminating the space. On one side, instead of a window, there is a glass door to a roof deck, but the staircase has not been built.

The ceiling height drops to about 13 feet in the main living area; the beamed ceiling has finished Douglas fir.

The living room is exceptionally wide, perfect for entertaining, and a portion of it could be subdivided for a third bedroom where there already is a large closet.

The dining area, which is open to the main living space, has a soaring 20-foot-high ceiling. It easily can accommodate a dinner party for 12.

Two conversation areas have been created in this open area, and in the corner is an unusual floating, wood-burning fireplace that has an elliptical base and a tall chimney of brushed steel.

The two exterior walls of this home feature exposed brick, hearkening back to its industrial beginnings. There also is ductwork high along one wall.

The dining area is open to the living room but ends with an 8-foot-high perpendicular wall of refinished Douglas fir that separates this space from the outstanding kitchen.

One side of the kitchen is open to the living room; a pocket door on another side can close off the workspace from the dining area.

A stainless steel island with a deep rectangular sink is centered here. And the open shelving and countertops comprise stainless steel as well. The base cabinets are Douglas fir with the same vertical grain.

The kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, counters, open shelving and center island that contrast with the refinished custom-designed cabinetry of Douglas fir.

Top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances include a six-burner Wolf professional gas range and a Wolf stainless steel hood, a large Viking professional refrigerator and a Miele dishwasher. A custom-built pantry with a pullout cabinet is next to the range.

Two carpeted bedrooms lie beyond the kitchen. The smaller bedroom has a door that opens into the master bedroom suite. Its bath is across the hall and features an oversized tub with a rain showerhead, a floating sink with a waterfall faucet and a dual flush toilet.

A full-sized mirrored pocket door that can close off the master bedroom suite for privacy enhances a sense of spaciousness as light reflects in the glass.

The master bedroom has exposed brick on its walls and a second connecting door to the other bedroom. Outside the bedroom is a huge walk-in closet with a large, space-saving sliding door.

The master bath is sumptuous, lavishly tiled with Carrara marble. The floor tiles are 24 by 24 inches, and the wall tiles 12 by 12 inches. One wall has exposed brick.

The master bath is absolutely lavish, featuring abundant marble tile, a deep soaking tub with air jets and a glass-enclosed shower with a rain showerhead and multiple sprays.

The air-jetted, Fiberglas soaking tub is set into a marble deck. The fixtures, including a waterfall faucet, are not at either end of the tub but set into the wall midway.

The adjacent shower with a rain showerhead and multiple hand-held sprays is enclosed with glass. The Douglas fir vanity topped with marble has two undermounted sinks.

Outside this bath is a large laundry room with abundant storage. Although the Miele washer and dryer are stacked, there is plenty of room to have side-by-side appliances and room to spare.

As magnificent as this grand loft-like residence is, the amenities that are included are exceptional. At Court Square Press, there is state-of-the-art gym, plus a large Zen-like outdoor courtyard.

Next door at the Macallen Building is a 60- by 240-foot landscaped terrace with an outdoor lap pool, which residents of both buildings can enjoy.

The master bedroom is carpeted and has four walls of exposed brick. Sandblasted beams and ductwork reflect its loftlike characteristics.

A large community room, which opens onto the terrace, has a kitchen and bath. This room can be converted to a theater with its huge, drop-down screen, projector and blackout shades.

A three-story garage at the Macallen serves both buildings; Unit 605 has two deeded parking spaces.

When the Court Square Press building was first constructed, it housed the MacAllen Manufacturing Company, which produced electrical supplies for the nearby railroads. Later, the Court Square Press, which imprinted checks, moved into the property.

The Court Square Press name was retained at the old building, and the new condo building was given the name Macallen.

DETAILS

Address: Court Square Press, Unit 605, 9 West Broadway, Seaport

BR/BA: Two bedrooms, three bath

Size: 2,967 square feet

Age: 1906; 2005

Price: $1.899 million

Taxes: $19,345 

Condo fee: $1,540 (includes gas and condo amenities)

Features of building: Handsome Georgian Revival brick building with 129 loft-like condos; 24-hour concierge; central air conditioning; on-site gym, community room, outdoor terrace with lap pool

Features of unit: Spectacular brick-and-beam loft-like corner unit with high-end gourmet kitchen; spacious living room with wood-burning fireplace; lavish baths, including a marble–tiled master bath; in-unit laundry; two–deeded parking spaces; potential for third bedroom, access to roof deck.

Close by: The South End, Fort Point Channel HarborWalk, the Financial District, South Boston, many restaurants; easy access to Broadway MBTA Red Line Station, Routes 93 and 90.

Contact: Rob Cohen, Boston Realty Advisors, 745 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, or Paul Santucci, Boston Lofts/Boston Realty Advisors. Phones: 617-692-0142 (Cohen cell) or 617-694-0004 (Santucci cell)

Websites: www.PenthouseBoston.com or www.robbcohen.com

This property may be seen by appointment.