Boston Buyers Spurn Starck

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
May 9th 2006 at 5:09PM

Could it be that uber-designer Philippe Starck isn't universally appealing. His condos in New York and Miami Beach have thrived but in Boston, not so much. Starck's YooD4 project which has taken over the old Area D-4 police station in the pricey South End, hasn't connected with consumers. Marketing began a year ago but only six of 26 condos have been sold and even those six aren't done deals.

What's the problem? The Boston Globe cites rising mortgage rates, construction delays, and high prices as factors but it could be that Starck's bare yet flashy design just doesn't resonate with Boston's more traditional real estate buyers. Those who buy into Starck's projects aren't just purchasing space they are buying into Starck's quirky aesthetic. The interiors for YooD4 had two options: "Nature" with bamboo floors, teak kitchen cabinets and marble tile bathrooms or "Urban" with white oak floors, white laminate cabinets and white walls.

Starck did better across town at Parris Landing in the Charlestown navy Yard. Most of the units sold in 18 months. What's the difference? Starck had less of a hand in this one, design packages for interiors are optional and Starck confined most of his Starcktacular special effects to common areas. The future of YooD4 may well involve a toning down of the Starck magic.

Tags: boston real estate, condo, condominium, philippe starck, south end, starck, yood4

Filed under: Estates

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condoDomain.com May 11th 2006 4:06PM

We were quoted in this article - however not the best representation. Yes the Boston YOOD4 building may not be selling out at neck-breaking speed...but to put down a world famous residential design developer...we hardly can agree with that. Starck's work...and for that matter Urbanica's is great. YOOD4 will do just fine here in Boston...as Starck?s Parris Landing has broken sales records for its 300+ units sold in the past 18 months. YOOD4 just needs to be marketed to the right audience. Our opinion - buyers who appreciate this type of lavish product will find YOOD4 to be an extreme value!