Boston Buyers Spurn Starck

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.