Berkshire Group Debuts 2 Boston Towers

By IvyLee Rosario

Berkshire Group, in partnership with Boston Global Investors, opened the residences at The Benjamin and VIA, part of the $600 million One Seaport development in Boston. The largest mixed-use project in Boston in over 30 years, the two towers sit on three acres of land and encompass 1.5 million square feet in the heart of the district. The two buildings feature more than 20 blocks of retail, office and residential space. 

Designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects, The Benjamin and VIA stand at 22 and 20 floors, respectively, at 25 Northern Ave. Design elements include metal and glass with a unitized curtain wall system. The development was designed for LEED Silver certification. In between the two buildings can be found Courthouse Square, a 17,000-square-foot open space that serves as a pedestrian link between Seaport Boulevard and Northern Avenue. 

The Benjamin

The Benjamin and VIA

Offering 354 luxury units ranging from studios to penthouses, 46 of those apartments from studios to three-bedrooms are set aside to meet Boston’s standards for affordable housing. Interior features include views of the city, wood flooring, quartz countertops, under mount sinks, Grohe faucets, modern cabinets, GE and Bosche appliances, spa inspired bath designs, Nest thermostats, custom millwork and LED lighting. Penthouse suites offer addition luxury features including floor-to-ceiling windows, induction cooktops, boutique-style custom closets, travertine baths and access to the Hello Alfred butler service. 

Residents have access to amenities such as two outdoor terraces on the fourth floor: the 12,000-square-foot Vista Sundeck that features a pool, outdoor grills and lush landscaping, and the 11,000-square-foot HoriZen Terrace that features a fire table and 70-foot wave-like steel sculpture. Other amenities include a 24-hour concierge, underground parking with car charging stations, bicycle storage and repair, state-of-the-art Butterfly entry system and 8,000-square-foot common space that features a catering kitchen, entertainment and relaxation lounges, a business center, Balance fitness center with yoga and virtual programming, Revive espresso bar, The Map Room and on-site grooming station and play area for pets. The first three floors also offer 120,000 square feet of retail. 

VIA 

Offering 478 apartments ranging from studios to three-bedrooms, 50 of these are also set aside for affordable rent and 96 can be found in The Fusion Wing, devoted to minimalist living. Interior features include three design schemes to choose from, open concept living spaces, oversized spa bathrooms, quartz countertops, under mount sinks, Grohe faucets, modern tiling and cabinets, GE stainless steel appliances, Nest thermostats and USB charging ports.

Residents have access to amenities such as Hush work pods, Linked tech bar, Vibe lounge, Flix living room, Taste private dining room, Synergy fitness center with Centered yoga and wellness studio, a 9,000-square-foot AIR Terrance that features lush greenery, a fire table with fire side seating, grilling stations and granite water feature and access to the resident dog, Millie V—a friendly and hypo-allergenic Wheaton Terrier puppy. The Fusion Wing offers additional features including the Imagination Think Tank work space and its own Vision Terrance, a 4,000-square-foot outdoor space located on the ninth floor. Also like The Benjamin, the first three levels of VIA includes 125,000 square feet of retail. 

“Since opening our doors, it has been a pleasure to see our residents enjoying Boston at its very best. Whether it is the exceptional design, amenities and views of The Benjamin and VIA, or the Seaport’s ever transforming streetscape, it is nice to see the buildings finally come to life,” said Heather Boujoulian, senior vice president, head of multifamily development investments for Berkshire Group. “Every time I am at the property, I can feel the excitement for the next phase of the development—the retail openings. We already have some amazing restaurants in the Seaport; the additional shopping and dining opportunities will tremendously change the dynamic of the area and truly contribute to the live-work-play aspect our residents desire.” 

One Seaport features 250,000 square feet of shopping, dining, fitness and entertainment space. WS Development developed, owns and manages the retail in each tower. Notable merchants include 75 on Seaport, Bank of America, Equinox, L.L. Bean, ShowPlace ICON at Seaport, Warby Parker and the C.C. Filson Co. Residents of The Benjamin and VIA have direct access to downtown Boston as well as interstates 93 and 90. Courthouse Station on the Silver Line is adjacent to the towers, while Logan Airport and South Station are in close proximity. The Rose F. Kennedy Greenway and Financial District are less than a quarter of a mile away.

Image courtesy of Berkshire Group