Isalia Honored for Rehab Work

By Dees Stribling, Contributing Editor

Boston—The City of Boston has named Isalia Property Group as an “exemplary property developer and manager in 2013.” The company was so honored for its work over the last two years rehabilitating a variety of properties in the Boston area, some of which were previously cited as problem properties by the Mayor’s Problem Properties Task Force.

One example of a recently redeveloped property by the company is 17 Imrie Rd. in the Allston neighborhood of Boston, which Brookline-based Isalia bought for $540,000 in June. The two-unit, 2,050-square-foot structure was a problem property because of its dilapidated state and unsanitary conditions, a lot of neighbor complaints, rats and an all-around overgrown appearance. The company then worked with the City, including the Mayor’s office and the City’s Inspectional Services Department (ISD), to formulate a rehab plan to expedite the property’s removal from the Problem Property List.

The plan included a complete gut renovation involving a total rebuilding of all systems, including electrical, plumbing and mechanical. Siding was replaced with Hardie Board, the roof was also replaced and the landscaping completely made over. Various lacking safety systems were installed as well, including sprinklers and alarm systems.

Within two months, the work was done and the property off the list. 17 Imrie Rd. will soon be available for rent to two families as a two-unit structure.

In announcing the award at a recent press conference, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino said, “we want to send a message that we’d not going to allow students to move into units that aren’t fit under the sanitary code.” Regarding 17 Imrie Rd., ISD Commissioner Bryan Glascock said that Isalia “took over a property that had a troubled past, stepped up to the plate, and gutted the building. When they’re done, they’re going to be high-quality apartments.”