My 2 Cents

“Ms. J”,

Thank you for your comment. Here is my view as I step back from my current troubles.

WAIT….Give the lofts and condo market another year. Stay at home, save your money and wait it out.

Here is my updated breakdown:

Fremont Lofts- the 2nd loft building in Worcester started selling back in the end of 2005. From Summer of 2006 to present they have sold maybe another 8 units. They still as I last knew have 19 units available. Neil and I loved them for some time then really started picking apart the cheap flooring ect….the unit on the 4th floor and the back of the 2nd have vaulted ceilings and I do love that. Some felt to “apartmentish” not as much LOFTY. They have a fitness center which is a HUGE plus. The only problem I really have is they refuse to come down in the prices of the units even after a failed attempt at an auction.

University Park Lofts- I am Biased to a point since I live here. The people in the building are great, we all have great hopes for when the building finally sells thru. It is a waiting game.
When the roof deck finally happens it will have something NO ONE in Worcester has a view that stretches to Boston and the west. We all have access up there right now, but the developers are pretty lacks in completing it. The units are a good price in my opinion. I mean 130k for a kick ass unit and if you seen how some of the unit owners have “personalized” theirs you would agree.
Please send me an email I will gladly show you mine.
Also another HUGE plus….UNDERGROUND PARKING. It can be negotiated in your buying offer for less then the 7500 they want to charge per spot. #’s on the website are not the case in this slow house moving market. Neil and I bought two spots and have ample room for our cars and some storage.

Kettle Brook- BEST DESIGN BY FAR !!! But to SMALL. 700 sq feet is fine for a single but not a couple. We did reserve a unit and then backed out of it. They are no where near complete and the 30 “closings” they have scheduled for January I do not believe will happen. They seem to be taking reservations for “phase 2″ but not being done phase 1 it could be awhile.
No matter how well a place markets itself the “economy will always determine sales”
No matter what there Literature states doesn’t mean that is the end result. Hell University Park had the best proposal I have seen back in 2005.. Only half of that came to life… WAIT AND SEE

Winter St Lofts – Above Bocado….WAY TO EXPENSIVE….the one unit under 199k was 3 feet from a brick building with all windows. NO VIEW. TO close to the highway…and parking you needed to pay the town for across the busy street under the 290 bridge.
It is in Kelly Sq- Canal District which is going to be GREAT but these units should have waited.

The Blackstone Lofts on Harding St 70 Winter st . This building was going to be lofts developed by someone else then they foreclosed on the building. A new developer bought it a year ago and wants to finish it. BAD TIMING. I think they will have more issues then existing lofts in the city of Worcester. Rumor from a friend who works at Bocado is that they are putting 4k sq foot units on the top floor.. Selling in the 400k price range. GOOD LUCK WITH THAT ONE.
Here is the model unit ad states “Awesome soho lofts & 1-3 bed condo’s ready to be customized. In the center of the new blackstone canal district! Video intercom system to beautiful foyer! Units feature brick, natural wood, granite, marble, hvac, data wire & master suites w/jacuzzi. Tons of character! Mixed use community building w/restaurants, fitness room, roof deck, community room, golf studio & so much more! Includes 2 parking spaces & additional storage! Walk to shrewsbury st, union station & downtown worc. Avail. 2/08 “

Biscuit Lofts. They where the first and the only way you get one is to buy one a owner is selling. Close to Shrewsbury St, but as you see the future of Worcester is the Canal District and buy now in that area cheap and wait it out.

But my advise to anyone is wait it out….Another year, see where the market goes and who really is selling.. This is your investment

MS. C.