About the Lofts
Lofts
Discover Chelsea’s premier artist community. This beautifully restored Tudor school features 23 brand new loft style condominiums. There are variety of layouts and finishes available to meet the needs of the most discerning buyers. Absorb the energy of this dynamic enclave as you interact with your new neighbors.
The units offer open plan loft-style living with high ceilings and large windows. Unit sizes range from 793 to 1147 square feet and are priced from $99,000-$225,750.
The building was built to a high standard of energy efficiency and features individual heat / AC units in each loft
Common laundry facilities are available each floor.
The first nine market rate units will have a deeded parking spot.
History
The schoolhouse was built in the early 1880’s, and features a timber, brick and stucco exterior characteristic of the English Tudor Revival style of the period. The building was originally called the Spencer Avenue School and renamed in 1937 for Mary C. Burke, a World War I Army nurse who died in 1918.
Amenities
- 10 minute commute to Boston
- Minutes to all major highways
- Historic building, masonry & wood
- Limited parking available
- Expansive window allowing ample natural light
- Individually controlled thermostat
- Air conditioning
- Laundry conveniently located on each floor
- Elevator Access
- Units range from 793 sq ft - 1147 sq ft.
- Professional landscaping
- All new modern GE appliances (electric stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, sink disposal)
Location
Keen Lofts is located at 220 Spencer Ave, Chelsea, MA.
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Art Centered Community
Keen Lofts is an Art Centered community. Keen Lofts welcomes people interested in the arts. Whether you are an artist or simply fan of the arts, Keen Lofts is the place for you!
Market Rate
There are no income restrictions for these units.
Note: Use restrictions apply.
Affordable Rate
To be eligible to buy an affordable unit at Keen Lofts you must meet the following requirements:
- Must obtain a First-Time Homebuyer Class Certificate
- Must be income eligible
Low Moderate # in Household 60% of area median income 80% of area median income 1 $36,060 $46,300 2 $41,160 $52,950 3 $46,320 $59,550 - Must have sufficient income to secure financing
- Must seek Homebuyer Financial Assistance if eligible
- NOTE: Re-sale and occupancy restrictions apply
Chelsea’s Stimulus Package
The city of Chelsea offers a number of incentives for homeowners:
- Residential Tax Exemption allows residents to receive $660 off their taxes each year
- Chelsea residents only pay 30¢ to use the Tobin Bridge toll (with Fastlane)
- Chelsea Restoration Corporation offers down payment and closing cost assistance
- 1 Member Household: $7,500
- 2 Member Household: $8,500
"Soft Second" Mortgage Program
Only 3% down, lower interest rate, no PMI. See more information about the Soft Second Mortgage Program »
About Chelsea
Chelsea is one of the best comeback stories in recent area history. In little more than a decade it has risen up from near financial insolvency to become one of the Boston area’s fastest growing communities and, in particular, an increasingly popular destination for a wide variety of area artists including painters, sculptors, photographers, and musicians.
It’s proximity to downtown Boston, Boston Harbor and Logan Airport and relative affordability compared with other close-in cities like Somerville, Cambridge, and Brookline, has been a key to its remarkable turnaround. Chelsea is now an increasingly popular destination for commercial and residential real estate developers, and therefore, new businesses and home buyers alike.
From the point of view of homebuyers and apartment hunters, moving to Chelsea no longer means moving to Admiral’s Hill. In the last two years alone some 1800 new units of housing have either been created or slated for development including both apartments for rent and condominiums for sale. This wave of new development has touched virtually every corner of the City from the Waterfront to Mill Creek to Prattville to Addison-Orange and everything in between. At least two former industrial areas -- The Chelsea Box District and the former Forbes Site -- are being transformed to vibrant residential neighborhoods.
Chelsea has something for everyone really. It’s no surprise that Chelsea has become a popular destination for a surprisingly diverse group of new residents including artists, young professionals, and families hoping to find an affordable place to live right on the doorstep of downtown Boston.
Getting around on the T
Public transportation is available via both the 117 and 116 MBTA buses which stop across the street from Keen Lofts. Route 16/Revere Beach Parkway is just up the road and serves as a quick connection to Route 1 North or South and connects easily to the Tobin Bridge creating easy access to downtown Boston, I-93, the Mass Pike Logan Airport and the Ted Williams Tunnel are also minutes away. The Chelsea commuter rail station at the corner of Arlington Street and 6th Street is 1.5 miles from Keen Lofts. Trains run frequently, one stop to North Station.
Testimonial
Jerry Hooten, Artist & Owner
My place at Keen Lofts has been both my home and my studio since I moved here in October 2008. I was initially attracted to Keen Lofts because of the building’s unique architectural character, the relatively large and affordable space, and easy access to Boston and the surrounding area. My space at Keen Lofts is great and I look forward to continued creativity here in Chelsea.
I am a printmaker and photographer, and do collage as well. While the techniques and results in each of these mediums are quite different, the common thread running through my imagery is the subject matter: landscapes, trees, plants, and water, and the male figure.
Boxwood C-print. © Copyright jhooten. All rights reserved.
Frogman series, C-print. © Copyright jhooten. All rights reserved.