Court Square Press Building Condominiums

The Macallen Building and Court Square Press are conveniently located, however, that is about the only positive aspect of these buildings. Here is a list of some of the problems (especially with Macallen):
1. Electrical problems — If the unit you buy has been renovated with changes to electrical wiring, then you will be fine. However, the building is not that old, so most units have not been renovated. The builders skimped on wiring and plumbing so there are many problems including about half of the outlets in many units are not functioning.
2. Very very difficult to have anything moved in/​out or to have work done. The staff are almost hostile to workers and even if they have been notified of dates, it is still very difficult to get this accomplished. I have had to pay penalties and fees because a scheduled move was not able to take place. Hostile is the only word to describe this. Even if you plan, write, e-​mail, call — the staff will not follow through and the owner/​tenant is always blamed.
3. Impossible to get rid of cardboard boxes. They say they recycle, but the boxes have to be broken down in very specific detail and if that does not occur then the owner/​tenant is fined for a «cardboard violation».
4. The rules for small items are meticulously followed, but the rules for smoking are not followed at all. This is suppose to be a nonsmoking building, but there have been at least two fires (with serious damage) related to cigarette butts thrown off decks and/​or balconies. I guess the cardboard violation is keeping them so occupied that they can’t take care of the potential fire hazards.
5. Good luck getting a cab. The concierge will say they call, but you are better off walking, taking the T or calling über. This is a big problem early in the morning when you need to get to the airport before the T is running. Even giving notes to concierge, calling in the morning doesn’t work. Problems on both ends — with concierge and cabs.
6. Renters are treated like second class citizens. Just don’t rent at this building. I have friends who have rented and they are treated quite differently — in public as well. I heard a staff person yell at someone, «Renters aren’t allowed to go in there.» Wasn’t true as it was in the fitness room.
7. Mold. Leaking showers from other units. Enough said.
8. If you have parking, then make sure you follow every single rule to the letter, even the rules you are not aware of. Otherwise, you’ll get a public scolding and fine. And if you have to park behind the building, then plan on your car getting broken in to – even in the middle of the day.
9. Management company sucks. Pure and simple — they are just awful.
10. Can’t play musical instruments of any kind. And I mean soft piano playing is not even allowed. Additionally, if someone can hear your TV, then prepared to be fined.
Not worth the hassle. Plenty of other places to live.
Positive thing is that these things are easy to sell, but buyer beware.

Note: specs are estimates. Please visit the official condo website for exact specifications.
100+ unit Lofts style condominiums on the edge of South Boston. Amenities include 24 hour concierge service, a full time building management staff keeping the building in tip top shape, 1000+ sq. ft. gym and 25,000 sq. ft. plaza in the Macallen building overlooking downtown Boston. Pricing as of Spring 2007 range between $ 350,000 to 1.4 million with square footage ranging from 650 to 2000+.
With Red line T access right across the street and a ¾ mile walk on the harbor walk to the Seaport District, this area of South Boston is Boston’s next up and coming area. New restaurants and retail space are going up 1 – 2 blocks away in the soon to be completed Macallen Building, Allele, and 36A Lofts. In addition, the Cornerstone Pub is coming down and being replaced with a luxury rental building and an independent movie theater on the 1^st floor.
If you are looking for a good real estate investment, consider the Court Square Press building or one of the surrounding condominium complexes in the neighborhood.