South End’s Ink Block Welcomes the Siena

Photograph Courtesy of Ink Block

It’s a dramatic story: The Ink Block site was once the windswept home of the Boston Herald building, encircled by desolate sidewalks and soundtracked by the Expressway’s flat hum. Turn the page: Now there’s a Whole Foods, the forthcoming AC boutique hotel, the South End Open Market, and a fleet of swanky residences.

The Siena, just beginning construction and open for presale, is the newest kid on the block. The 79-unit luxury condo building is luring urbanites and suburbanites alike with the promise of artisanal shopping and al fresco workouts.

“We’re seeing buyers who range from young working professionals to folks who’ve been living in big homes in the suburbs and want to walk to Whole Foods, restaurants, music, and art,” says Ted Tye, managing partner at National Development, Siena’s developer.

But really, why leave? There will be the Skyclub Lounge, an indoor-outdoor rooftop party place with fireplaces and skyline views; residents can also take a dip in the Ink Block’s pool, for a fee. Other perks include outdoor yoga and movies, plus an on-site spin studio. While you’re sunning poolside, pet concierge company Baroo will take your pup for a stroll.

The eight-story building has a black-and-white exterior and interior design details modeled after the Duomo di Siena’s bell tower in Italy and inspired by the location’s newsprint heritage. Maisonettes—first-floor residences with separate entrances, high ceilings, and patios—add a neighborly touch.

With luxe amenities and prices to match (junior one-bedrooms start at $650,000 for roughly 600 square feet; three-bedrooms run more than 2,000 square feet and start at more than $2 million), the Siena will herald a new era indeed.

Siena, 300 Harrison Ave., Boston, 617-357-8500, sienaboston.com.

By the Numbers
SoHa Stats

38%
Percentage of Ink Block residents with dogs

1.5 million
Steps per month clocked by walkers from Baroo pet concierge

1959
Year the Boston Herald opened on the current Ink Block site

50,000
Square footage of the Ink Block’s Whole Foods

55.8%
10-year condo-price increase in Bay Village/South End