COGnitions

29 July
2024
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COG Sits Down with the Developer: An Interview with Drew Brassard | By Jeff Hamilton

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Drew Brassard, the developer of a stunning new single-family home at 121 Warren Ave. Drew is an esteemed developer with niche expertise in constructing brownstones in the South End.

In this interview, we’ll delve into Drew’s background and journey as a developer, and gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of real estate and new construction development!


Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in development?

Certainly! My background stems from engineering; I spent many years as a professional engineer, working for a company where I specialized in large-scale transportation projects, including roads, highways, and bridges. This experience has provided me with a solid foundation in construction and design. Around 2012, I found myself living in Boston, immersed in the South End, and deeply fascinated by real estate, particularly the captivating charm of the area’s historic buildings. It was during this time that I seized an opportunity to join a boutique developer, similar to the type of company I now lead. Those five years were invaluable—a period where we undertook about ten distinctive brownstone projects. By 2017-2018, I felt compelled to venture out on my own. I had the chance to acquire several brownstone buildings in prime South End locations, overseeing each project from beginning to end. These ventures proved immensely rewarding; collaborating closely with designers, I enjoyed the varied responsibilities of being a developer involved in every aspect from the initial concept to the final nail and screw. Being deeply involved in every aspect of the projects is one of the most satisfying parts of my job—it shows that this work isn’t done alone.

 

Unlike many developers who stick to safe, neutral designs, you’ve added personality, like the vibrant touches in the kitchen and the luxurious feel of the primary bathroom. It shows your skill in bridging the gap between developer and designer, creating a place that’s more than just another completed home—it’s full of character and craftsmanship. How do you do that?

Yeah, absolutely.I aimed for a sense of completeness, where stepping into the space feels instantly enjoyable. It was crucial to strike a balance, not overwhelming with personal tastes that might not appeal to everyone. I believe we’ve achieved that balance effectively here, and I’m genuinely thrilled with the outcome. Here at 121 Warren, it’s clear in the high-end finishes.There’s certainly a lot to admire. One of my personal favorites is the stunning herringbone floors we installed. We opted for white oak herringbone floors on both the main level and the kitchen level, striking a perfect balance that enhances the aesthetic without overwhelming the space.The decision to extend these beautiful floors to the master suite level was particularly rewarding. It allowed us to create a cohesive and luxurious feel throughout the home. Instead of dividing the space into a smaller bathroom and potentially a nursery or study, we chose to prioritize spaciousness and comfort, with it being 3,500 square feet. I’m beyond happy with how these design choices have come together. They not only elevate the visual appeal of the home but make every moment spent here feel special.

 

Throughout your career in building development, you’ve worked on different configurations—two-unit condos, three-unit condos, and now a single-family home. Could you discuss the process and the distinct challenges you’ve encountered with each type?

Absolutely! When I first laid eyes on this building, it was the location that immediately won me over. I’ve had experience developing just a block away on Clarendon Street, and this neighborhood—right on the cusp of Back Bay and the Golden Triangle, yet with that cozy South End feel—is just irresistible. Originally a two-unit rental, I debated keeping it as a duplex or triplex, but its size and layout spoke to me as ideal for a single-family home. Whether you’re raising a family or enjoying an empty nest, the spaciousness and privacy here are really unmatched. Especially in recent times, having your own space has been more valuable than ever. I wanted to maintain the beauty you’d find in a larger brownstone while keeping it more manageable. So, the main parlor level is perfect for entertaining, just like those grand buildings you see, but we also created a versatile space in the back—whether it’s a media room or a peaceful home office. On the other hand, placing the kitchen on the ground floor, accessible from the back, makes it both practical and elegant. This building offers a blend of historical charm and modern livability that’s truly special in this neighborhood.

 

From the initial discovery and planning stages, navigating through permits, construction, and all the intricate detail. Regarding the construction timeline, how long does it take to ensure everything is perfect for the end-user buyer?

For sure. Managing the timeline of any construction project is always a dynamic challenge. Drawing from my experience overseeing numerous projects over the past decade, building out a brownstone typically spans 18 to 24 months from start to finish. 

With this particular project, despite the initial complexity of acquiring the property with tenants in place, we navigated the situation effectively. Acquiring the property in July 2022, with tenants holding leases until September, required strategic planning. Upon acquiring the property, we faced a layout with limited ceiling heights and underutilized space. To maximize the potential of each floor, we opted to remove all existing floor plates. This allowed us to optimize ceiling heights throughout the entire building, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and functional space. One of the most ambitious aspects of the project was the extensive excavation at the rear of the property. Initially, the basement featured a cramped six-foot-five crawl space primarily housing utilities and laundry facilities. We undertook the task of manually excavating the area, digging down approximately 2.5 feet by hand. This labor-intensive process involved carefully shoveling and bucketing debris out through the back door. The result was a significant increase in ceiling height, nearly reaching nine feet, transforming the basement into a spacious and functional area. These substantial modifications not only improved livability but also added long-term value to the property.

While I typically prefer to start construction immediately after purchase, this circumstance 

allowed us to utilize the time wisely. During those initial months, we focused on obtaining permits and laying the groundwork for the project. It also provided an opportunity to collect rental income, which helped offset the initial mortgage costs. Once the tenants vacated in September, we transitioned seamlessly into the construction phase. Our goal was to complete the project by the end of 2023, and while we wrapped up in mid-February 2024, the overall timeline was still quite successful. This approach not only ensured a smooth transition but also allowed us to deliver a carefully crafted home that reflects both quality and attention to detail. Overall, navigating through these challenges underscored the importance of flexibility and strategic planning in achieving successful project outcomes.

 

What are your favorite fun parts of the house, whether it be the smart home technology or something special about the interior?

Yeah there’s certainly a lot to admire. One of my personal favorites is the stunning herringbone floors we installed. We opted for white oak herringbone floors on both the main level and the kitchen level, striking a perfect balance that enhances the aesthetic without overwhelming the space.The decision to extend these beautiful floors to the master suite level was particularly rewarding. It allowed us to create a cohesive and luxurious feel throughout the home. Instead of dividing the space into a smaller bathroom and potentially a nursery or study, we chose to prioritize spaciousness and comfort, with it being 3,500 square feet. I’m beyond happy with how these design choices have come together. They not only elevate the visual appeal of the home but make every moment spent here feel special.

The kitchen turned out spectacular thanks to Jill Sullivan’s expertise in driving the design forward. Working closely with Teal Tech’s Nick, we’ve integrated cutting-edge technology throughout the home, ensuring it’s fully equipped for smart living. Behind the walls, the infrastructure is designed to support a seamless smart home experience. Every level features wired speakers, controlled effortlessly through a sleek and minimalist system aptly named Brilliant. This system allows for customized scenes and controls via smartphone or keypad, offering convenience at your fingertips. For instance, we’ve implemented similar systems in past projects, like the “Midnight Snack” scene for a younger individual’s room, which illuminated specific areas for late-night excursions. Such personalization extends to setting weekend moods or simply arriving home with a single touch, activating selected lights and security features. Additionally, we’ve installed a custom Ring doorbell intercom system outside, complementing the home’s sleek aesthetic and ensuring security. In the back room, we’ve gone all out with speaker wiring, creating a versatile space perfect for a full-fledged media room setup if desired. Overall, these technological innovations enhance both the functionality and comfort of the home, making it not just a place to live, but tailored to contemporary lifestyles.


 

Drew, it’s been fantastic hearing about your incredible work on this project.

This particular block in the South End’s Golden Triangle boasts a rich concentration of single-family homes, blending seamlessly into the neighborhood’s historic fabric. While most homes here are older, this one stands out as a brand-new addition. For those interested, 121 Warren Ave is now available and ready to be showcased at your convenience. Whether you want to explore the stunning build-out or learn more about the process behind it, feel free to reach out to myself, Jeff Hamilton, or anyone at Columbus and Over Group. We look forward to connecting with you soon!