Flashcube Opens for Residents Next Month Following $69M Renovation

By Kevin Collison

The historic “Flashcube” building is scheduled to open to residents in mid-July following a $69 million renovation that converted a 1970s office building into a 184-unit, luxury apartment building.

The nine-story, reflective glass-clad building at 720 Main already has 30 units committed through pre-leasing and its developer is asking for premium rents, up to $3,000 per month for a three-bedroom apartment and $2,000 for two-bedrooms.

But Worcester Investments is counting on an amenity package that includes a huge space under the building’s plaza with pickle ball and basketball courts along with a rock-climbing wall, and free Plexpod co-working space membership to attract renters.

It’s also located next to the North Loop streetcar stop and apartment residents will have panoramic views of the River Market and Central Business District.

“We feel like it’s gone really well,” said Haylee Irvin, Worcester regional manager.

“We feel like we’re leasing the way the future of downtown living is going with a true live, work and play concept for our residents.”

Flashcube residents will have a panoramic view of the River Market and beyond.

Plexpod is leasing 18,000 square-feet in the building, all of the first floor and part of the lower-level.

The redevelopment of what was once called the Executive Plaza Office Building has been several years in the making.

The building had been vacant for a dozen years before Worcester received a 25-year property tax abatement to help finance its renovation three years ago from a city development agency.

The renovation work included replacing all 2,346 reflective window panels in its glass-curtain walls to historic preservation standards. All the interior mechanical and electrical systems had to be redone along with new, “smart” elevators installed.

The project also is taking a unique approach to its heating and cooling needs, tapping into the steam and chilled water network operated downtown by Veolia energy from its giant facility in the River Market.

A large space beneath the building plaza as been renovated as an indoor recreation area with pickle ball and basketball courts and a climbing wall. (Image from developer)

The Flashcube has 48 studio apartments ranging from 425- to 647-square feet, monthly rents from $1,095- to $1,495, and 48 one-bedroom ranging from 528- to 708 square-feet, rents from $1,275- to $1,420.

There are 56 two-bedroom, one-bath from 798- to 907 square-feet, rents  $1,500- to $1,910; 16 two-bed, two-bath units, from 928- to 1,021 square-feet, rents $1,975- to $2,045, and 16 three-bedroom, from 1,134- to 1,275 square-feet, rents $2,875 to $2,995.

Parking on the surface lot is separate and costs from $65 per month for a conventional space, $110 for electric plug-ins. Water and electricity also are not included.

Residents of the eighth and ninth floor will have access to a “VIP” wine lounge. There also is a resident lounge and game area on the lower level along with a “turf room” where tenants can kick around soccer balls.

Potential residents are welcome to do hard hat tours or make a virtual visit to the project at the Flashcube leasing office located in front of the building by the streetcar stop.

Irvin said all 16,000 square-feet of amenity space should be completed by the end of July. The entire project, including the Plexpod space, is expected to be finished by the end of October.

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