Published August 23, 2019

By JIM SHAER

MELROSE — Continuing the growth of residential units in or near downtown Melrose, Sterling Construction & Development LLC of Chelsea broke ground last week on an eight-unit condominium project for Essex Street.  

The “Condos At The 87” are being constructed under the supervision of developer Richard Arnone, Jr. The project was designed by architect Dan Dilullo, who is also a Melrose resident.  

Joining Arnone and Dilullo at the groundbreaking ceremony were Melrose Mayor Gail Infurna, City Planner Denise Gaffey and John Bulman and other representatives of Brad Hutchinson Real Estate, which will be handling sales of the units.  

“We’re excited to construct what will be eight owner-occupied luxury condominiums. They will range from one-bedroom to two-bedroom, plus den” said Arnone.

“They’re in a great location” added Bulman. “The condos are a short walk to the commuter rail, a couple of minutes to Shaw’s and to everything downtown has to offer.” 

According to a fact sheet provided by Brad Hutchinson Real Estate, two of the one- bedroom units are priced in the mid-$400,000s. Given that it is difficult to find Melrose housing in that price range, those units are expected to attract a lot of interest.  

Gaffey credited the Melrose Planning Board and the developer for “working really hard to design something that is compatible with the neighborhood.”

She added, “The look of the building will be consistent with Melrose center. We think the community is going to be very pleased.”