At the beginning of this century, Fort Point Channel was a quiet enclave, noted for its artist residents, the Children’s Museum, Lucky’s Lounge and very little else, aside from the headquarters of a certain free daily newspaper. Even in 2008, when the area’s first swanky loft-style condos, FP3, and its trio of Barbara Lynch-helmed eating and drinking spots opened on Congress Street, it seemed an anomaly.
Now, development appears to be speeding along, with new residences at Atlantic Wharf open and restaurants such as Smith & Wollensky, Sorelle Bakery and Cafe, Jody Adams’ Trade at Atlantic Wharf and Trillium Brewery all due to open soon.
“I don’t know that I’ve noticed the changes,” says Brysson Curtis, who bought a home at FP3 in 2009.
“There’s a feeling of space still. The other evening I was on the roof deck grilling and it was very peaceful,” says the 37-year-old assistant engineer. “There’s definitely more traffic on Congress Street. It’s noisy on weekends, but living in a city, you expect it.”
The impending Seaport Square, which will add much more residence and retail space adjacent to Fort Point Channel, will likely destroy that feeling of space. But Curtis feels it will add to Fort Point property values. Still, he doesn’t seem too concerned.
“That construction vortex seems like it’s far away from here,” says Curtis. “I heard vaguely what they’re going to do, but haven’t seen any details. I think it will be a benefit to our building.”
Curtis recalls the first time he came to Fort Point in the early 2000s, to go to Lucky’s with friends.
“There was nothing here then. It was cool, all these old warehouse buildings. But it was the kind of place that seemed abandoned.”
Not for much longer.
