Eastern Aspect The rise and boom of East Boston Written by Lisa Cavanaugh
F
rom its first major land development project in 1833, when General William Sumner and his newly formed East Boston Trade Company began connecting via landfill five harbor islands and then constructing wharves and a railroad terminal, the area known as East Boston (or “Eastie” to the locals) has been a hub of advancement and progress. Over the decades, sugar refining, iron forging, timber processing, clothing manufacturing and especially shipbuilding—including the site where the world-famous McKay clipper ships were built—kept the streets of East Boston busy and productive. This industrious atmosphere attracted generations of immigrants as well as business visionaries and has defined the area as enduringly forward-thinking and energetic. This vibrancy is now being realized in a number of impressive residential real estate developments that are transforming East Boston into the city’s newest “hot” neighborhood. “East Boston
142
has truly come alive in terms of accessible prime real estate,” says Chantelle Persac of Coldwell Banker’s Persac Group. “It has become the premier place overlooking Boston Harbor to live.” Persac and her husband Ryan, who first moved to the Jeffries Point area of East Boston fifteen years ago, specialize in sales within their home turf. “Ryan was looking for an affordable place to live as a first-time home buyer and he stumbled upon Jeffries Point,” Persac says. “He could see the potential here, as the area became more gentrified.” Ryan Persac began to focus exclusively on East Boston properties, selling to colleagues who became friends, and friends who became like family. “Ryan is synonymous with East Boston,” says his wife. “He is one of the area’s very top agents.” For the Persacs, it is easy to market their own neighborhood, since there is so much in it to appreciate. In addition to stellar waterfront access and views, East Boston is an easy commute to downtown, the financial district and the Seaport. “It is also a wonderful neighborhood where kids can ride their bikes. We
N E W E N G L A N D L I V I N G. T V | S U M M E R 2 0 2 1
Coldwell_Eastern.indd 142
5/12/21 1:20 PM
