Globe: Washington Place ‘doesn’t appear’ to have the votes

Washington Place developer offers two design options

by | Nov 4, 2016 | Affordable housing, Newtonville, Orr Building | 1 comment

Jonathan Dame reports for Wicked Local Newton.

The developer looking to rebuild the Orr block in Newtonville Tuesday night presented city councilors and the public with two new design options for its proposed mixed-use project.

The developer has a preference – and councilors appeared to have one, too – but Damien Chaviano of Mark Investment Inc. said his firm would be happy to build either.

Orr Block demolition begins today

Andy Levin tries – but can’t – understand opposition to the Orr Block project

by | Sep 1, 2016 | development, Newtonville | 13 comments

In a column this week, Newton TAB editor Andy Levin tries to make sense of opposition to the proposed Washington Place project at the site of the decaying Orr Building in Newtonville.


I pass the Orr block frequently during my travels around the city. Each time, I stare at the buildings in an attempt to understand why some folks are so against their being replaced. I do understand the anxiety about the displacement of several popular businesses and existing renters, but the buildings themselves are a century old, very worn down and of marginal historical significance, in my opinion. I can’t think of any good reason they shouldn’t be replaced and the area renewed.