525 LINC brings co-living apartments to Allston
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Allston’s co-living, all-inclusive apartment block 525 LINC opened its doors to tenants in January, bringing a new housing option to the area.
Co-developed by Boylston Properties and Arx Urban, 525 LINC, located at 525 Lincoln St., is now leasing its 279 bedrooms — yes bedrooms, not apartments. While the building does offer 10 studios, space in the 70 three- and four-bedroom apartments, or “suites,” is rented by the bedroom. With all 525 LINC rentals, however, the co-living, all-inclusive model means tenants skip the furniture shopping, don’t need to bring pots and pans, and don’t bother with the internet set-up: Practically everything is included in the rent.
“It’s a no friction lifestyle; just bring your suitcase,” said Benjie Moll, principal and founder of Arx Urban.
Renters even skip the roommate search. Roomies are matched via preferences collected on RoomSync, and occupants may ask for a transfer within the building. The lease is basically for a bedroom within an apartment rather than an apartment within the building.
It’s a new model that not only eases the moving process, but may be another solution to the housing crunch.
“Around 2016, co-living buildings emerged as a new model to tackle housing problems,” said Moll, a Newton native. “The typical co-living situation in Boston is in a triple-decker. This helps free those up for families.”
This is Boston’s second co-living development, following 7INK in the Ink Block development on Albany Street in Boston’s South End. 7INK, which opened in 2022, was developed and is managed by National Development, which also manages 525 LINC.
Floor plans throughout the building are similar and have open-plan kitchen-to-living room areas. Rent includes biweekly cleaning of suite common areas, and every unit has a washer and dryer. The majority of bedrooms offer en-suite bathrooms. Renters may bring their own towels and bedding or rent those for an added fee. They may also request to bring their own mattress.
Furniture is also standard throughout, said Moll, and “comparable to a boutique hotel product.”
The development has two outdoor areas: a roof deck with grills and firepits — and “spectacular Boston skyline views,” said Moll, as well as a ground-floor patio. There’s a fitness center, community kitchen and lounge, a work room, and a bike room. Rent also includes a shared electric vehicle membership program: Tenants just pay for usage.
525 LINC does not allow animals: “It is not pet-friendly. You can imagine that might cause a lot of problems in a co-living situation,” Moll said.
Rents in this Allston development run from $3,000 per month for one of the 400-to-500-square-foot studios and from $1,795 for a bedroom in one of the 1,100-to-1,300-square-foot three-bedroom suites or in one of the 1,300-to-1,400-square-foot four-bedroom suites. Rent includes all utilities, but onsite parking costs $300 per month.
525 LINC is located at 525 Lincoln St., Allston. 525linc.com