August 13, 2008

Who is Clark Rockefeller and the Allure of Back Bay

algonquin clubIf the trail pieced together by law enforcement, eyewitnesses, and family members is correct, the man known to the black ties at the Alogonquin Club—where he really did serve as board director—as Clark Rockefeller is, and has always been, some unpronounceably named German guy.

So what possess a man to cross continents, possibly commit murder,  and con everyone from internationally renowed newspapers to a fathers’ rights activist to an equity partner at McKinsey to an apparently homophobic SUV driver into thinking he’s the stuffed-shirt prole of the most storied American Robber-Baron?

I’m willing to bet it’s the same intangible cache that props up numbers like these through the most epic housing crisis in the history of the nation. Back Bay has plenty to offer in terms of location, services, safety, and style, but the price can’t *quite* be justified in quantifiable terms alone.

Maybe it’s the massive estates. Maybe it’s the famous neighbors.  Maybe it’s the sweet wine tours. Whatever it may be, there’s just something about Back Bay.


Comments (1)

Sunshine & Lollipops said:

Thank you Cosmos for this far more realistically sunny view of our favorite nabe, the Back Bay. I posted last week about how our magical area’s wonderful attributes have insulated it from the so-called “real estate bust” that might or might not be happening in lesser towns, and your post goes far in explaining why.

The Back Bay is the most desirable address in all of New England. Perhaps on the whole eastern seaboard! Outside of perhaps Manhattan, what neighborhood offers what we have? What other neighborhood can count the sorts of society winners we have happily strolling our charmingly gas-lit brick sidewalks?

Famous authors, titans of industry, sports legends, television celebrities and more are proud to call the Back Bay home. Not to mention your run of the mill surgeons, high powered lawyers from white shoe firms, venture capitalists and other swells less prominent in the public eye, though no less monied than their more celebrated neighbors.

Indeed, the Back Bay has a cachet that can’t be matched anywhere. And this is why an address here will forever claim a lofty price, one that can be paid only by the most upper of echelons. Though the South End might be catching up, the Back Bay is still the wealthy matron, commanding a venerable perch though peering proudly at its progeny across the Southwest Corridor Park.

The line of buyers I have waiting in the wings for any available Back Bay flat would make any agent in a place like, say, Worcester, or worse, Dorchester, almost pale with envy.

Phil O. Math take note!! This is why the city center markets are immune from any real estate bust! And thank you so much Mr. Calatano for your most perceptive post!

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