Russo’s Property Sold for North of $30 Million, Will be Closing in October

Russo’sA produce shelf in Russo’s market, which will be closing in October. The price tag for properties on Pleasant Street owned by Russo’s came in well above the assessed value, according to reported sales prices, and the beloved market and garden center will be closing in October. Loyal customers mourned the news of the impending closing of the Watertown institution. Russo’s began as a family farm in 1893 and they sold their produce in Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. It was started by owner Tony Russo’s grandfather Antonio, who emigrated from a village near Naples, Italy.

Open Houses Scheduled for This Weekend in Watertown

These properties are having open houses this weekend. $1,019,000 – 29 Commonwealth Road Unit 2, Condo – 2/3 Family, 1,763 Living Area Sq. Ft. (Includes Finished Basement), 7 Room, 3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bathroom, Open Houses: Saturday 11-12:30 Sunday 11-12:30

$825,000 – 15 Whitman Road, Single Family – Detached Colonial, 1,499 Living Area Sq. Ft., 6 Room, 3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bathroom, Open Houses: Saturday 12-1:30 Sunday 11-12:30

$1,249,000 – 248 School Unit 248, Condo – Townhouse, 2,415 Living Area Sq.

Chamber Announces New Name Reflecting Focus on Communities Along Charles River

The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Regional Chamber:

The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber has changed its name: It’s now the Charles River Regional Chamber. The rebranding aims to solidify the chamber’s position as the voice for businesses and nonprofits in Greater Boston’s western inner suburbs. The change follows the 106-year-old business association’s recent expansion into Wellesley and previously Watertown. “We wanted an inclusive name that reflects our mission, our identity, our history and our future,” said Chamber President & CEO Greg Reibman. “We selected the Charles River because the river flows directly through each of the communities we represent: Newton, Needham, Watertown and Wellesley.

Russo’s Market Will Be Closing, Owner Announces Retirement

An institution in Watertown will be closing later this year when Russo’s market closes its doors after more than 100 years since it started business as a farm. The announcement was sent out by the store on Sunday, Aug. 15, on Facebook, and a statement was also posted on the Russo’s website. A Facebook post said that Tony Russo will be retiring later this year. He recalled working with his grandparents on the farm and his father and uncle at the wholesale warehouse.

Three Condos Sold in Watertown This Week

All three Watertown condos that sold this week went for more than $500,000. $510,000 – 40 Grant Ave. Unit 40, Condo – Townhouse, 1,311 Living Area Sq. Ft. (Includes Finished Basement), 5 Room, 2 Bedroom, 2 Full Bathroom

$542,000 – 110 Edenfield Ave.

Watertown Has a Wide Variety of Open Houses This Weekend

Watertown has dozens of open houses this weekend. $459,500 – 31 Cottage St. Unit 1, Condo – Low-Rise, 882 Living Area Sq. Ft., 4 Room, 2 Bedroom, 1 Full Bathroom, Open Houses: Saturday 11-1 Sunday 11-1

$650,000 – 15 Beacon Park, Single Family – Detached Bungalow, 1,850 Living Area Sq. Ft., 7 Room, 3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bathroom, Open House: Saturday 12-2 Sunday 12-2

$999,900 – 28 Prentiss St.

Nike Opening New Store in Historic Building at Arsenal Yards

NikeInside the new Nike Unite store at Arsenal Yards. One of the most visible spaces at Arsenal Yards will be filled by one of the biggest names in athletic clothing and gear. The new Nike Unite Watertown store opens Saturday, Aug. 7, in one of the buildings that was part of the original Watertown Arsenal. “As part of the Nike Unite concept, which reimagines our factory store vision, Nike Unite Watertown is a 15,998-square-foot home court for local Nike members, serving as our most valuable destination for sport and product inspiration in the communities we serve,” said the announcement from Nike.

Celebrity Chef Opens New Orleans Inspired Restaurant in Watertown

Charlie BreitroseThe patio seating outside Buttermilk & Bourbon is part of Chef Jason Santos’ vision of bringing a taste of New Orleans to Watertown. One of Boston’s celebrity chefs brought his New Orleans inspired cuisine to Watertown, where he had his first opportunity to build a restaurant from scratch. Buttermilk & Bourbon officially opens on Monday, Aug. 9, but chef and owner Jason Santos hosted an opening night celebration on Aug. 5 at his newest location at Arsenal Yards.