Alexandria

Harvard, MIT Investing in Biotech Manufacturing Center in Watertown

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A biotech manufacturing center will be created in this building in the Arsenal on the Charles. The Massachusetts Center for Advanced Biological Innovation and Manufacturing is a joint effort between Harvard, MIT, area hospitals and biotech firms.

Harvard University is coming back to the Arsenal on the Charles, this time teaming with MIT, local hospitals and corporate sponsors to create a biotech manufacturing center in the former U.S. Army Arsenal. The new center will be called the Massachusetts Center for Advanced Biological Innovation and Manufacturing, and will be located in 40,000 sq. ft. of a building located off North Beacon Street in the complex.

Around Town

Find Out About Applying for Second Round of PPP Loans

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Small businesses can start applying for the latest round of federal Payroll Protection Program. PPP loans available for businesses that did not get the grant in the first round, and the application process began on Jan. 11. Also, businesses that got PPP in the first round can apply for the Second Draw can begin applying on Jan. 13.

Business

Business Group Seeks Input on Creating Neighborhood Identities, Cultural District

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The Watertown Business Coalition has two upcoming virtual events to discuss promoting the different neighborhoods around Town, and creating a Cultural District. The group welcomes the ideas and input from businesses and residents. Neighborhood Identities

The effort to create stronger neighborhood identities emerged as an idea to boost local businesses during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic and moving forward. A virtual meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 20 from 8:30-9:30 a.m.

The event announcement said: “We will discuss ways we can rally around the idea of creating neighborhood identities and promote businesses and the communities within those neighborhoods.

Real Estate

Check Out the Five Homes Sold in Watertown This Week

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Four condos and a single-family home sold this week in Watertown. $569,900 – 662 Belmont St. Unit 662, Condo – 2/3 Family, 1,472 Living Area Sq. Ft., 9 Room, 3 Bedroom, 1 Full Bathroom

$705,000 – 40 Royal U:40, Condo – Townhouse, 1,825 Living Area Sq. Ft., 7 Room, 3 Bedroom, 2 Full & 1 Half Bathroom

$677,000 – 49 Phillips St.

Ari Koufos

Watertown Real Estate Sales Strong Despite Pandemic; See the Top Agents, Offices

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The pandemic threw some new challenges at real estate agents in 2020, but the Watertown home sales remained almost as strong as the prior year. The total sales in Watertown figure in 2020 was $586.21 million from 413 properties. The prior year, 429 properties sold for about about $4 million more than 2020. As in prior years, the top agent for Watertown home sales was Ari Koufos, broker/owner of Realty Executives. He sold 23 properties for $22.23 million.

Around Town

Watertown Yoga Studio Celebrating 5th Anniversary with Free Classes

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The following announcement was provided by Artemis Yoga:

Artemis Yoga of Watertown is celebrating its fifth anniversary with an Online Open House on Saturday, Jan. 9, that includes a day of complimentary, online 15 yoga classes for kids and adults. All classes are free to register, but with a suggested donation of $5.00 to directly support the Watertown Boys and Girls Club (WBGC). Since 2015, we have hosted annual Open Houses and raised over $3,000 in total forthe WBGC, so we hope that this year, our 5TH ANNIVERSARY, we can meaningfully continue the tradition. This year more than ever, we need to support at-risk youth whose families are bearing the brunt of the pandemic.

Business

State Offering New Round of Pandemic Grants to Small Businesses

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Grants are available for small businesses hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic. A new round of grants for small businesses negatively impacted by the pandemic has been announced by state officials. Sectors given priority for the grants include restaurants, hair and nail salons, gyms and fitness, indoor recreation, event support and independent retailers. The Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) has up to $668 million available to support businesses in sectors experiencing the most significant economic hardship and a loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The application deadline is Jan.