I was checking out new members of Curbly from around Boston earlier today, and I came across someone named ModBarn. Curious, I check it out and find a link to his blog, Bare Hill Barn House. Ben is the name the ModBarn typically goes by, and he is documenting the conversion of an early 19th century barn into a modern home for him and his family.

It looks like quite an undertaking (is there any time a house is custom built that isn't this big an undertaking?), and I can't wait to see what it turns out like!

The Boston Globe reports today that the former warehouse building that has housed Jimmy's Harborside Restaurant (a.k.a. "Home of the Chowder King" - please pronounce that in a proper Boston vernacular when you read it) for over 50 years is beginning to be torn down today. In it's place will be a development of two buildings, including up to four restaurants.

There is a possibility that Jimmy's will reappear in one of the new buildings, but as the waterfront continues to move from the home of Boston's fishing
industry to a more affluent, tourist driven area (and possible home to the next City Hall) may price the inexpensive, family-oriented restaurant out of the market.

Now, I can't say I've ever eaten at Jimmy's. No, I grew up in the suburbs, and the only time I came into the waterfront to eat was when my parents brought me to Anthony's Pier IV after my Confirmation. And I know that something needs to be destroyed in order for something else to be built. But my parents, both from around the city, and especially my dad (who's a fisherman at heart) have fond memories of Jimmy's. Even if it comes back, it won't be the same to them.

Last week, I was lucky enough to meet Katie Dammann, the Marketing Director for New England Home Magazine. We got to chatting, and she told me about this great party that they are throwing at the newly opened Intercontinental Hotel. It's an industry only event, so a lot of architects and designers will be there. Of course I mentioned this wonderful, time-consuming addiction of mine, and how, if they'd like a blogger's point of view of the event, I'd be happy to volunteer.

Lo and behold, an email invite comes in! Unfortunately, it's this coming Thursday, and I have to work at Crate & Barrel. Ah well, I made a new acquaintance, and found a great new resource: New England Home has their entire magazine available online. Everything, from the table of contents, the regular department columns, to the feature articles (including one about a beautiful Boston loft that was designed for its wheelchair-bound occupant), and even the ads are on display. All for free! Very impressive.

And the Bentley GTC on page 1? I'll take one.

The Boston Business Journal reports that the Boston Architectural College has bought the building that formerly housed the Institute of Contemporary Art. The ICA sold the building to the real estate development firm Samuels and Associates in 2006 and moved to their current location on the South Boston Waterfront last year.

The BAC, where I plan to get my Interior and Architecture degrees if I can ever get out of debt, "will use the adjacent 25,423 square-foot building to expand its Back Bay campus. Currently headquartered in a 20th century brutalist-style building at 320 Newbury St., the BAC has had its eye on the renovated 19th century building for some time, said Janet Oberto, a spokeswoman for the architectural college."

I've heard stories that the studios in the current BAC building are rather tight, with little natural sunlight. Perhaps this former police station/art gallery/museum will be just what the overworked architecture students need.

HGTV wants to wish you a happy New Year with the Dream Home 2007 Giveaway! Between today and February 16, enter once a day for your chance to win a 4,000 square foot house in Winter Park, CO, as well as a GMC Acacia and $250,000 cash. All in all, the grand prize is worth more than $2.5. I'd say it's not a bad way to start the new year, wouldn't you?