617-245-8200

Two Coolidge Corner Fire Incidents in March

Two residential fires in Brookline—on Craig Place and Stedman Street—have sparked concern among local homeowners and buyers. As a real estate expert focused on Coolidge Corner, I’m breaking down what these incidents mean for property values, safety awareness, and the future of Coolidge Corner real estate.
Urgent duotone illustration of Coolidge Corner Theatre and nearby apartments engulfed in flames, with silhouetted firefighters battling the blaze.

In the past month, Brookline experienced two serious residential fires: one on Craig Place, the other on Stedman Street. Both incidents occurred near the heart of Coolidge Corner, raising important questions about safety, preparedness, and the future of Coolidge Corner real estate.

Craig Place Fire – March 28, 2025

On the afternoon of March 28, a three-alarm fire broke out at a triple-decker at 7-9 Craig Place, just behind 223 Freeman Street. Residents were safely evacuated, but unfortunately, two firefighters sustained injuries and were hospitalized (non-life-threatening). The Brookline Fire Department responded quickly, but the building sustained significant damage. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

This property sits just blocks from Coolidge Corner, a highly sought-after area known for its walkability, vibrant culture, and classic Brookline architecture. Events like this underscore the importance of updated infrastructure and emergency readiness in multi-family homes, which are common in Coolidge Corner.

Stedman Street Fire – March 15, 2025

Earlier in the month, fire crews responded to another blaze at 95 Stedman Street, also within close proximity to Coolidge Corner. Smoke was reported coming from the building, and emergency teams quickly went to work to contain it. While details are still emerging, this fire is another reminder of the importance of fire prevention and building safety—key concerns for both homeowners and buyers in the Coolidge Corner real estate market.

What These Fires Mean for Coolidge Corner Real Estate

Coolidge Corner remains one of Brookline’s most desirable neighborhoods, known for its mix of historic homes, modern condos, and close-knit community. However, these recent fires raise important considerations:

  • Fire Safety Awareness: Buyers are increasingly looking at fire safety features when touring properties—things like updated electrical systems, sprinkler installations, and smoke detector placement.
  • Property Maintenance: Owners of older properties (especially triple-deckers and multi-family homes) may need to invest in renovations to remain competitive in the local market.
  • Insurance & Inspection Readiness: These events have made insurance companies and inspectors more vigilant, so sellers should be prepared for more thorough pre-sale evaluations.

Fire Safety Tips for Coolidge Corner Homeowners

If you live in or are considering purchasing property in Coolidge Corner, here are a few things you can do to stay safe and protect your investment:

  • Check smoke and CO detectors regularly
  • Have your electrical system inspected, especially in older homes
  • Install fire extinguishers and keep them accessible
  • Create and practice an escape plan with your family or tenants

Final Thoughts

While these recent incidents are concerning, they also highlight the strength and responsiveness of Brookline’s emergency services. As a real estate professional focused on Coolidge Corner real estate, I’m here to help you navigate these challenges—whether you’re buying, selling, or just looking to stay informed.

If you have questions about how these fires may affect your property value or are curious about safety features buyers are prioritizing in today’s market, feel free to reach out. Let’s keep Coolidge Corner safe, beautiful, and thriving.

More Posts

Collage illustration celebrating Brookline and Newton, MA—Green Line trolley, Coolidge Corner streetscape, leafy homes, Charles River with kayakers, farmers’ market, and a gold ribbon emblem—rendered in warm greens and golds, no text

Brookline Tops the Nation for Quality of Life

When U.S. News & World Report released its latest “Best Places to Live for Quality of Life” rankings, Brookline, Massachusetts, claimed the #1 spot in the entire country. For residents, this comes as welcome validation of what they experience daily: a town where excellent schools, cultural vitality, and walkable streets create a lifestyle that consistently outshines national peers. For homebuyers and sellers, the ranking adds another layer of urgency to an already competitive housing market.

Clean collage-style illustration of Brookline housing development, showing a crane, mid-rise apartment buildings, and a traditional house in muted teal and beige tones.

Brookline Faces New Wave of 40B Projects Amid Housing Pressure

Brookline’s affordable housing share has slipped below the state’s 10% threshold, giving developers new leverage under Chapter 40B. “We’re likely going to get three or four, maybe even six, new 40B applications this fall,” warned Planning Director Kara Brewton. Already, Oak Hill has revived its six-story plan at 429 Harvard Street, a 103-unit Chestnut Hill project is tied up in court, and City Realty has floated a massive Route 9 40B if commercial talks stall. With local control weakened, Brookline’s development battles are shifting from zoning boards to the state—and, in some cases, to the courts.

Dramatic duotone illustration with distressed figures holding their heads, black apartment buildings, and justice scales against a red and orange backdrop.

Broker’s Definitive Guide to Massachusetts’ New Rental Fee Law

A seismic shift is coming to the Massachusetts rental market. On August 1, 2025, a new law, championed by Governor Maura Healey, will fundamentally change how real estate brokers are paid. The long-standing practice of tenants paying the fee for the landlord’s agent will end. The new rule is simple: whoever hires the agent, pays the agent.

For a high-cost market like Brookline, where renters already face immense financial pressure, this change is monumental. This definitive guide deconstructs the new legislation, offering a strategic playbook for listing agents, tenant representatives, landlords, and renters. We’ll explore the critical compliance deadlines, the new “rules of the road” for representation, and the likely market impacts, from rising rents to the end of “co-broking” as we know it. This is your essential resource for navigating the new era of renting in Massachusetts.