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Mayor Menino Announces: New Projects Moving Forward

Jun 13, 2013

Approval for New Housing and Community Center in South Boston
Total Project Cost: $8.5 million
Total SF: 43,870 SF
Housing Units: 28 units, 4 affordable
Jobs: 25 construction jobs
The BRA Board unanimously approved a new community center and housing on East First Street in South Boston. The project, located at 621 East First Street, has historically been utilized for commercial purposes since the 1880’s, but more recently, was being used for storage. The $8.5 million project will add a three-story addition to the existing one story structure, nearly tripling the amount of usable square feet to 43,870. The first floor will include approximately 13,400 square feet for a community center featuring a gymnasium, locker rooms, space for teenagers, administrative and reception offices, daycare, and a wellness center. Adjacent to the center will be a new barber shop. The second, third, and fourth floors will provide over 30,000 square feet for 28 dwelling units, composed of one, two, and three- bedroom units, four of which will be affordable. The project also includes garage parking for 40 vehicles. The project will provide a number of benefits for the South Boston community, including jobs for South Boston and Boston residents, neighborhood modernization, housing, and a new gathering space for the South Boston community.   BRA-Owned Parcel in Dudley Square Approved for Supermarket, Office, and Residential [caption id="attachment_11192" align="alignright" width="300"] Tropical Foods Rendering[/caption] The BRA-owned Parcel 10 and 2101 Washington Street were unanimously approved as a three phase project that will bring 1) a new and improved supermarket experience, 2) ground-floor retail and office space, and 3) 30 residential units to Dudley Square, Roxbury’s commercial and historical center.  Parcel 10 is located on the southwest corner of Washington Street and Melnea Cass Boulevard. In Phase 1, the new home of local grocer, Tropical Foods, will be built on Parcel 10.  Tropical Foods and local businesses will partner to increase access to fresh foods for Roxbury residents.  Phase 2, also located on Parcel 10, will be marked by the construction of a 5-story building with 14,600 SF of ground-floor retail and office space.  In Phase 3, the current home of Tropical Foods at 2101 Washington Street will be rehabilitated for multi-tenant ground-floor retail and 30 residential units.  Twelve of the 30 units will be affordable. The development team includes Madison Park Development Corporation, Tropical Foods International, Domenech Hicks Krockmalnic Architects, CWC Builders, Howard Stein Hudson, Geotechnical Partnership, Klein Hornig, and STU Incorporated.  Madison Park Development Corporation specializes in the creation of high-quality, mixed-income housing and has led the creation or rehabilitation of over 76,000 SF of commercial space creating over 250 jobs.   New Housing Approved on South Huntington Avenue
Total Project Cost: $60 million
Total SF: 214,000 SF
Housing Units:195 units, 32 affordable
Jobs: 225 construction jobs, 10 permanent jobs
Greenovate Boston Factor: LEED certifiable
  [caption id="attachment_11174" align="alignleft" width="210"]105A South Huntington Avenue Rendering 105A South Huntington Avenue Rendering[/caption]   The BRA Board unanimously approved new housing on South Huntington Avenue in Jamaica Plain. The Serenity, located at 105A South Huntington Avenue, is the first project to come before the board following the approval of the South Huntington Framework for Future Development, a 4-month planning study of the South Huntington Avenue corridor. The $60 million project being developed by Cedar Valley Development LLC, will add 195 units on the currently vacant 1.1 acre site. The building will be a mixture of townhouse style and apartment style units, and include 32 affordable housing units in a mixture of studios, one, and two bedrooms. The 214,000 square foot project also features approximately 147 parking spaces and 1,860 square feet of ground floor retail. In response to community requests, the developer has agreed to several assurances regarding the building’s tenancy, including a stipulation that the lessee may not be a full time undergraduate student .   The construction of The Serenity will create 225 construction jobs and 10 permanent jobs, and add $9 million in net new tax revenue for Boston over the next 20 years.   New Mixed- Use Development Approved on Washington Street
Total Project Cost: $11 million
Total SF: 42,000 SF
Housing Units: 43 units, 6 affordable
Jobs:150 construction jobs
Greenovate Boston Factor: LEED Gold
The BRA Board unanimously approved a new mixed- use development on Washington Street in Roslindale. The project, located at 4236 Washington Street, is currently occupied by the Higgins Funeral Home and a surface parking lot. The developer plans to begin construction in the first quarter 2014. The $11 million project, being developed by Peregrine Group LLC, will add 43 units of housing, including 37 market rate units composed of studios, one and two-bedroom units, and six affordable units. The 42,000 square foot project also features 38 parking spaces, an area for bicycle storage, and 800 square feet of commercial retail space. [caption id="attachment_11175" align="alignright" width="300"]1326 Washington Street Rendering 1326 Washington Street Rendering[/caption] The project is directly connected to access for pedestrian, vehicle, and public transportation. Nearby are a number of MBTA bus lines, as well as a Commuter Rail station within walking distance. The Washington Street development will provide a number of benefits for the immediate community, including, sidewalk and streetscape improvements, neighborhood modernization, and 24/7 activity with new commercial, retail, and housing space.

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