Image courtesy of Vanko Studio Architects
A Chelsea multifamily developer and landlord is looking to fill another niche and push the city’s search for a recreation and community center past the finish line.
Broadway Capital has been negotiating with a pair of property owners to acquire sites suitable for the 50,000-square-foot rec center, and partnered with Boston-based Vanko Studio Architects on a prototype design, Managing Director Mike Vienneau said.
City councilors asked the firm to look for sites that could be suitable for a community center to augment the Boys and Girls Club’s well-subscribed programs, and to provide activities for older youths, City Council President Roy Avellaneda said.
“Its membership is very vibrant and there’s demand for an additional club. The problem has always been: can anyone figure out a site? Chelsea is 2 square miles, so we’re kind of limited,” he said.
Medford native Vienneau has focused on his adopted home of Chelsea for multifamily acquisitions, conversions and ground-up construction. Broadway Capital owns approximately 250 apartments in the city and is currently wrapping up a 33-unit condo project at 932 Broadway and preparing to break ground in December on a 20-unit condo development at 25 Second St.
Vienneau said he is having discussions with a pair of undisclosed property owners, focusing on the waterfront area which is predominantly occupied with industrial uses and surface parking.
The prototype includes a recording studio, gym, swimming pool, theater and meeting rooms, Vienneau said. Estimated project costs are $32.7 million, including $23.8 million in direct construction costs.
Upon completion, the property would be turned over to the city for ownership and operation, he said. City officials have indicated their support for the project, but details of the city’s role and any financial commitment remain undecided. Vienneau has been reaching out to some of the city’s large employers and civic organizations to gauge their willingness to contribute.
The focus on a signature project comes as city councilors and planning board members are reviewing a potential rezoning of the waterfront to allow new uses such as retail and residential.
“We’re looking to encourage private development there,” Avellaneda said. “We haven’t seen many marine industrial developments in that area, and it’s land that’s laid dormant.”
