MassHousing will loan $13.5 million for another phase in the ongoing redevelopment of the Washington Beech public housing complex in Boston’s Roslindale neighborhood.
Phase 2B of the project will provide 56 affordable two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom townhouse-style and flat apartments in seven buildings, as well as central open space that will include a basketball court, two playgrounds, and green areas with seating and tables.
The Washington Beech revitalization plan is being implemented over multiple phases by the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) and when completed, the existing 266 public housing units will be demolished and replaced with 206 new affordable rental apartments.
MassHousing previously committed a construction loan of up to $14 million for Phase 1B, which involves the construction of 72 affordable one and two-bedroom apartments in a mid-rise building.
Construction of Phases 1A and 1B is expected to be completed this summer. Phase 1A, which is separately financed, involves the construction of 28 rental apartments in a mix of townhouses and flats. The complete redevelopment plan will reconfigure the site with a new street layout, resulting in more traditional city blocks and better integration with the neighboring community. Phases 1A and 1B will also open as the BHA’s first smoke-free housing.
"The transformation of Washington Beech is well under way and this latest loan commitment from MassHousing will help to complete the total replacement of antiquated and distressed public housing with new affordable apartments and condominiums for the development’s residents," said MassHousing Executive Director Thomas R. Gleason.
"Trinity is proud to participate in the revitalization of Washington Beech," said Sarah Barnat, senior project manager for Trinity Financial. "We are grateful for the support of MassHousing and the many federal, state and local agencies that are making this redevelopment possible. We are pleased to welcome returning residents to their new homes starting this month and look forward to the completion of the project in early 2012."
The contractor is CWC Builders Inc. of Newton, and the architect is Icon Architecture Inc. of Boston. The management agent will be Winn Residential of Boston.
