Gov. Deval Patrick, along with Congressman John Olver, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan and other officials, recently celebrated the start of construction on the long-vacant Heywood Wakefield furniture manufacturing mill.
The $24 million project, funded with federal and state resources, including $3.08 million in federal recovery funds from HUD, will transform the mill into 78 affordable assisted-living rental apartments for seniors and generate an estimated 137 construction jobs, according to a statement.
"This project is an excellent example of how infrastructure investment creates jobs, as well as a foundation for further private sector growth," said Patrick. "I thank Secretary Donovan and Congressman Olver for helping us secure funding for this project and so many projects like it across the Commonwealth. This is why Massachusetts is coming out of recession faster and stronger than the rest of the country, while remaining true to our values."
When completed, the Heywood Wakefield assisted living facility will join two adjacent sections of the mill complex already converted into 171 units of elderly housing and 175 units of mixed income apartments. All 78 units will be affordable to elders with incomes at or below 50 percent of the area median income, according to a statement. Eight units will be available to residents with incomes at or below 30 percent. The property will consist primarily of studio apartments, and the design incorporates extensive common space throughout the building including a library, dining room, wellness center, activities space, living room and a country kitchen.
"Typically, assisted living facilities are only an option for those with significant means. Only a very small handful of facilities in Massachusetts currently cater to seniors who have worked hard all their lives, but have little in the way of savings or other resources to afford assisted living," said Olver. "This new facility will allow seniors of various economic means to live in a community where they will receive the care and attention they deserve."
Patrick also recently visited a construction project underway at Springfield’s Borinquen Apartments to highlight the importance of the project in spurring job creation and private regional development.
The project is funded by a combination of federal and state dollars, including $8.1 million in federal recovery tax credit exchange funds from the U.S. Treasury Department, and will create an estimated 78 construction jobs.
When completed, the Borinquen Apartments will yield affordable rental units for 41 low-income families in two historic buildings on Main, Huntington and Greenwich Streets. Project partners include Flores Development, Elm Street Development and New England Farm Workers Council.
"Putting people to work, creating new affordable housing opportunities and strengthening communities are our top priorities," said Patrick. "This is one of hundreds of projects that are breaking ground this year around the Commonwealth, and that means thousands of new homes and jobs."
