Image courtesy of Mill Town

A new market-rate housing development is moving forward in an area the city of Pittsfield has targeted for future development.

Local investment group Mill Town announced it is moving forward with funding for a 36-unit project that will combine a renovated vacant building and new ground-up development in the city’s Tyler Street corridor. The project has already received planning approvals from city officials. The area is part of of the city’s Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) district, aimed at creating a stronger connection between two of the city’s largest employers, General Dynamics Mission Systems and Berkshire Health Systems.

Combined with the nearly completed St. Mary’s Morningstar housing development led by Dave Carver and Scarafoni Assoc., the 730-771 Tyler ST. project will create 65 new residences in a two-block radius by the end of 2021.

“Quality housing has been identified as a major need for employees and employers in Pittsfield. We are excited to be moving forward with plans for two residential housing construction projects – one of the first major initiatives for new construction multi-family housing in over a decade in the city,” Mill Town CEO Tim Burke said in a statement. “This is an opportunity to create a substantial residential area replacing formerly vacant lots, which will attract people to live in close proximity to key regional employers. We’re also encouraged by the job creation component of these projects: both construction efforts will be led by local contractors.”

In addition to housing, Mill Town has funded several other developments in the neighborhood including the Berkshire Dream Center, a nonprofit outreach program offering spiritual and other guidance. Mill Town is also leading a renovation at 741 Tyler Street for the year-old Tyler Street Lab, where residents host workshops, share crafts, and creatively collaborate.