Image courtesy of Stephen Chung LLC
Boston Planning & Development Agency officials selected a team led by developer Urbanica to redevelop the publicly-owned parcel 8 in Nubian Square and approved plans for 688 income-restricted housing units, including the first phase of the Mildred Hailey Apartments redevelopment in Jamaica Plain.
Development team NUBA received tentative designation for parcel 8, a 1.1-acre property at Melnea Cass Boulevard and Harrison Avenue, where it’s proposed 102 apartments, condominiums and live-work units. Led by Boston-based Urbanica, the team also plans a 4,000-square-foot satellite space for the National Center for Afro-American Artists and 3,000 square feet of retail.
Urbanica offered $5 million to acquire a portion of the property owned by the state. It plans to finance the $47 million project with $15 million in grants, $7 million in tax credit equity, $1 million in deferred developer equity and $24 million in debt, according to BPDA documents.
The BPDA initially sought proposals for a mixed-use development including housing on the property in February 2020. Two other teams, New Urban Collaborative and NuGateway Team, also submitted proposals that featured 14-story towers, with the former proposing to use mass timber in its project.
BPDA staff cited Urbanica’s successful track record in Roxbury development in recommending the NUBA team’s selection. Urbanica previously redeveloped the 135-room Residence Inn by Marriott hotel on a long-vacant parcel at Melnea Cass Boulevard and Washington Street. Urbanica also is one of three finalists to redevelop Pier 5 at the Charlestown Navy Yard, where it’s proposed 89 income-restricted apartments.
BPDA directors also approved a total of 850,000 square feet of development Thursday at an estimated investment of $406 million.
In Jamaica Plain, the first phase of the Mildred Hailey Apartments public housing redevelopment will create 420 new income-restricted units. Centre Street Partners LLC plans a one-to-one replacement of the existing public housing units following the demolition and replacement of seven residential buildings.
As part of the redevelopment’s first phase, 253 public housing units will be demolished and replaced with 420 income-restricted units, along with 8,300 of ground floor retail and community space, a new community center and outdoor plaza. Developers will be required to obtain additional approval for the remaining five buildings.
In South Boston, the final phase of the Old Colony Boston Housing Authority redevelopment will reconstruct 208 income-restricted public housing units.
In Dorchester, a city-owned parcel at 120-122 Hancock St. will be redeveloped as 15 income-restricted units in a 4-story, 20,500-square-foot building.
Directors also approved a project change for the 47-55 LaGrange St. tower from 208 apartments to 176 residential units, but tabled plans to convert the 321 Harrison Ave. office building under construction in South End into lab space.
