In a significant milestone for public housing in Boston, leaders from federal, state, and city levels gathered today alongside residents to initiate the long-awaited redevelopment of the historic Mary Ellen McCormack community in South Boston.
This transformative project, estimated at $1.6 billion, is spearheaded by WinnCompanies in collaboration with the Boston Housing Authority (BHA). It aims to replace the existing 1,016 deeply subsidized apartments with modern housing and introduce over 2,200 additional mixed-income units, along with public parks, retail spaces, and community amenities over the next decade.
Carol Sullivan, president of the Mary Ellen McCormack Task Force, expressed pride in the collaborative efforts leading to this day: “We’ve been preparing for this day for a long, long time—and shaped every aspect of this first project.”
The first phase of the redevelopment centers around Building A, which will comprise 94 all-electric apartment units conveniently located near Andrew Square Station. Designed with Passive House energy standards, the building will utilize a geothermal heating and cooling system and is scheduled to open in fall 2026.
In an unprecedented move, the Mary Ellen McCormack Task Force will secure an ownership stake in all affordable units on site. This initiative stands as a first for any Boston public housing tenant group, granting them equity in the redevelopment of their community.
CEO of WinnCompanies, Gilbert Winn, emphasized the broader implications of the project: “This site will become a national model for inclusive, sustainable neighborhood revitalization.”
The groundbreaking ceremony saw attendance from notable figures, including Mayor Michelle Wu, Governor Maura Healey, and Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, who collectively celebrated the legacy and promising future of this redevelopment.
Mayor Wu remarked on the significance of the project: “Housing is not just about buildings—it’s about feeling safe, at home, and valued.”
Reflecting on the historical context, Congressman Lynch noted: “This project will double the number of homes, create senior housing, and honor our legacy while looking toward a more equitable future.”
Phase One of the redevelopment involves the construction of eight new residential buildings, resulting in a total of 1,310 units. This includes 781 new middle- and market-rate apartments and 33,000 square feet of retail space, with a commitment to reserving 25% for small businesses at below-market leases.
Additionally, the project will feature a new YMCA Community Center, named in honor of former BHA Administrator Bill McGonagle, and Veterans Park, a public space equipped with playgrounds, splash pads, and bike paths.
The redevelopment emphasizes climate resiliency, with infrastructure designed to withstand future flooding predicted in the area. In this first phase, 300 construction jobs are anticipated to be created under a labor agreement promoting local hiring, diversity, and equity, targeting 40% participation from people of color and 25% from low-income Section 3 workers.
Future phases will continue to expand housing opportunities, with Buildings B and C set to add nearly 500 units, including 172 designated for seniors as permitting is scheduled to begin in 2026.
When completed, the Mary Ellen McCormack redevelopment will provide a total of 3,300 homes, including 1,016 affordable apartments that will benefit from permanent affordability protections under the ownership of the BHA and long-term management by WinnCompanies.
MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay remarked on the transformative potential of this project, stating, “It’s not just about new buildings—it’s about empowering families and restoring opportunity.”
image source from：bostonrealestatetimes
