Boston has embarked on a monumental journey to redevelop the Mary Ellen McCormack housing project, formerly known as Old Harbor, which first opened its doors approximately 90 years ago.
Officials celebrated the groundbreaking on Monday, marking the beginning of a comprehensive two-decade $2 billion redevelopment plan that aims to not only replace the existing 1,016 public housing units but also introduce an additional 2,300 mixed-income apartments and condominiums.
This ambitious project is one of the most significant undertakings in Boston’s history, transforming 30 acres between Andrew Square and Moakley Park.
The redevelopment plan has been initiated partly in response to the long-standing wear and tear evident in the original structures.
Kenzie Bok, the administrator for the Boston Housing Authority (BHA), articulated the importance of this community, remarking on how its history has impacted the BHA and the South Boston neighborhood over generations.
“We’re excited to see that legacy secured through mixed-income redevelopment, ensuring Boston’s oldest public housing community transitions into one of its greenest and most modern iterations,” Bok stated.
The project comes on the heels of extensive planning and community engagement conducted by developer WinnCompanies, who was selected by the BHA in 2017 to lead this venture.
As construction officially commenced with ceremonial shovel digs, actual work has already begun on the site, with groundwork and foundational activities well underway.
The first phase of redevelopment, approved by the city in 2023, is expected to focus primarily on the northern section of the site, ultimately constructing 1,310 new units, with a significant portion set aside as public housing.
Among the planned units, 529 will be allocated for public housing across eight new residential buildings.
Future phases will follow, yet they are contingent on securing further permits and planning approvals.
The need for such a redevelopment initiative stems from decades of inadequate funding for the maintenance of public housing developments like McCormack, which have fallen into disrepair.
Creating sustainable public housing presents financial challenges due to the relatively low subsidies and rent prices involved.
This has led to a trend among officials and developers to shift toward broad redevelopment efforts that blend public and market-rate housing.
Such mixed-income projects have proven beneficial, as higher market-rate rents help fund the development of affordable housing units.
A parallel project can be observed at the Bunker Hill public housing development in Charlestown, which is undergoing a similar transformation.
The financing model for the Mary Ellen McCormack redevelopment is multifaceted, drawing substantial resources from private equity, federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity from Bank of America, and financial commitments from both the city and the state.
Miceal Chamberlain, Massachusetts president of Bank of America, emphasized the necessity of diverse funding sources in such public-private partnerships, stating, “You have to bring a lot of different funding sources to the table to make it work.”
Community involvement has played a pivotal role in shaping the project.
WinnCompanies has been consulting with residents and local leaders for nearly ten years, seeking input to ensure their vision revitalizes the community.
One significant focus is ensuring the existing residents have opportunities to remain in the newly developed neighborhood.
A strategic relocation plan has been devised, designed to minimize displacement and allow residents to move directly from their current homes into new ones whenever possible.
Every resident in good standing will have the right to return to the community once construction is completed.
The first building, which will comprise 94 public housing units, is projected to be completed by fall 2026.
Carol Sullivan, the president of the Mary Ellen McCormack Task Force, expressed optimism about the ongoing collaboration, stating that residents have played an integral role in the planning process.
“We have shaped every aspect of this first project, from the playground equipment in Veterans Park to the layout of the apartments and the interior finishes,” Sullivan noted, adding, “We cannot wait to see the smiles on residents’ faces when they move into their new, affordable homes.”
This redevelopment project not only signifies a transformation in housing for the residents but also embodies a broader shift towards improving urban living conditions in Boston, ensuring that the community can thrive in the future.
image source from：bostonglobe
