BOSTON, MA — The Mary Ellen McCormack public housing complex, a vital part of Boston’s history since its opening in 1938, is set to undergo a significant transformation. The complex, which proudly holds the title of Boston’s first public housing development, is now embarking on a redevelopment effort aimed at revitalizing the community while preserving its commitment to affordable housing.
During a groundbreaking ceremony held on June 30, local and state officials celebrated the initiation of this redevelopment project. WinnCompanies, the organization tasked with overseeing the revitalization, is diving into the first phase of a comprehensive plan that will ultimately see the construction of 3,300 mixed-income and mixed-use units across the 30-acre site.
Currently, the Mary Ellen McCormack complex boasts 1,016 deeply subsidized apartments situated within 35 buildings. This redevelopment excites the community, as it not only intends to replace existing public housing but also incorporates equity for local stakeholders through the Mary Ellen McCormack Task Force that will secure an ownership stake in all 1,016 planned affordable apartments.
WinnCompanies, in collaboration with the Boston Housing Authority, is introducing modern amenities, including the first underground geothermal heating and cooling system in the area. Carol Sullivan, the executive director of the Mary Ellen McCormack Task Force, expressed her excitement regarding the project, stating, “This is a proud moment for our partnership with Winn, the Boston Housing Authority and our elected representatives.”
Sullivan emphasized that residents have actively shaped various aspects of the project. From the design of playground equipment to apartment layouts, community involvement has been pivotal. The anticipation of residents moving into new affordable homes is matched by Sullivan’s enthusiasm for the transformations ahead.
As part of the project, the first new building, known as Building A, will offer 94 modern apartments designed specifically for low-income families from the Mary Ellen McCormack community. This building, a part of the redevelopment effort, spans 112,000 square feet and is projected to be ready for occupancy by the fall of 2026.
With an estimated cost of $62 million, Building A will also involve $8 million allocated for public infrastructure improvements that aim to enhance climate resilience and connectivity to surrounding South Boston neighborhoods. These improvements will create a welcoming environment, featuring a new Veterans Park that includes an accessible tot lot, a splash pad, and a network of bike lanes.
As construction supports the creation of about 300 jobs, the project emphasizes equitable hiring practices. Under a Project Labor Agreement, there are significant goals to include local residents, particularly low-income residents and those from Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). Specifically, the targets include 40 percent of the construction work hours to be allocated to people of color, 25 percent to Section 3 workers, and 12 percent to women.
Future phases of the project promise even greater contributions to housing availability. Building B will offer 300 mixed-income apartments while Building C will incorporate 196 mixed-income residences, with 172 units dedicated to seniors aged 62 and older. Over the next decade, a total of eight new residential buildings will be constructed in the first phase, aiming to create a dynamic community atmosphere that enhances the landscape of affordable housing.
This first phase of redevelopment will encompass 18 acres of the northern part of the property, promoting open spaces, pedestrian pathways, and bike-friendly infrastructure to rejuvenate the locale. Approximately 73 percent of open space will be added, along with 33,000 square feet of retail space focusing on small businesses, including the possibility of a grocery retailer.
In a move toward sustainability, Building A is designed to meet Passive House certification standards and will operate entirely on electricity sourced from the geothermal system. A network of 22 closed-loop wells, drilled deep beneath the building site, will support this energy-efficient system. By integrating these advanced systems, the building is projected to achieve energy savings of 25 percent compared to standard construction practices.
The redevelopment project is not solely focused on the physical transformation of the buildings but also involves community strengthening post-construction. The Boston Housing Authority ensures that all current residents in good standing will be guaranteed the right to return once their homes are completed.
Moreover, existing structures will be dismantled in a phased approach, allowing current households to transition to new apartments seamlessly. The financial structure is supportive of low-income community members, as the tenant-paid rent portion will remain unchanged while basic utilities will be covered by WinnCompanies, ensuring that affordability is maintained at the heart of the project.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu highlighted the project’s significance, stating, “Mary Ellen McCormack has long been a cornerstone of housing equity in South Boston… Today, we celebrate not just the start of construction, but a historic and sustainable transformation led by and for the residents themselves.”
As the project progresses, the landscape of urban housing in Boston is set to undergo substantial change, better accommodating the needs of its varied residents. Upon completion of the redevelopment, the Mary Ellen McCormack development is projected to have 1,016 units of low-income and affordable housing alongside 2,284 units designated for workforce and market-rate housing.
WinnCompanies anticipates starting the permitting process for the second phase of development in 2026, furthering the creation of an enriched community. The comprehensive vision behind the redevelopment is not just about building new homes but revitalizing an iconic part of Boston into a sustainable, equitable community for generations to come.
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