Franklin Hill

Boston, MA

Franklin Hill was a 366-unit family public housing development located in Dorchester, MA that was severely physically distressed and, arguably, one of the least safe developments in the Boston Housing Authority portfolio. The BHA applied for, but did not receive, a HOPE VI implementation grant for the redevelopment of this site and decided to move forward in redeveloping Franklin Hill without HOPE VI funds. Trinity Financial was selected to be the developer for this project in the summer of 2005. The first phase of redevelopment was completed in February 2008 and created 114 units of affordable rental housing. Trinity closed on the second phase of development in April 2008 and completed construction in October 2009. Phase 2 created an additional 152 units of affordable rental housing. The total development program called for the new construction of 157 replacement public housing rental units, 67 Section 8 project-based voucher rental units and 42 low income housing tax credit only units for total of 266 rental units, Funding for this 266-unit public housing redevelopment effort included $17 million of Replacement Housing Factor funds from the BHA, $71 million in LIHTC equity and additional funding from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Boston.

The redevelopment plan reconfigured the site with a new street layout, resulting in more traditional city blocks and better integration with the neighboring community. Additionally, the new development offers a variety of housing types better suited for this diverse population. Residents are now able to choose from larger townhouse style units with individual backyards or the modern convenience of an elevated mid-rise building. The redeveloped property includes offices for on-site property management, community meeting space, and program space for both the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston and the Greater Boston Food Bank.

Type: Rental, Homeownership
Total development cost: $95 million
Units: 266
Completed: Fall 2009