Washington Beech

Roslindale, MA

The HOPE VI redevelopment of Washington Beech involved the demolition of 266 existing units and the creation of 206 new rental units. The updated site design reduces density to better align with the surrounding neighborhood. The new housing mix replaces the former institutional walk-ups with a variety of unit types, including a low-rise elevator building, garden apartments, duplexes over flats, and townhouses. New roads were constructed, ensuring that all unit entries front on a street with nearby parking for residents. A central green space with play facilities and park benches has been created for both children and adults.

At the time, Washington Beech Phase One had achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) GOLD certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, making it the first affordable housing development in Massachusetts to receive this prestigious designation. Prior to this achievement, only 87 units in the state held LEED Gold status—Washington Beech Phase One more than doubled the number of LEED Gold units in Massachusetts.

The construction of Washington Beech took place in two stages to accommodate the relocation and re-housing of existing residents. The first-phase buildings began relocation in the summer of 2008, and the lease-up of the new buildings was completed in December 2011, three months ahead of schedule.

The redevelopment of Washington Beech cost approximately $100 million, with $20 million provided through federal HOPE VI funds and $10 million through federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding. Additional funding came from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the HOME, HSF, and AHT programs, the City of Boston’s Neighborhood Housing Trust Program, the Department of Public Works, the Department of Neighborhood Development, the Boston Water and Sewer Commission, and private equity generated from the syndication of Low Income Housing Tax Credits through RBC Capital Markets.

Type
Mixed-Income

Total Development Cost
$100 million

Units
206 / TBD / N/A

Completed
Phase I: 2010
Phase II: 2011

Awards

• LEED GOLD Award