September 2023 Newsletter
Mattapan Heights
Mattapan, MA
Affordable Housing in Boston and Beyond
Rising housing prices are a frequent topic of discussion. In response to the growing housing demand, which has outpaced the availability of affordable options, local governments are proposing new policy initiatives. This year, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu proposed a $67 million affordable housing plan, announcing, "Affordable housing is the foundation that everything else needs to be built upon...."
As with all good housing, residents of affordable housing projects need safe and comfortable homes, easy access to public transportation hubs, bike paths and safe sidewalks, public parks, and playgrounds. These connections and outdoor spaces provide important areas to gather and interact with neighbors, friends, and family. Good design that responds to resident's needs can foster and strengthen the community, as well as improve connections to nearby commercial areas, schools, and public spaces.
Leefort Terrace, Salem, MA
Conceptual Master Plan Rendering by BRR
BRR is honored to be a part of the development of important affordable housing projects such as the Mildred Hailey Apartments in Jamaica Plain for the Community Builders, the Olmsted Village development in Mattapan for joint-venture Lena New Boston, 2Life Communities, and the Treehouse Foundation, Leefort Terrace in Salem for Beacon Communities, and Jefferson Park Federal Housing in Cambridge for the Cambridge Housing Authority. These developments will provide hundreds of individuals, students, and families housing options that are equipped with on-site amenities, access to public transportation centers, nearby resources, and public open space.
Olmsted Village is a new affordable housing development that is revitalizing the last 10 acres of the former Boston State Hospital site in Mattapan. This effort is led by joint-venture owner-developer team Lena New Boston and 2Life Communities. BRR and the multidisciplinary team have completed the permitting process and are refining the design and completing construction documentation for six buildings and an extensive public realm and open space network. The provision of quality public green spaces coupled with biophilic design elements throughout the building and private courtyards strengthen residents' connection to nature and the environment, which are key contributors to well-being.
BRR has prepared plans for the site's open space network. A separated bike path and public sidewalk connect the site to nearby neighborhoods and natural resources such as Mass Audubon's 67-acre Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary. Along this path, a neighborhood park, an intergenerational playground, extensive tree plantings, public plazas and gathering spaces, and viewpoints are proposed. These site amenities, suitable for people of any age and ability, will create an exciting neighborhood connecting into the existing Mattapan fabric.
Rendering @ MassDesign
