Boston Affordable Homeownership Projects Awarded State Commonwealth Builder Funding

The City of Boston today announced that three affordable homeownership projects were awarded funds through MassHousing’s CommonWealth Builder program. This final piece of funding will allow construction to begin shortly on 108 affordable condominiums for first-time homebuyers in Nubian Square, Mission Hill, and Beacon Hill.

"We are grateful to the state and all our community partners for the coordinated action to tackle the Greater Boston region’s housing shortage. By investing in ready-to-deliver projects, we are creating more homes for families throughout Boston, helping residents put down roots and keep our communities strong," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "I’m especially thankful to our neighborhood partners who helped shape the vision for these new homes and are ready to welcome new neighbors to this wonderful community."

The awards recognize projects that meet rigorous criteria for financial feasibility, readiness, and long-term affordability, as outlined in the CommonWealth Builder program guidelines. The program provides forgivable construction financing to developments that create deed-restricted, income-eligible homeownership units, helping address the growing need for attainable housing across Massachusetts.

“We are grateful that Boston received funding for three high quality homeownership projects that will allow us to build over 100 homes our families can afford.,” said Chief of Housing Sheila A. Dillon. “These developments will create real opportunities for residents to build wealth, stay in their communities, and contribute to the long-term stability of our neighborhoods.”

Among the awarded projects is 27-29 Hancock Street in Beacon Hill, led by Fenway Forward. This project will convert two long vacant and historic buildings steps from Mass General Brigham and the State House into 15 affordable homeownership condominiums. This project, strongly supported and developed alongside neighbors, is the most significant affordable homeownership development in Beacon Hill-a neighborhood that currently contains just one affordable homeownership unit. The development will include a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom homes.

In Mission Hill, the Mission Hill Pathway project will transform long-vacant city-owned land into 48 affordable homeownership units alongside community gardens and new passive open space. The development emphasizes environmentally friendly design, including green infrastructure and tree canopy expansion, while turning a formerly contaminated site into a neighborhood asset that supports families and strengthens the community.

The third awarded project, NUBA Homes in Nubian Square, Roxbury will create 45 income-restricted homeownership units as part of a larger abutting mixed-use development that also includes affordable rental housing, arts space, and a public park. Located along a major transit corridor, the project will serve a range of incomes and enrich the neighborhood.

The CommonWealth Builder program prioritizes developments that are ready to proceed and aligned with local housing goals. Boston’s success in securing three of the four awards underscores the City’s strong pipeline of projects and its ongoing collaboration with state partners to address housing affordability.

Since taking office, Mayor Michelle Wu’s administration has enacted strong efforts to expand affordable homeownership opportunities across Boston’s neighborhoods. To date, the City has supported 46 homeownership development projects representing more than 1,100 ownership units, including 908 income-restricted homes designed to help working families build long-term stability and generational wealth. Of those projects, 10 developments totaling 234 units have already been completed, 18 projects with 348 units are currently under construction, and another 18 projects representing 528 units are in the development pipeline. In addition to creating new ownership opportunities, the Mayor’s Office of Housing has expanded access to down payment assistance and homebuyer support services to help first-time buyers overcome financial barriers to purchasing a home in Boston. Through these combined investments, the Wu administration continues to make affordable homeownership more accessible for Boston residents while strengthening neighborhood stability and economic opportunity across the city.