Mayor Walsh and Codman Square community break ground on 44 affordable rental housing units

Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced today the start of construction for the Whittier Lyndhurst Washington Homes mixed-use redevelopment project in Codman Square. The $20.1 million project, of which the Department of Neighborhood Development contributed $1.6 million, will create 44 units of affordable rental housing, 1,000 square feet of commercial space and an estimated 80 new construction jobs in Boston.

"In Boston, we are committed to building a city that holds opportunity for every person and every family, no matter their background, age or financial status," Mayor Walsh said. "I'm proud that the city's investment in this project will help support new affordable rental housing for families and I want to thank the many partners who are working to help us achieve our housing goals."

The Walsh Administration is committed to creating more affordable housing for residents in Boston. In its most recent quarterly housing report, the City of Boston reported that it is currently on track to reach 53,000 new units by 2030, with more than 36,000 units either completed or in the development process. Currently, there are more than 8,000 new units of housing under construction in Boston, which represents more construction employment in the housing sector than any time in the last 20 years.

Located in the heart of Codman Square, Whittier Lyndhurst Washington Homes includes the redevelopment of four sites and the renovation of 15 units of public housing at the Whittier School site, along with the creation of 13 new units of affordable rental housing adjacent to the School on Darlington Street; the renovation of eight units on Lyndhurst Street; and the creation of 1,000 square feet of commercial space with another eight new units at 472 Washington Street.

The Talbot Norfolk Triangle Neighbors United worked closely with the City of Boston and Codman Square NDC to develop the homes in accordance with the Eco-Innovation District and to ensure that the redevelopment will utilize high-efficiency heating and cooling systems and Energy Star rated appliances, as well as meeting other environmental and green standards where applicable.  

In addition to the city's contribution of $1.6 million, this project received funding from the state's Department of Housing and Community Development, the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, NeighborWorks America, RBC Capital Markets and Bank of America.

The first phase of the redevelopment project is expected to be complete in the summer of 2016.