TYPE:
Mixed-Income Rental, Historic Preservation
TOTAL DEVELOPMENT COST:
Approximately $3.7 Million
TOTAL UNITS:
5 (one handicapped accessible)
PROJECTED COMPLETION:
2023
In May 2020 the Boston Housing Authority selected MPZ Development LLC (MPZ) to rehabilitate 34 East Springfield Street in Boston’s South End neighborhood to provide five one-bedroom apartments that will be affordable to household of qualified veterans making up to 50% of Area Median Income. The redevelopment will utilize resources from the City of Boston, Boston Housing Authority, the HUD VASH program, private investors and Dedham Savings Bank.
34 East Springfield Street, which has a brick facade with sandstone and cast stone lintels and sills, is one in a series of Italianate-style rowhouses built during the South End’s development in the mid-19th century. The street lies within the City of Boston’s South End Landmark District, which is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, qualifying the building for both federal and state historic tax credits that MPZ will utilize as part of the project financing.
Originally a single-family home with three-and-a half stories plus raised basement, the building has undergone considerable modifications over time. It has been vacant for the last 13 years and is in badly deteriorated condition resulting from neglect over that time.
Exterior renovations will be done in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, as required with the use of historic tax credits. Bricks will be repointed and replaced where necessary on both the facade and rear elevation; cast stone lintels and sills will be repaired or replaced as needed; and historically accurate double-hung windows will be installed. All other exterior work will also contribute to restoring the original appearance of the building.
Interior renovations will create five one-bedroom apartments designed for comfortable and efficient living. The apartments on each of the four floors will be accessed by the original staircases. The fifth apartment, in the basement level, will be designed for handicap accessibility. Original features including staircases and other common area elements will be retained and restored.
34 East Springfield Street is currently under construction and being restored to its former grandeur. The development will provide badly needed affordable veterans housing in Boston.
Historic Image, Site Elevation and Location Plan