TYPE:
Mixed-Income Rental, Historic Preservation/New Construction
TOTAL DEVELOPMENT COST:
Approximately $20 Million
TOTAL UNITS:
50
PROJECTED COMPLETION:
2025
PROPERTY WEBSITE:
In September 2020, the Templeton Select Board designated MPZ Development LLC (MPZ) to redevelop the former Baldwinville Elementary School property, in the historic Baldwinville neighborhood, to provide 50 units of market rate and affordable housing. 16 rental units will be created in the school building, with an additional 34 units to be built as an addition to the historic school. The project also includes the redevelopment of the single family home at 12 School Street. At least 90 percent of the units will be income restricted.
Last used in 2019 and deemed obsolescent, the building went through the Mass. Chapter 30B disposition process to make it available for redevelopment. MPZ responded to the Town’s 30B request for proposals and the Baldwinville screening committee recommend the MPZ proposal to the Select Board in April 2020.
The school building, which dates from 1922, will be converted to apartments along with community space and offices for building management, following the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. The building will be submitted for consideration to be added to the Baldwinville Village Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. The project will seek state and federal historic tax credits, and low-income housing tax credits along with other state and local subsidies, to make the redevelopment financially feasible.
The new housing, to be constructed in an addition behind the school, is being designed with a high level of energy efficiency. Public recreational space including a walking trail will be provided on the site. This element of the project will also seek local, state, and federal resources.
Permitting and financing activities are currently underway. MPZ is working in partnership with Capstone Communities LLC, leveraging their past collaborations and experience into the Baldwinville project. The project is targeting a construction start in late 2023.
