Boston Developers Set to Turn City-Owned Lots into Major Housing Hub

The Wu administration is spearheading efforts to transform city-owned parking lots across Boston into vibrant mixed-use developments. One such endeavor focuses on a 4.5-acre site in Roxbury near Boston Medical Center.

A Reclaimed Urban Space

The targeted area, spanning five blocks between Washington Street and Harrison Avenue, was once a bustling neighborhood that fell victim to urban renewal in the 1970s. Today, it comprises parking lots managed by the Boston Water and Sewer Commission.

Stitching the Neighborhood Together

The administration aims to reintegrate this part of the city by incentivizing developers to propose projects featuring affordable housing, retail spaces, and open areas. This initiative aligns with other planned developments in the area, such as the Franklin Cummings Tech campus.

Competing Proposals for Community Renewal

Two development teams have submitted bids for the Roxbury project. The "Reed Square" proposal, by Madison Park Development Corp., Beacon Communities, and JGE Development, promises over 72 income-restricted condos, 300 rental apartments, and various community amenities. The competing bid, from Related Beal and DREAM Development's joint venture, Harrison Lenox LLC, proposes a similar mix of housing units and amenities, including spaces for local businesses.

Community Engagement and Future Steps

Public discussion on the proposals will occur in a virtual meeting, with the winning bidder entering a 99-year ground lease with the BPDA. While financial details remain undisclosed, both teams hope to leverage federal subsidies for the project's realization.

Looking Forward

Arthur Jemison, BPDA director, expresses optimism about the proposals and underscores the collaborative nature of the project's development. Land-use attorney Matthew Kiefer highlights the strategic location of the parking lots and the potential benefits of their redevelopment for the Roxbury-South End corridor.

Overall, the initiative reflects a concerted effort to breathe new life into underutilized urban spaces while honoring the cultural heritage of Roxbury.