BOSTON–Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has announced a one-year extension of the city’s Office to Residential Conversion Program after it exceeded expectations for both speed and scale, delivering more than 1,500 new homes since its launch in late 2023.
The initiative, designed to transform underused office buildings into much-needed housing, has generated 22 applications covering 1.2 million square feet across 27 buildings—yielding 1,517 proposed units, including 284 income-restricted homes. According to the City of Boston, 251 units are already completed or under construction, with the first fully completed project at 281 Franklin Street now fully occupied. Four additional projects totaling 236 homes are actively underway.
The Boston Planning Department formally recommended extending the program at the December BPDA Board meeting, securing approval ahead of its planned expiration at the end of this month.
A Major Tool for Affordability and Downtown Revitalization
“As Boston continues to take action to drive down housing costs, the Office to Residential Conversion Program is critical to building a more affordable city for all residents,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “By expanding the program and building a pipeline of over 1,500 new units of housing, we are building the foundation for a stronger and more vibrant downtown.”
Chief of Planning Kairos Shen emphasized the program’s role in repositioning older commercial buildings: “By extending the program, we hope to attract another thousand units in the next year and catalyze a more vibrant residential community with thousands of new residents in the heart of our city.”
Updated zoning for Downtown and the Groundwater Conservation Overlay District has helped accelerate the pace of projects, eliminating the need for Zoning Board of Appeals relief and speeding construction starts.
Developers Praise Faster Permitting, Strong Incentives
Developers who have participated in the program applauded its streamlined review process and financial structure, including a 75% tax abatement for 29 years.
Synergy CEO Dave Greaney called the extension “good policy,” noting the dual benefits of reducing office vacancies while boosting foot traffic for downtown retail, restaurants, and transit.
Adam Burns of Boston Pinnacle Properties said conversions are unlocking “untapped value” in aging office assets, and that the program “is a huge win for the city, for residents, and for anyone who believes Boston’s future depends on a vibrant, lived-in downtown.”
Dinosaur Capital Partners Managing Partner Scott Oran highlighted the efficiency of the approvals system, calling the review for his 110-unit project—including 22 affordable homes—the “fastest and most efficient” he has experienced in Boston since 1987.
Business and Neighborhood Leaders Support Extension
The Downtown Boston Alliance also voiced support, saying the extension gives developers needed clarity and ensures momentum for downtown residential growth. Neighborhood groups such as the Fort Point Neighborhood Association praised the program’s alignment with the area’s history of successful warehouse-to-residential conversions.
Next Steps for Applicants
The conversion program will now remain open through December 31, 2026, with approvals granted on a rolling basis. To qualify for incentives, applicants must pull a full building permit and begin construction by December 31, 2027.
City officials say the extension will help address Boston’s housing shortage, reduce vacant office inventory, and continue transforming the city’s core into an 18-hour, mixed-use neighborhood—one of the administration’s central post-pandemic priorities.
