Boston — In a major milestone for Boston’s public housing and affordable housing future, federal, state, and city leaders gathered today with residents of the Mary Ellen McCormack community to break ground on the long-awaited redevelopment of the historic 30-acre South Boston site.
The $1.6 billion transformation—led by WinnCompanies in partnership with the Boston Housing Authority (BHA)—will replace all 1,016 existing deeply subsidized apartments with new, modern units, while creating more than 2,200 additional mixed-income homes, public parks, retail space, and community amenities over the next decade.
“This is a proud moment for our partnership with Winn, the Boston Housing Authority, and our elected representatives,” said Carol Sullivan, president of the Mary Ellen McCormack Task Force. “We’ve been preparing for this day for a long, long time—and shaped every aspect of this first project.”
A Community-Led Transformation
The first phase of construction centers on Building A, a 94-unit, all-electric apartment building located steps from Andrew Square Station. Designed to Passive House energy standards and powered by a geothermal heating and cooling system, it’s set to open in fall 2026.
In a landmark move, the Mary Ellen McCormack Task Force will gain an ownership stake in all affordable units on-site—marking the first time a Boston public housing tenant group has been granted equity in their community’s redevelopment.
“This is not just about housing—it’s about creating a Community of Opportunity,” said Gilbert Winn, CEO of WinnCompanies. “This site will become a national model for inclusive, sustainable neighborhood revitalization.”
Leaders Celebrate Legacy and Future
Mayor Michelle Wu, Governor Maura Healey, Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, and other dignitaries joined residents to commemorate the groundbreaking. The project, officials said, reflects a long-overdue investment in one of the nation’s oldest public housing communities, built in 1938.
“This is going to be absolutely spectacular for our residents,” said Mayor Wu. “Housing is not just about buildings—it’s about feeling safe, at home, and valued.”
Congressman Lynch reflected on the decades-long effort to redevelop the site: “This project will double the number of homes, create senior housing, and honor our legacy while looking toward a more equitable future.”
Features and Community Benefits
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Eight new residential buildings will be built in Phase One.
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1,310 total units, including 781 new middle- and market-rate apartments.
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33,000 square feet of retail space, with 25% reserved for small businesses at below-market leases.
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New YMCA Community Center, named after former BHA Administrator Bill McGonagle.
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Veterans Park, a new public space with playgrounds, splash pads, and bike paths.
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Climate-resilient infrastructure, including raised site grades to withstand future flooding.
Phase One will also create 300 construction jobs under a labor agreement prioritizing local hiring, diversity, and equity—aiming for 40% participation from people of color and 25% from low-income Section 3 workers.
Once Building A is complete, construction will move to Buildings B and C—adding nearly 500 more units, including 172 designated for seniors. Phase Two is expected to begin permitting in 2026.
When finished, the Mary Ellen McCormack redevelopment will offer 3,300 homes, including 1,016 affordable apartments with permanent affordability protections under BHA land ownership and long-term management by WinnCompanies.
“This is a transformational project,” said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay. “It’s not just about new buildings—it’s about empowering families and restoring opportunity.”
