BRIGHTON, Mass.— Construction is officially underway on the restoration and preservation of affordable housing at the historic Warren Hall building in Brighton Center following the successful closing of project financing and a broad public-private partnership aimed at protecting a key source of affordable housing in the neighborhood.
The redevelopment effort is being led by Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation (ABCDC) and Schochet in partnership with the City of Boston’s Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH), the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), MassHousing, and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), with equity investments provided by R4 Capital and Dorfman Capital.
Located at 329-337 Washington Street in the heart of Brighton Center, Warren Hall is a historically significant four-story building originally constructed in 1879. The property currently contains 33 apartments and six commercial storefronts. As part of the redevelopment, the upper floors will be reconfigured to create 35 residential units, while the first floor will be transformed into three commercial spaces and two ADA-compliant residential apartments.
The project will preserve and modernize one of Brighton’s most recognizable historic buildings while extending long-term affordability for current and future residents.
According to the Brighton Allston Historical Society, Warren Hall has served a variety of community functions throughout its nearly 150-year history, including hosting political rallies, weddings, and social gatherings. The building also briefly operated as a rock club where legendary band The Doors performed in 1967 before being converted into housing during the 1970s.
Over the past several years, the property fell into disrepair after affordability restrictions tied to its original HUD Section 236 mortgage expired and critical maintenance needs went unaddressed. Concerned residents and tenant organizers advocated for intervention to improve living conditions and preserve affordability, ultimately leading to the property’s acquisition by ABCDC and Schochet in 2024.
“As we work to address our state’s housing needs, preserving affordable homes is just as important as creating new housing,” said Juana Matias, Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities. “That’s why the Healey-Driscoll Administration was proud to provide support for the restoration of Warren Hall apartments. This effort will preserve 33 affordable apartments in a walkable, transit-oriented community and ensure that current and future Brighton residents continue to have affordable options to call home.”
The rehabilitation project represents an investment of more than $10 million and includes extensive interior and exterior improvements designed to modernize the building while preserving its historic character.
Planned upgrades include new wall and roof insulation, energy-efficient windows, full electrification of building systems, energy recovery ventilation systems, renovated kitchens and bathrooms, and restoration of the property’s historic masonry façade.
“MassHousing is excited for the residents of Warren Hall who will see extensive property improvements and the long-term extension of affordability there,” said Chrystal Kornegay, CEO of MassHousing. “We are pleased to partner with the Schochet Companies and Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation to redevelop and preserve this important source of affordable housing in Brighton.”
Project leaders say the redevelopment demonstrates the importance of collaboration among public agencies, nonprofit organizations, private developers, and residents in preserving aging affordable housing assets.
“When ABCDC and Schochet moved to acquire Warren Hall, the building had serious unmet capital needs and residents who needed relief,” said Ethan Handelman, Executive Director of CEDAC. “CEDAC’s acquisition financing was designed to help get this project to the starting line and ensure the people living there didn’t have to wait. We’re proud to have supported this partnership from the beginning, and we look forward to seeing Warren Hall fully restored as affordable housing for the Allston-Brighton community.”
ABCDC officials noted that the project also serves as an example of how historic preservation and affordable housing goals can work hand-in-hand.
“Warren Hall is such an important project because it not only ensures that these units of housing remain affordable, but it also shows the intersection of historical preservation and housing development,” said John Woods, Executive Director of ABCDC. “We are excited about the partnership with Schochet, and we look forward to collaborating with our neighbors in the community to continue the great legacy of this building.”
“For more than 50 years, our mission at Schochet has been to own and manage communities that are not only affordable but offer a quality of life that people are proud to call home,” added Richard Henken, President and CEO of Schochet. “We are honored to partner in this important preservation effort and are grateful to the Mayor, Allston Brighton, and our elected officials for including us in this landmark project.”
To minimize disruption during construction, residents and businesses will be temporarily relocated to vacant onsite units for approximately eight to 12 weeks. HousingToHome will assist with resident relocation services throughout the process.
Construction is expected to take approximately 16 months to complete. Throughout the redevelopment, ABCDC and its partners plan to continue engaging residents, neighborhood organizations, local businesses, and community stakeholders as work progresses.
Once complete, Warren Hall will stand as both a restored historic landmark and a renewed source of affordable housing in one of Boston’s most sought-after neighborhoods, ensuring its role as a community asset for generations to come.
